-The Sparrow: Opening Night –

The Chicago Irish Film Festival proudly presents our Opening Night Gala feature The Sparrow. Michael Kinirons debut feature film as writer and director explores the struggle of a young boy whose mother has died creating an unhappy and dysfunctional home life. Constantly in trouble at home and with the local garda, 15-year-old Kevin tries to find solace roaming the woods and hanging with friends at the town pier.

When newcomer Hannah seems to take an interest in him, he starts to open up, but his world is upended when he discovers his military bound older brother is secretly seeing Hannah. Heading out on the lake to fish Kevin confronts his brother about his relationship with Hannah when suddenly his world is turned upside down and he inadvertently causes his brother’s death. Feeling he has nowhere to turn Kevin does something seemingly unforgivable; he keeps it a secret. As time goes on Kevin watches in horror as the consequences of his lie unfolds before his eyes and events spiral out of control.