The Arts Council, the agency for leading the
development of the arts in Ireland, tonight declared 2016 an ‘annus mirabilis’
for Irish film, and promised to continue supporting film as a creative art form
to ensure audiences experience great Irish film for many years to come.
Speaking at an event to celebrate the art of
film on the opening night of the Audi Dublin International Film Festival, Arts
Council Chair Sheila Pratchke said the Council was very proud of its role in
supporting film in Ireland, both by its funding of film festivals and film
centres across the country and by its nurturing and developing film artists at
key points of their careers.
“2016 is an annus mirabilis for Irish
film. Irish film makers, actors and writers are in the spotlight and
being celebrated,” Ms Pratschke said. “I want to add my best wishes them as
they go to Hollywood for the Oscars.”
Ms Pratschke paid tribute to the ever-popular
Audi Dublin International Film Festival, for which the Arts Council is the main
funder, and said she was looking forward to the opening night, a première
screening of John Carney’s Sing Street. Mr Carney and several members of the
cast and crew of the film were present at the Arts Council event.
This film stands as a tribute to Irish creativity both in front of and
behind the camera, and is a fitting opening to this year’s festival. I am
delighted that John and his cast have been able to join us this evening,” she
said.
The festival, over ten days, brings a diverse,
curated programme of international and Irish film to audiences in Dublin,
giving them an opportunity to experience cinema and to engage with film-makers
and film-making talent in discussions and at events.
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