The highly anticipated 16th edition of the Irish Film Festa is set to take place at Rome’s Casa del Cinema from March 26 to 30, 2025. This annual festival, dedicated to Irish cinema and culture, will showcase a remarkable selection of 24 films, including 21 Italian premieres, featuring a mix of feature films, documentaries, and short films.
A highlight of this year’s event is the presence of renowned Irish actors and directors. Eva Birthistle, best known for her role in Bad Sisters, will make her directorial debut with Kathleen Is Here, a poignant drama about a young woman navigating life after foster care. The film stars Clare Dunne and Hazel Doupe, both of whom will attend the festival. Additionally, The Flats, a documentary by Italian filmmaker Alessandra Celesia, will be featured. This award-winning film provides an intimate look at the lasting effects of the Northern Ireland conflict on Belfast’s New Lodge community.
One of the festival’s special screenings includes Vanya, a cinematic adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, starring the acclaimed Irish actor Andrew Scott, who plays multiple roles in the production. The festival will also pay tribute to Irish actor Pat Shortt with a screening of Garage (2007), a classic by Lenny Abrahamson. Shortt will also present his directorial debut, Warts & All, and star in Dead Man’s Money.
The festival’s competition section features 13 short films, carefully selected from over 200 submissions. These films explore a wide range of themes, from Irish history and folklore to contemporary social issues.
Irish Film Festa, founded in 2007 by Susanna Pellis, is produced by the Archimedia Cultural Association in collaboration with the Irish Film Institute and supported by Culture Ireland and Screen Ireland. Entry is free, with the option to reserve seats through a small donation. For the full program and details, visit www.irishfilmfesta.org
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