The Irish Film Festival have announced a program of three free Movie Nights at the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Festival 2023. Among the highlights for the very first Free Outdoor Irish Film Festival is The Commitments - plus Singalong with live band and special guest Irish drag queen Peaches Queen. To celebrate Martin McDonagh’s Oscar nominations for The Banshees of Inisherin we wind back the clock to feature McDonagh’s 2008 original black comedy, In Bruges with both Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. We are very proud to screen the 1952 Irish classic The Quiet Man, with John Wayne’s portrayal of fighting Irish male stereotype Sean Thornton which is part cringe-inducing and part glorious legend.
The Outdoor Irish Film Festival is part of the Sydney St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival which also sees the Sydney Opera House go green on 17 March 2023 as well as a parade through The Rocks on Sunday 19th followed by a family-friendly, free festival in First Fleet Park, Customs House Square, MCA Lawn and Bligh & Barney Reserve.
“We are delighted to partner with the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Festival to bring this program of legendary Irish cinema to Sydney audiences. We have combined new documentaries on Irish music legends Phil Lynott and Shane McGowan with some classic comedies such as The Guard and In Bruges. Throw in The Commitments (plus sing-a-long with live band) and family films such as Song of the Sea, The Quiet Man and Brooklyn and you have a great lineup of Irish culture for St. Patrick’s Day - and it’s all free!” Irish Film Festival Director, Dr Enda Murray said.
