The Jameson Dublin International Film Festival Launch
Written by The 12th annual Jameson Dublin International Film Festival revealed the line up of this year’s festival at the launch party on Monday the 20th of January and I was delighted to be invited along. The evening began in The Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield where the Festival Director Grainne Humphreys hosted the event.
On entering The Lighthouse Cinema it was easy to see why it had been chosen as the venue for this year’s launch. The Lighthouse Cinema which was newly refurbished in 2012 has an eye catching arthouse design. It’s spaciousness and use of vibrant colour gives the cinema a distinctive European feeling. The cinema itself houses a fully stocked bar and a café for those who would like a pre or post film beverage.
After making my way through the crowds and resisting the temptation of a coffee or a Jameson I made my way downstairs to their largest screening room. Although the cinema was full it couldn’t have been any more comfortable. Once I had taken my seat I was unable to get network coverage or internet connection which is bad for tweeting but great for relaxing. Personally I think it is a great idea as there is nothing more annoying than a phone lighting up and the sound of the crazy frog ringing through the cinema.
So, the lights dimmed in true cinema fashion and Grainne Humphreys the Festival’s Director appeared and kindly welcomed everyone to the launch. She revealed that this year’s festival would feature a total of 135 films including 17 new Irish feature length films. Three of which I am personally excited to see: Calvary, The Food Guide to Love and The Stag. Two of which are already sold out!
The festival will also feature 16 short film screenings; 27 Irish and international documentaries; and 13 star-studded must-see films.
A couple of the international films that sparked my interest and that I hope to see are Half of A Yellow Sun, Starred up, The Book Thief & Salvo.
As if the line up of films was not enough to get any film buff excited, it was announced that there will also be a number of workshops throughout the event on topics like cinematography, casting, freelancing , screenwriting & many more.
To really get the heart beating and the stomach fluttering on Valentine’s Day there will be a demonstration of practical special effects titled Pyrotechnics & Pistols at the Smithfield Square at 2pm. It is still a mystery as to what the stunt will entail but it’s promised to be quite a spectacle.
After the highlights of the JDIFF festival were announced I was led to the Jameson Distillery for the launch party where I was greeted with a signature Jameson drink of Jameson, Ginger & Lime. Whilst sipping my drink I glanced across the room in awe at the beautiful features of the distillery. It is definitely one to visit both for history and for fun.
The Jameson Dublin International Festival runs from Thursday the 13th to Sunday the 23rd of February 2014. Why not check out the full schedule here.
I am super excited for the JDIFF festival to begin and DublinTown has luckily secured tickets to some of the films so make sure to follow our Facebook & Twitter for reviews and upcoming competitions. We will be running some competitions in conjunction with FilmFixx who will also be providing you with some great film reviews so make sure to check them out.
Elaine Slator
