The programme for JDIFF '15 has been launched and we've gotta say, it's a good one this year.
With 129 films shown over 11 days, this year's JDIFF is jam-packed with something for just about everyone. We've just got an exclusive look at the programme and already our calendar is filling up. We'll have a full analysis of the programme and our top picks later this week.
For now, we've got the deets on who exactly is coming over. First up, as previously announced, Russell Crowe will be in town for a special Q&A and Irish premiere of his directorial debut, The Water Diviner. Julie Andrews will also be in town for a special gala screening of Sound of Music and a public Q&A at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre. Sex & The City star Kim Cattrall will also be in town to premiere her Sky Arts series Sensitive Skin and give an actor's workshop at the Lir Theatre.
Meanwhile, it's been announced that Kenneth Branagh will attend the premiere of Cinderella, the live-action reboot of the classic Disney film that he directed. Speaking of English thespians with amazing voices, Alan Rickman AKA Professor Snape AKA Hans Gruber will be in town to debut his first directorial effort, A Little Chaos. Meanwhile, Danny Huston will be in town to talk about Pressure, the new thriller starring himself and Watchmen's Matthew Goode. We caught a glimpse of the teaser and you'll definitely want to see it.
Julie Andrews and Kenneth Brannagh will also be presented with the Volta Award for their outstanding achievements in film in a special presentation.
It's not all just brand new, never-before-seen releases at this year's JDIFF, though.
A very special screening of Stanley Kubrick's Barry Lyndon will take place, with none other than Ryan O'Neal and producer Jan Harlan attending. O'Neal starred in the titular role and was a 70's heart-throb from such films as Love Story, Paper Moon and many more. Meanwhile, this year's Jameson Cult Film Club screening will be Guy Ritchie's debut film, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
When it comes to documentaries, we're absolutely spoiled. Top of our list is Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films. If you've ever watched a cheap, trashy film that was made in the 1980's and starred Dolph Lundgren, chances are it was made by Cannon Films. Dennis Rodman's Big Bang in Pyongyang will also be screened with narrator Matt Cooper (yes, The Last Word's Matt Cooper) no doubt attending the screening. Meanwhile, music fans will be happy to know that Cobain: Montage of Heck will be screened at this year's festival. Nirvana die-hards, this is required viewing.
As for foreign and niche films, there's plenty to choose from. Ryan Gosling's directorial debut, Lost River, will be screened at this year's festival. Alas, Gosling won't be there but we'll keep him in mind when we're watching. The Artist's Jean Dujardin stars in The Connection La French, a gripping twist on the crime classic of the same name. This time around, it's set in Paris and takes the perspective of a French magistrate played by Dujardin. Keeping it French, Next Time I'll Aim For The Heart tells the story of a policeman tracking a series of brutal murders in Northern France. Think True Detective and you're on the right track.
As well as films, documentaries and filmmaker Q&As, there's also endless amounts of workshops, panel discussions and exhibits to see.
For the full programme, details on when and where all this goodness will be taking place and to book your tickets, go to JDIFF.com.
