28 Days Later, which received its Irish premiere as the opening film of 2002’s IFI Horrorthon with director Danny Boyle in attendance, is, in the best tradition of George Romero, both a terrifying horror film and a pointed allegory. Bicycle courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) wakes up from a coma to discover a deserted London. As he pieces events together, he is found and chased by those infected with the Rage Virus, which causes victims to become extremely violent, but rescued by survivor Selena (Naomie Harris). Seeking refuge outside the city, they meet taxi driver Frank (Brendan Gleeson) and make for Manchester. With its eerie footage of deserted London streets and fast-moving infected, the film inspired a new wave of zombie movies such as Zack Snyder’s Dawn Of The Dead (2004) and still stands as a superlative example of the genre.

The screening will include exclusive preview footage of 28 Years Later, opening at the IFI on June 20th.