Irish Film Institute -IRISH FOCUS: DREAMTOWN

IRISH FOCUS: DREAMTOWN

Director: Steven McKenna

97 mins, Ireland, 2024, Digital


Mickey Richards (Anthony Murphy), a delusional, ageing rocker who never realised his dreams, lives a carefree life, untethered by responsibility —spending his days as a school janitor and his nights holding up the bar spinning tales about his rock‘n’roll past to his much younger drinking buddies. Bartender Gina (Michelle Lucy), who is fond of Mickey, is as trapped in her dead-end present as he is in his irretrievable past. Following the end of his marriage Mickey had neglected his son, Alan (Cian Hyland), but now that he is a musically gifted adult Mickey decides it is time to reconnect, but his clumsy attempts to impress only drive a deeper wedge between them.

Writer/Director Steven McKenna’s warm character-driven story is served well by a strong cast and by Jaro Waldeck’s skilful cinematography, elevating the film way beyond its micro budget.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Steven McKenna, Anthony Murphy, and Jaro Waldeck.

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn

Book Tickets

Thursday 14th

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