John McGahern: A Private World Director: Pat Collins Book cinema tickets Completed a year before his passing, Collins’ exploration of arguably the defining Irish writer of the modern era was filmed just prior to the publication of McGahern’s acclaimed memoirs, which form the backbone of this definitive portrait of the man’s life and times. It is a testimony to the director’s skill and sensitivity as both interviewer and filmmaker that he gets the reluctant McGahern to open up on camera. The results are by turn fascinating and quietly moving, a portrait of an artist at peace in his final days. Notes by Derek O’Connor Awards: Best Documentary Award at the 3rd Irish Film and Television Awards 2005. Director: Pat Collins