Director: Leo Regan
85 mins, UK, 2023, Digital
Irish filmmaker Leo Regan draws on decades of footage to portray the complex life of his friend, photographer Lanre Fehintola. Their friendship began as photography students in London in the early ‘90s. In 1998 Leo directed and Lanre featured in Don’t Get High On Your Own Supply when Lanre, working on a book about drug addicts in his hometown of Bradford, had himself become hooked on heroin. Cold Turkey (2001) documented Lanre’s attempt to break his addiction. My Friend Lanre presents an intensely intimate portrait of his friend Lanre during his final months and weeks, as he faces a cancer diagnosis and his ultimate adventure, his own death.
Described by Louis Theroux as “intimate, raw, beautiful”, this funny, devastating, and bravely personal film is a testament to deep friendship and to one person’s incredible life and work.
This opening night screening on Friday 15th at 18:30 is followed by a Q&A with Leo Regan hosted by Tom Burke (DCU). This event is supported by DCU’s MA in Documentary Practice.
Tickets for all other screenings are on sale here.
Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn