This film screened on 4th January 2020.

This event will include a post-screening discussion with Prof Anthony McCarthy (perinatal psychiatrist) and June Shannon (journalist), moderated by Josen McGrane, First Fortnight ambassador.

Irene’s Ghost follows a son’s search to find out about the mother he never knew. Iain was 3 when his mother Irene died. His Dad never spoke about it, and the family silence around Irene meant that she was alive only in Iain’s imagination.

Later in life, the birth of his own child inspires a journey to discover the truth about Irene, piecing together fragments of the past to uncover a long held family secret. Using animation mixed with filmed footage, Irene’s Ghost explores memory and mental health to movingly rebuild a lost life.

Screening as part of IFI & First Fortnight January 2020.