Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory – Film Listing

Dreamtown

    • Director

      Steven Mckenna

    • Credits

      Producer:
      Steven Mckenna

      Cinematographer:
      Jaro Waldeck

      Writer:
      Steven Mckenna

    • Principal Cast

      Anthony Murphy,
      Cian Hyland,
      Michelle Lucy

  • Category

    Feature

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.

World premiere: Galway Film Fleadh 2024

Notes by Sunniva O'Flynn

Awards:
Best Independent Feature Film, Underground Cinema Film Awards, Dublin, 2025
Best Cinematographer, Jaro Waldeck, Underground Cinema Film Awards, Dublin, 2025
Best Actor, Anthony Murphy, Underground Cinema Film Awards, Dublin, 2025
Best Supporting Actor, Cian Hyland, Underground Cinema Film Awards, Dublin, 2025

97 minutes, Ireland, 2024, Colour


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