First Look Films for this year's programme
The Galway Film Fleadh present early announcements of films from the 2025 programme including the Opening and Closing films of the festival.
The 37th Galway Film Fleadh will open with the much-anticipated Irish premiere of RE-CREATION from co-directors, Jim Sheridan and David Merriman. In a fictitious trial, twelve members of a jury must decide whether British journalist Ian Bailey is guilty of the murder of French filmmaker Sophie Toscan Du Plantier in 1996. Based on real events, the film reconstructs, through the discussions between these twelve people, a case that ultimately invites the viewer to draw their own conclusions. The cast includes Vicky Krieps, Jim Sheridan, Aidan Gillen and Colm Meaney. RE-CREATION will premiere on the 8th of July at 7pm at the Town Hall Theatre.
From director Trisha Ziff, GERRY ADAMS, A BALLYMURPHY MAN is a film that features one of the most controversial leaders of our time who led his community in the North of Ireland from conflict to peace. Adams was a critical voice in the decision taken by the IRA to lay down their arms after their 25-year war against the British. A private man, this is the first time, Adams sits down to tell his story, from teenage activist to party leader. Today, he is an elder statesman supporting the next generation on their path toward Irish unity. The World premiere of GERRY ADAMS, A BALLYMURPHY MAN will take place on the 12th of July at 4pm at the Town Hall Theatre.
The closing film of the Galway Film Fleadh is THE LIFE OF CHUCK, a life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King’s novella, adapted for the screen and directed by Mike Flanagan. It stars Tom Hiddleston, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillian and Mark Hamill, alongside an ensemble cast including Jacob Tremblay, Matthew Lillard, Mia Sara and Nick Offerman. THE LIFE OF CHUCK will screen on the 13th of July at 7:30pm at the Town Hall Theatre, courtesy of STUDIOCANAL. (In Irish cinemas Friday 22 August.)
Director of Programming at the Galway Film Fleadh, Maeve McGrath noted that, “The Fleadh is opening strong in 2025 with the Irish premiere of Re-Creation, fresh from its World premiere at Tribeca. We are delighted to have a big year of Irish films at the Fleadh this year with over 42 Irish films screening, with the Fleadh providing a platform for Irish film year on year.”
Documentary film makers play a pivotal role in bringing stories of the world to the screen and in Gerry Adams, A Ballymurphy Man, director Trisha Ziff brings Gerry’s story to the screen from his youth to the present day.
We are thrilled to be closing the Fleadh with The Life of Chuck, a stunning film that won the People’s Choice Award at TIFF. A film with strong characters that will make the audience reflect on their own relationships. A must see at the Fleadh in July”
Full programme details will be announced on June 24th with hundreds of events including screenings, Q+A’s and filmmaker interviews, panel discussions, and more.
For more information on these films go to https://www.galwayfilmfleadh.com/early-releases/ or contact the Town Hall Theatre box office on 091 569777.
The Galway Film Fleadh is supported by, The Arts Council of Ireland, Fís Éireann, TG4, Coimisiún na Meán, Galway City Council, Fáilte Ireland.