In the Shadow of Beirut – 3:30pm
Directed by Garry Keane and Stephen Gerard Kelly – 2023 (90 mins)
TICKETS
A poignant portrayal of refugees living in impoverished conditions in Beirut. The film delves into
their struggles to survive while highlighting stories of resilience and humanity that transcend
borders and cultures. Despite the inhumane conditions and enormous challenges, the areas’
inhabitants possess unfathomable reserves of resilience and even hope, as they go about their
daily lives in the struggle to forge a brighter future for their families.
The film was directed by Stephen Gerard Kelly and Garry Keane. In 2015 Stephen moved to
Beirut out of love. He found himself in the tough, storied and sectarian Beirut neighborhoods of
Sabra and Shatila where he developed strong relationships with families in the communities,
many of whom are descendants from the original Palestinian refugees. After years of living
there, these same families encouraged Stephen to pick up his camera to document their lives in
times of celebration and often struggle. Garry’s last feature documentary ‘GAZA’ was five years
in the making and made its World Premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in Jan 2019. It went
on to be screened in over 60 international film festivals, garnering 15 award nominations and
winning 9.
Notes From Sheepland – 5:15PM
Directed by Cara Holmes – 2023 (70 mins)
TICKETS
“Notes from Sheepland” is a captivating documentary that follows an Irish woman’s journey as
she returns to Ireland to embark on a new chapter of sheep farming in Co. Wexford.
Interweaving her artistic creativity with the challenges and joys of rural life, the film offers a
unique glimpse into the symbiotic relationship between art and agriculture. Notes from
Sheepland bursts with candid observations of the lipstick-wearing, always swearing, no-
nonsense artist and shepherd, Orla Barry. Through her fields, her digital diaries, and the
pedigree sheep she cares for, we discover how art is in the doing. The film was directed by Cara
Holmes, a film director, editor and queer activist from Ireland who has been a part of the
production of numerous documentary films.
Trailer
The Graceless Age – The Ballad of John Murry – 6:30PM
Directed by Sarah Share (90 mins)
TICKETS
A compelling story of redemption and recovery. The film chronicles the journey of U.S.
singer/songwriter John Murry as he seeks solace and inspiration in Ireland while battling heroin
addiction. Through Murry’s upbringing and his experiences in Mississippi, the documentary
explores themes of resilience, artistry, and the healing power of music. Director Sarah Share (If I
Should Fall From Grace) follows John’s journey from near death to redemption and a new zest
for life and art through his outstanding music. Sarah was intrigued with John since first meeting
him at the Harbor Bar in Bray – a wonderful local music venue in Wicklow!
Both Tales from Sheepland and The Graceless Age were produced by Nuala Cunningham at
New Decade Films. Nuala is known for her award-winning documentary “I, Dolours” which
screened at the SFIF festival in 2019, and the more recent RTE documentary series, “Dirty
Laundry”.