22/12/2006

Once, the musical film written and directed by John Carvey, has been selected as one of the 16 films competing this year in the World Cinema dramatic competition section at the Sundance Film Festival (January 18-28, 2007).

Starring Glen Hansard (The Commitments) and Marketa Irglova, the low budget film is a modern-day musical set on the streets of Dublin about a busker and an immigrant who fall in love over an eventful week, as they write, rehearse and record a number of songs. The film was produced by Martina Niland (co-producer on Pavee Lackeen [+see also:
trailer
film profile]) for Samson Films, with funding from the Irish Film Board (IFB).

“Selection for this world class festival signifies real recognition for one of Ireland’s most gifted film directors”, said Simon Perry, chief executive for the IFB. Carvey added: “We’re delighted that our small film has been recognised by such a prestigious festival. Given that the film was shot on a small budget, we always knew that we would need the recognition by a major festival to give the film a life outside of Ireland, so we’re thrilled that the film will receive its US premiere at Sundance”.

Once will be released in 2007 in Ireland through Buena Vista.

Another musical film will represent Ireland in Sundance: Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten by UK filmmaker Julien Temple, who already attended Sundance last year with his docu-film Glastonbury. His new UK documentary was co-produced by Ireland’s Alan Moloney (Breakfast on Pluto [+see also:
trailer
film profile]).