John Carney’s much-anticipated film Sing Street is set to open the 2016 Audi Dublin International Film Festival on February 18.
The film, which stars Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy and Jack Reynor is set for release by Lionsgate UK in cinemas across Ireland on March 18.
Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys praised the film and has said it is “the most perfect film” to open a Dublin festival.
“Sing Street is possibly the most perfect film with which to open a Dublin festival,” she said.
Exciting times: John Carney’s film Sing Street is set for Dublin festival | VIPIRELAND.COM
“A beautiful valentine to Dublin, John Carney’s nostalgic celebration of 80s music will cause a sensation.
“John wowed festival-goers in 2007, with Once winning the Audience Award, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to open the 2016 Audi Dublin International Film Festival,” she added.
The film’s story is based on a boy growing up in Dublin during the 1980s who escapes his strained family life by starting a band and moving to London.
John Carney, whose previous work includes Once, admitted that he’s very excited about the news, and that the film was inspired by some of his own experiences.
Success: John Carney has previously worked with Glen Hansard on Once | VIPIRELAND.COM
“I’m excited to have Sing Street premiere at the Festival,” he explained.
“The film loosely charts my own experiences as a skinny kid in a pretty rough and tumble school in the mid 80s in Dublin.
“I invite any of the school bullies from back then (teachers included), to the screening, where I will publicly fight them,” he added.
The 2016 Audi International Film Festival takes place from 18th – 28th February with the full programme launched at the end of January.
