We have a fantastic selection of films coming up for you this Spring from Waterford Film For All at Garter Lane Arts Centre, showcasing some of the very best of independent, Irish, European and World cinema
Rose (2020) – Tues Jan 14th
Set in the late 90s, Rose follows Ellen and her husband Van as they take Ellen’s older sister, Inger, on a bus trip to Paris, where Inger once lived. Living with schizophrenia and cared for in a home by their overprotective mother, Inger’s life is sheltered. Ellen hopes the trip will help them reconnect and assess if Inger could live more independently. Meanwhile, Inger secretly aims to find a lost love. Based on Niels Arden Oplev’s family history, the film is heartfelt, with Sofie Gråbøl delivering a standout performance that captures Inger’s complexity and emotional depth.
The Outrun (2024) – Tues Jan 21st
After a decade of addiction in London, Rona returns to the remote Orkney Islands in Scotland, determined to sustain her recovery. Facing her troubled family history and destructive past, she takes a job with a wildlife conservation charity, reconnecting with the natural beauty of her childhood home. Nora Fingscheidt’s adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s memoir is vivid and deeply moving. Saoirse Ronan delivers a stunning performance, capturing Rona’s fragility and resilience on her path to redemption. With a dynamic visual style, a gripping soundtrack, and a layered narrative, this cathartic film is both powerful and unforgettable.
Black Dog (2024) – Tues Feb 4th
Recently released from jail, Lang returns to his hometown on the edge of the Gobi Desert in Northwest China. Working with the local stray dog patrol ahead of the 2008 Olympics, he forms an unexpected bond with a black dog. Together, these two solitary figures begin a new chapter, finding companionship and purpose in each other. This poignant tale of redemption and connection explores themes of isolation and renewal, capturing the quiet beauty of unlikely friendships in a changing world.
Pauline Black: A 2-Tone Story (2024) – Fri Feb 7th
Pauline Black, lead singer of the 2-Tone band The Selecter, recounts her remarkable life in this candid documentary. Born to mixed Nigerian and Jewish heritage and adopted by a white family in 1950s Essex, Pauline endured casual racism within her own home. Joining the 2-Tone movement in 1979 allowed her to explore her identity and channel her experiences into music. Through The Selecter, Pauline reflected working-class life in Thatcher’s Britain, with songs rooted in anti-racism and anti-sexism. Revisiting her groundbreaking legacy, the film examines its continued relevance in today’s debates on gender, politics, race, and identity.
Touch (2024) – Tues Feb 18th
In early 2020, widower Kristófer, facing the onset of memory loss, embarks on a final journey to find his first love, Miko. Through flashbacks, we see their romance blossom in a Japanese restaurant in 1960s London, where Kristófer worked as a student. Despite his daughter’s concerns and impending travel restrictions, he returns to London, determined to reconnect with Miko, who vanished over 50 years ago without explanation. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur and based on Ólafur Jóhann Ólafsson’s novel, this poignant film explores love and grief with heartbreaking depth, delivering a tender, romantic tale of longing and loss.
The Tasting (2022) – Tues Feb 25th
Jacques (Bernard Campan), a divorced wine shop owner in his 50s, is struggling with poor health and a failing business. Life feels bleak until Hortense (Isabelle Carré), a warm and optimistic woman, visits his shop in search of a bottle of wine. Despite their differences and past heartbreaks, a charming connection forms, setting the stage for a delightful romantic comedy. Adapted from Ivan Calbérac’s stage play, this lighthearted French film is filled with humor, witty double entendres, and plenty of wine, brought to life by a lively ensemble cast.
My Favourite Cake (2024) – Tues March 4th
Seventy-year-old Mahin, a widow in Tehran for over 30 years, longs for the freedom of pre-revolution Iran and dreams of visiting her daughter in Europe. Denied a visa due to her age, she refuses to resign herself to loneliness. When she meets Faramarz, a kind taxi driver, an adventurous and unpredictable evening changes her outlook. My Favourite Cake is a heartfelt exploration of aging, loneliness, and unexpected love. Balancing humor and poignancy, the film shines through Lily Farhadpour’s captivating performance as Mahin, offering a touching and charming story that resonates deeply.
All We Imagine as Light (2024) – Tues March 11th
Nurses Prabha and Anu share an apartment in bustling Mumbai, navigating complex personal lives. Prabha remains loyal to her distant husband, who stopped contacting her after moving abroad, even as a kind doctor at her hospital shows interest in her. Outgoing Anu hides her passionate relationship with Shiaz, knowing it defies societal norms due to his religion. When the pair travels to a coastal village to help a friend relocate, unexpected moments of discovery and self-realization emerge. Payal Kapadia’s fiction debut is a poetic and empathetic exploration of two women’s lives in contemporary India, filled with nuance and quiet beauty.
King Frankie (2024) – Tues March 18th
Once a flashy and successful businessman during the Celtic Tiger boom, Frankie lost nearly everything in the economic collapse. Now running a small taxi firm and living with his parents, he leads a far quieter life. When his father passes away, the funeral brings old friends and acquaintances back into Frankie’s orbit, forcing him to confront the deep scars of his downfall. Dermot Malone’s debut feature is a heartfelt and nuanced character study, contrasting two pivotal moments in Frankie’s life. Peter Coonan shines as the troubled yet relatable protagonist, supported by a strong cast including Owen Roe, Olivia Caffrey, and Ruairi O’Connor.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024) – Tues March 25th
Once a bright student, M now spends his days gaming and relying on his mother. When his cousin Mui inherits a fortune after caring for their grandfather, M seizes an opportunity: he volunteers to care for his terminally ill grandmother, hoping for a similar reward after her passing. However, as he witnesses her vulnerability and failing health, M’s selfish motives begin to fade. What unfolds is a mix of comedic family chaos and heartfelt moments, offering a warm and sentimental portrayal of redemption and familial bonds. Inspired by a true story, this emotional journey is sure to tug at your heartstrings so you’ll probably need to bring tissues!
