Waterford Film For All presents Girls & Boys (2025)

Waterford Film For All presents Girls & Boys

Trinity students Charlie and Jace meet at a Halloween party. Despite very different social groups and interests – Charlie is trans and an aspiring filmmaker, while Jace is a dedicated rugby player-they immediately hit it off. When the party ends abruptly, the pair embark on an impromptu walk around Dublin, discovering more about themselves and the city around them. However, only Charlie seems aware of a surprising past connection between them that could threaten their burgeoning romance.

Donncha Gilmore’s first feature is reminiscent of Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, but with a welcome contemporary queer perspective. Truly romantic yet with some well-handled darker edges, this is an assured debut signalling the arrival of exciting new voices in Irish cinema.

Festivals
Galway Film Fleadh, 2025

Awards
Winner – Best Independent Irish Film – Galway Film Fleadh, 2025

Reviews
“Donncha Gilmore’s debut feature has a tender regard for its imperfect characters and boasts performances that encourage investment in the fate of the central couple.” – Allan Hunter, Screen Daily

“★★★★ Girls & Boys is an impressive and immersive debut from Donncha Gilmore, one that lingers in the mind for days afterwards.” – Bren Murphy, RTÉ

“★★★★[A] wildly impressive debut… The script feels lived-in, spontaneous and unguarded.” – Tara Brady, The Irish Times

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