The autumn Waterford Film For All season kicks off with That They May Face the Rising Sun, a dramatic interpretation of a novel by one of Ireland’s greatest authors, the internationally acclaimed John McGahern.
To celebrate the return of Waterford Film For All, we will be serving wine, tea and coffee free of charge from 6:30pm. We are also delighted to be able to serve Thomas Maher’s much-loved Whiskey Mac, compliments of our kind neighbours at Maher’s, O’Connell Street (just 2 doors down from Garter Lane Theatre).
Ireland, the 1970s. Joe and Kate Ruttledge (Barry Ward and Anna Bederke) return from London to live in a small rural community. They quickly become close friends with many of the older men and women living in the area. Over the course of a year, Joe and Kate grapple with major life decisions, while also witnessing their neighbours’ moments of joy, disappointment, conflict and loss.
Based on John McGahern’s final novel and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pat Collins (Song of Granite), That They May Face The Rising Sun is a beautifully bittersweet portrait of a very particular time and place. It’s a perfectly-observed slice of life – full of humour and warmth, while also tenderly reflecting on the people and traditions that Ireland has lost.
Festivals
BFI London Film Festival, 2023
Dublin International Film Festival, 2024
Awards
Best Irish Film – Dublin Film Critics’ Circle Awards, DIFF 2024
Reviews
“A perfectly pitched adaptation of John McGahern’s final novel” ★★★★★
– Donald Clarke, The Irish Times
“A lyrical, loving celebration of the everyday… beautifully realised and quietly beguiling”
– Allan Hunter, Screen Daily
“An achingly tender and richly textured portrait of a year in the life of a close-knit Irish farming community”
– Jerry Whyte, Cineoutsider
access>CINEMA Screening Day, February 2024 – 80% rating (from 32 responses)
Throughout September film takes centre stage at Garter Lane in celebration of our 40th Birthday (8 Sep 1984) we are offering 12-months Friends membership at the reduced rate of €40. Each new Friends membership includes 4 x film tickets plus discounted Friends rate for most ticketed events.
