So the Temple Bar TradFest is over, we are all exhausted but delighted that so many people enjoyed themselves over the 5 day festival. Now if you are trying to figure out how to fill the void of Temple Bar TradFest until next January, never fear there is loads on!! Two upcoming festivals have caught our eye with great line ups for both.
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival
Get the popcorn ready and have fun trying to pick between an amazing line up of film screenings.
Why we are liking this festival:
1) Location, location, location
The box office is located in Filmbase and a number of the screenings are in Temple Bar in the Irish Film Institute, so it’s so central and easy to pop in, buy your tickets and then head off for an evening of film fun.
2) The range of films and events
The great thing about this festival is that they have something to interest everyone, be it fun, serious, or thought provoking. This festival also gives you an unique opportunity to attend Q & A sessions with some very talented people within the film industry.
3) Stars in our eyes
Did we mention Al Pacino and Stellan Skarsgård are coming to Dublin to go to the festival, I mean what more convincing do you need? 
4) World Premieres
You get to have the chance to be one of the first audience members to ever see some great films!
Looking through the programme, one film that’s catching my eye is the Independent Irish Skateboarding Documentary Hill Street which is to receive its world premiere at the festival. The film tells the story of the evolution of skateboarding culture in Ireland from its early roots the 1980s.
We asked one of the Jameson IFF team what their personal pick was, their choice was A Man’s Story, a beautifully shot documentary following the colorful life of esteemed tailor, Ozwald Boateng, who at 23 was the youngest and first black tailor to own a shop on Savile Row. Whether you’re interested in fashion or not, you’ll be drawn in by this fast paced story! They “loved it, loved it, loved it!”
I have posted decriptions of the films in the IFI, but for more information check out www.jdiff.com
Dreamtime, Revisited is a “walkabout in dreamtime Ireland” inspired by the works of writer John Moriarty and weaves together contemporary and archive material following his mythological lead into the depths of the nation’s dreamtime. Julius Ziz & Dónal Ó Céilleachair will attend the screening.
Andrew Kötting’s outstanding feature debut, Gallivant, is both an experimental travelogue and an internsely personal story, detailing the journey undertaken by the director and family around the British coastline. Andrew Kotting will do a Q&A after the screening.
Terence McDonald- This programme of films celebrates the pioneering achievements made by Terence McDonald, whose playful fiction films received widespread recognition and numerous awards.
The Far Side Of Revenge- This documentary is an exploration of theatre director Teya Sepinuck’s engagement with a group of Northern Irish women from diverse backgrounds and histories, creating a joyful bond that transcends their painful backgrounds. Margo Harkin will attend the screening. (Reel Art)
This Our Still Life- Experimental filmmaker Andrew Kötting returns with this portrait of a tumbledown Pyrenean farmhouse as seen through the eyes and ears of the family that have lived there on and off for the last 22 years.
Wonder House explores the creative process by inviting scientists to recall those childhood memories that sparked their imaginations. This documentary offers a fictional synthesis of fantasy and fact, science and art, imagination and reality. Director Oonagh Kearney will attend the screening.
The Far Side of Revenge, Dreamtime, Revisited and Wonder House are all part of the Reel Art Project. Reel Art is an Arts Council scheme designed to provide film artists with a unique opportunity to make highly creative, imaginative and experimental documentaries on an artistic theme.
Russian Festival
Here are the reasons why we love it:
1) There are pancakes involved
A Pancake Day event will be held on Sunday March 6 in Temple Bar, who doesn’t love pancakes?
2) You get to be cultural
You get get to do something different with your free time with a chance to learn about a really interesting, different culture with some great film and art exhibitions and lectures for different age groups. There is also a Russian food and craft market!
3) Chess
A game that has remained an enigma to me for some time shall be no longer an enigma! With chess workshops, challenges and lecture, beginners and experts all have something to go to!
4) Russian Disco
A Russian Disco will be held in the Czech Inn on Saturday, now I don’t know what this entails but I want to find out!
5) Facepainting and storytelling
On Saturday there will be children storytelling and drawing, Russian fun and Russian lessons at the National Library of Ireland and face painting & children’s nail painting on Fishamble Street.
For more information on the festival, check out http://dublinrussianfestival.webs.com
So if you are looking for some great events, heading in the direction of Temple Bar is a good plan!
