Take a Break from Holiday Shopping and Attend the Capital Irish Film Festival
What’s the best way to experience Irish culture without leaving the U.S.? Attend one of Solas Nua’s programs. You won’t want to miss their 2011 Capital Irish Film Festival (CIFF), which runs from December 1 to December 10 with screenings at the E Street Cinema and the Goethe Institute in DC.
Solas nua, which means new light in Irish, is a 501(c) 3 non-profit, and is, as their website says, “The only contemporary Irish arts organization in the United States.” Lucky for us, it’s based here in DC because each year they bring more than 35 Irish artists, writers, and filmmakers to the U.S. for a full calendar of exciting cultural programs and events.
This year marks the festival’s sixth season and organizers have put together a full line-up of award-winning feature films and shorts that include frightening dramas like All Good Children, stirring documentaries such as those featured in Northern Ireland Triple Bill, inspiring stories like Parked, and hilarious comedy shorts like the Monk and the Fly. Based on availability, all screenings are $10 and tickets can be purchased:
- at the door
- reserved in advance online by clicking on each film’s link on CIFF’s schedule page
- and by phone from box office tickets: 1.800.494 or by texting 8497
The festival will be kicked off on December 1 with the screening of The Lotus Eaters at the E Street Cinema followed by the Opening Party hosted by actress and writer, Antonia Campbell Hughes.
Rather than just offer screenings, the festival includes entertaining special events and parties that offer guests interludes with the directors and other Irish film buffs. Some of the events include:
- The Art of the Short with Thomas Hefferon
- Vincent Gallagher on Irish Animation
- Dave Kilpatrick on Documentary Making
- Juanita Wilson’s Director’s Q&A
- Fearghus O Conchuir on Dance on Film
- The Closing Night Party
What: Capital Irish Film Festival
When: December 1-10, 2011 | various times
Where: Goethe Institute 812 7th Street NW | E Street Cinema 555 11th Street NW, DC
Who: patrons of the arts, fans of the Irish
What’s Next? Purchase tickets in advance on their website
Category: ARTS EVENTS, CULTURAL EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT, FESTIVALS, MORE EVENTS, THE ARTS
