In Ireland, cinema and television have a special place, and offer a multitude of “made in Ireland” programs, imbued with a finesse and subtlety that have earned them awards around the world. These highly eclectic films, series and cartoons have all made their mark in their own way, and some have become masterpieces in their own right.
In Ireland, we know how to tell stories. With passion, drive and a certain sense of melodrama. It has to be said that Irish history is fertile ground for this kind of discipline: Ireland has seen so much hardship and so much drama, that all you have to do is tell the story and everyone will come along with you.
Cinema has dealt with sensitive subjects such as Irish independence in Le Vent se Lève, the drama of the Guildford Four in Au Nom du Père, and the drama of Derry in Le Vent se Lève. Bloody Sunday… not to mention Angela’s Ashes, which sheds light on Irish poverty in the 1900s… or the film Hunger, dedicated to hunger strikers in Northern Ireland…
But Irish cinema is not content to simply recount historical facts… As well as taking a hard look at a painful and brutal history, the industry also focuses on more diverse, intimate and contemporary programs… sometimes action-oriented, sometimes magical and poetic.
Starting with the Normal People series, a masterpiece based on Sally Rooney’s novel, which is currently a huge success. Closely followed by Peaky Blinders, or the vitriolicly humorous Derry Girls.
In short, Irish cinema and television offer a rich and diverse experience of Irish culture. Shows that have often swept all before them, and conquered the rest of the world!