Harp Media launch new ‘Harp Cinema Series’bringing classic Irish films and filmmaker Q&As to Midlands

Harp Media have announced the launch of ‘Harp Cinema Series’, a new year-long initiative that will bring screenings of acclaimed Irish films to Longford alongside in-person discussions with filmmakers, actors and creatives involved in the productions.

The initiative is supported by Screen Ireland’s Audience Development Fund and Longford County Council’s Night-Time Economy Fund.

The series aims to create a regular cinema and film culture event in the Midlands, giving audiences the opportunity to experience celebrated Irish films on the big screen while engaging directly with the artists behind them.

The first event in the series will take place on Thursday 11th June in Valentine’s Bar, Longford, with a screening of Frank Berry’s acclaimed drama ‘Michael Inside’, followed by a Q&A with actor Dafhyd Flynn.

Directed by Frank Berry, ‘Michael Inside’ premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh before winning the Audience Award at the Cork International Film Festival.

The film stars Dafhyd Flynn, Lalor Roddy and Moe Dunford and tells the story of an 18-year-old who is sent to prison after becoming involved in a drugs-related incident.

Dafhyd Flynn has emerged as one of the most acclaimed young Irish actors of his generation through performances in films such as ‘Michael Inside’, ‘Black 47’, ‘Lakelands’ and the short film ‘Drifting’ opposite Oscar nominee Paul Mescal.

His performance in ‘Michael Inside’ received widespread critical acclaim upon the film’s release and saw him win the Dublin Film Critics Circle award for Best Actor.

The Harp Cinema Series has been developed by Longford filmmakers Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney through their production company Harp Media.

Higgins and McGivney previously wrote and directed the award-winning feature film ‘Lakelands’, which won Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh and was released in Irish and UK cinemas by Wildcard Distribution.

Writer/director Robert Higgins of Harp Media said: “Cinema and film culture can often feel concentrated around Dublin and the larger cities, so we feel it's important to create opportunities for audiences here in the Midlands to experience great Irish films collectively on the big screen.

“There’s a huge appetite for that locally and we’re excited to begin building something consistent and long-term through this series.”

Writer/director Patrick McGivney of Harp Media said, “Many of our early experiences with film came through communal screenings and conversations afterwards, and we wanted to bring that experience to Longford in a meaningful way.

“Irish cinema is in an incredibly exciting place at the moment and we hope this series will become a space where audiences can discover films they may not otherwise get the opportunity to see theatrically in the Midlands.”

Further screenings and special guests for the Harp Cinema Series will be announced in the coming months.