Solas Nua Honors Trailblazing Women

News from Solas Nua in Washington, D.C.:

A chairde,

In early February, the Irish honor Brigid — saint, goddess, and her legacy of empowerment, feminine energy, and creativity. This celebration coincided with the announcement of our full festival program, reaffirming our commitment to presenting Irish women's stories on screen.

This year, I am honored to include 17 films directed by women, including twelve written or co-written by women, and five directorial debuts. These vital voices represent some of the most exciting, entertaining, and thrilling storytelling from Ireland today.

We open on February 27 with Mrs. Robinson, Aoife Kelleher’s documentary on former Irish President Mary Robinson’s fight for equality, climate justice, and peace — featuring Mrs. Robinson in attendance. And we close on March 2 with the East Coast premiere of Kathleen Is Here, award-winning director Eva Birthistle’s [Bad Sisters] fantastic feature debut, starring Hazel Doupe [Say Nothing] as a young woman aging out of the foster care system.
 
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On February 28, award-winning director Tanya Doyle presents her uplifting documentary on the determined Irish cheer team defying the odds for a place at the World Championship. Rising star Grace Callan will also join us for Operation Pablo — part of Shorts Program 1, also screening on Friday — produced by Norman Houston Award winner Keith O’Grady.

March 1 features the Irish wildlife documentary Birdsong, followed by a discussion with debut director Kathleen Harris and Georgetown’s Dr. Peter P. Marra. Later, Aislinn Clarke presents her Irish-language folk horror Fréwaka, with a post-screening Q&A. March 2 brings the East Coast premiere of Fidil Ghorm (Blue Fiddle) with young star and champion Irish fiddler Edith Lawlor in attendance - with live music.

We’re also screening 23 short films, with attending women filmmakers including Heather Brumley (After the Bomb), Denise Deegan (The Innkeeper), and Pauline Vermare (The Memories of Others), director Elena Horgan, (Cumha), as well as Norman Houston Award co-winners Tess Annan and Joe Madden.

Join us this month at AFI to meet these filmmakers and many more in an unforgettable celebration of Irish cinema! Visit SolasNua.org.