The 48th Cork Film Festival opened with Song For a Raggy Boy, a powerful portrayal of the abuses that were perpetrated at Catholic reform schools in Ireland.
Based on local writer Patrick Galvin's autobiographical account of institutional abuse and starring Aidan Quinn, the showing promised to be a special occasion.
At the opening reception in the Woodford, the star, looking very bohemian, was delighted that the Irish première was held in Cork. As was local designer Deirdre Murphy who got to catch up with her famous cousin. Green Party TD Dan Boyle, who knows Paddy Galvin through his work with the Munster Literature Centre, was there with his wife Blaithin Hurley. He hoped the film would be another shot in the arm for the Irish film industry. Also enjoying the opening gala was the Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Colm Burke, and, although he is busy visiting schools these days, he hoped to see a few films during the week.
Another person with a busy week was Mary McCarthy, the assistant director of European Capital of Culture 2005. Not only are they reviewing submissions from their public call and entering the commissioning stage, she is also on the jury which will adjudicate the Jameson Short Film Award for Best Irish Short and the Claire Lynch Award. These awards will be presented tomorrow evening before the gala closing film, Mystics starring David Kelly and Milo O'Shea.
Also thrilled to be rubbing shoulders with Aidan Quinn was Allison Fordham, the outgoing manager of the Triskel Arts Centre. The incoming manager of the new Leis Glucksman Gallery in UCC, Fiona Kearney, was there with her husband Stephane Bruchet. Also enjoying the glamour and glitz was architect Pat O'Sullivan with his girlfriend Michelle Melia, publicist Jean Kearney and Toni & Guy's Shane Byrne.
Expected in town today is John Hurt to collect his lifetime achievement award. He will also be part of a public interview with Irish Times Film Correspondent, Michael Dwyer. Festival director Michael Hannigan outlined many highlights and suggested the sleeper hit of the festival will be Northfork which screens tonight in the Opera House, and which, he says, draws favourable comparisons with Days Of Heaven.