CINEMA:FILM FANS in Dublin and elsewhere can look forward to a big-screen bonanza this weekend, when a number of classic - and modern - cinema treats will be shown.
The Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Dublin's Temple Bar hosts one of the main attractions, Lawrence of Arabia. The production is being shown as part of the David Lean season at the institute and there are some 60 tickets remaining, said Lucy ODriscoll of the IFI.
Lawrence of Arabiais on Saturday at 7pm and on Sunday at 2.30pm. Admission prices for the large 70mm print screening are €15, and tickets can be purchased online or from the IFI box office.
Last Saturday's free movie at Meeting House Square in Temple Bar was cancelled due to torrential rain, but this Saturday the Oscar-winning feature Little Miss Sunshineis scheduled to go ahead.
As of last night, 180 tickets out of 550 were left for the 10pm open-air show. The free tickets can be obtained at the Temple Bar Cultural Information Centre, or patrons can request tickets by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Temple Bar Cultural Trust, 12 East Essex Street, Dublin 2.
Tomorrow night, Charlie Chaplin's genius will be celebrated on the silver screen in Limerick in a treat for his admirers.
Two of Chaplin's silent movies will be scored by an accompanying live orchestra at University Concert Hall (UCH) Limerick. At 8pm, Bafta-winning conductor and composer Carl Davis will lead a special orchestra through Chaplin's The Immigrant(1917) and The Rink(1916) as part of the Summer Music on the Shannon 2008 festival.
Tickets cost €15, with concessions available at €12, said Emma Foote of the UCH.
The UCH holds in excess of 1,000 people and Ms Foote remarked the audience will be able to "witness the renaissance of the silent film".
Toy Storyand Greaseare the top billings at Marlay Park in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, on Sunday as part of a free family and music day organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
About 20,000 people can be catered for and tickets are available at libraries in the county. Alternatively, they can be picked up at the county hall on Marine Road in Dún Laoghaire.
Attractions including a bouncy castle and face-painting will be provided by the council, and people living in the area are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy the free entertainment from 2pm onwards.
Meanwhile, veteran Irish actor David Kelly is guest of honour on Sunday night at the IFI in Temple Bar. He is to be interviewed before a live audience at the institute's largest cinema, which holds 258 people.
The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) is behind the In Conversation event and IFTA's Tanya Warren said a "limited number" of paired tickets are available on a first-come/first-serve basis.
Those interested in attending the two-hour special, which begins at 6.30pm, can e-mail events@ifta.ie or request tickets to be posted to them.