Welcome to the Intrepid British and Irish Film Festival! I’m thrilled to be this year’s ambassador and have thoroughly enjoyed getting immersed into the gems of the 2025 line-up. I’ve highlighted some for you below, but you’re sure to have a great outing to the cinema whichever film you choose. Happy watching!
Beat the Lotto (G)
They say truth is stranger than fiction, and who would think to ‘Beat the Lotto’ by buying every ticket in the Irish lottery in 1992? Well, a crafty Irish mathematician ran the numbers and tried to buy the two million combinations required to ‘Beat the Lotto’, and you have to see it to believe what happens.
Lollipop (M)
Writer/Director Daisy-May Hudson’s incredible autobiographical story is told beautifully through the performances of lead actress Posy Sterling and the child actors in the film. I wouldn’t be surprised if Posy wins the BAFTA Rising Star Award next year, and Lollipop is a must-watch.
The North (M)
I didn’t know much about Scotland’s West Highland Way before seeing The North, but wow did it made me want to book a one way ticket to the incredible Highlands. Two best friends, Bart and Carlos, walk the 600 kilometre journey and along the way we learn a lot about their journeys and how they finally overcome this epic tramp in trying conditions.
Christy (R13)
Winner of the Generation section at Berlin International Film Festival, and Best Irish Film at Galway Film Fleadh, Christy is an uplifting tale of a young man finding his path to a brighter future. Director Brendan Canty of Hozier’s ‘Take me to Church’ fame (1.2 billion views) directs his debut feature adapted from his 2019 short. Expect him to take home a few Irish film awards for Christy next year.
Re-Creation (M)
I remember following this famous murder case and trial back in the late 90s, and here we get the 12 Angry Men treatment from legendary Irish director Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father). Featuring fabulous performances from Vicky Krieps, Colm Meaney, and Aidan Gillen - as well as Sheridan himself - this trial by jury drama reveals the emotion behind the verdict.
Dead of Winter (Rating TBC)
Irish director Brian Kirk casts Emma Thompson in a role I guarantee you’ve never seen her in before. Barb (Thompson) is travelling alone through snowbound Minnesota when she witnesses the kidnapping of a teenage girl. Dead of Winter had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival, where renowned film critic Peter Bradshaw gave the film five stars. You won’t be disappointed.
Four Mothers (Rating TBC)
This hilarious tale sees Irish novelist, Edward, juggling his writing career and caring for his elderly, speechless mother. When his friends leave town for a Pride event and dump their own mothers on him for the weekend, Edward is thrown into chaos. I hope you get beautiful happy sad feels like I did.
Glenrothan (Rating TBC)
Brian Cox of Succession fame makes his directorial debut at the age of 79 in a charming tale of two brothers reuniting to determine the fate of their family whisky distillery. Featuring a belting cast of Brian himself, Alan Cumming, and Shirley Henderson, this wee dram of a film is an easy way to lose yourself at the cinema.