NI’s first football film festival kicks off this month
Calling all football fans ⚽️
Last updated 6th Jul 2022
Northern Ireland’s first ever football film festival is coming to Newry later this month.
Taking place over three consecutive days (July 22-24) at Newry Showgrounds, the home of Newry City AFC, football fans can enjoy a range of films and exhibitions, as well as some special guest appearances.
The Kick Off Film Festival is the idea of three friends – Ally McKenzie, Gareth McCullough and James Irwin – who all have a love of football and film.
Kicking things off on Friday 22nd July, the opening night will see the screening of Evan Marshall’s Spirit Of ’58, telling the story of the famous Northern Ireland side who competed in the 1958 World Cup.
Not only will Evan Marshall himself be in attendance on the night, but Northern Ireland and Aston Villa goalscoring legend Peter McParland – who hit the net five times in that tournament – will be returning to his hometown for the film as well.
A Northern Ireland memorabilia exhibition will be on display prior to the screening on Friday.
Newry filmmaker John Reavey will host a screening of his short film “Why are there no gay footballers?’ on Saturday July 23rd before hosting a Q&A afterwards.
That will be followed later in the day by a Mental Health short video screening with cross-community football group The Respect Project before The Play Off: Newry City AFC 2018 film.
Saturday finishes with Jonathan Owen’s ‘I Believe In Miracles’ – the story of the rise of Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, which culminated in their European Cup wins in 1979 and 1980.
On Sunday 24th July, the penultimate festival screening is the hilarious ‘Football Monologue’ followed by The Three Kings – showcasing the story of three giants of both Scottish and world football: Matt Busby, Bill Shankly and Jock Stein.
Festival Director Ally McKenzie commented:
“To bring the first ever football dedicated film festival to Ireland is something we're very proud of. As huge fans of both football and film, it's amazing to be able to celebrate the beautiful game on the big screen.
“We're offering people the chance to view some fantastic films from the world of football but also have the added layer of watching them within a football ground. It's such a unique environment and will only add to the authenticity of the festival.
“It means a lot to us to bring this unique festival to Newry. I think many people would expect something like this to take place in Belfast or Dublin - even London - but we know what there are so many talented people in Newry and this is an opportunity to bring something different to the city, let everyone see something different and to be a part of history.
“To do it with friends makes it even better.”
SCREENING TIMES 🎥
Friday July 22nd
7pm: Northern Ireland Memorabilia Exhibition and Spirit of ’58 film screening with Northern Ireland’s top scorer at the 1958 World Cup Peter McParland in attendance
NOTE: Screening begins at 8pm sharp
Saturday July 23rd
12pm: Screening: Why are there no openly gay footballers? – followed by Q&A with filmmaker John Reavey
5pm: Respect Project Mental Health short video screening followed by The Play Off Newry City AFC screening
8pm: Screening: I Believe In Miracles (European Cup in attendance)
Sunday July 24th
1pm: Football Monologues
8pm: The Three Kings (European Cup in attendance)
To book your seat, go to kickofffilmfestival.com or eventbrite.co.uk
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