First football film festival in Northern Ireland ready to 'Kick-Off'
The Kick Off Film Festival takes place at Newry Showgrounds from next Friday to Sunday
Northern Ireland’s first ever football film festival is coming to Newry next weekend.
The inaugural Kick Off Football Film Festival will take place over three consecutive days at Newry Showgrounds, the home of Danske Bank Premiership club Newry City AFC.
Over the course of the weekend of July 22-24, the festival will play host to wide range of films, exhibitions and special guests with all screenings overlooking the Showgrounds pitch – a truly unique setting.
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.
The opening night will see the screening of Evan Marshall’s Spirit Of ’58, which tells 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.
There will also be a Northern Ireland memorabilia exhibition prior to the screening on Friday July 22nd.
Newry filmmaker John Reavey will host a screening of his short film “Why are there no gay footballers?’ on Saturday July 23rd before 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 then 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 July 24th, 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 really 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.
"After the last few years, it's important to get people back viewing films again with audiences. 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.
"As well as a fine programme of films, we are bringing together football memorabilia and art exhibitions, and will be having important discussions about representation in football during Q&As with filmmakers.
"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."
To see the full list of screenings and events, and to book your seat, go to www.kickofffilmfestival.com