North Circular: A Musical Trip Through Dublin’s North Inner City. (Film + Director’s Q&A)

Powerfully shot in black and white, the film evokes many narratives from the history of the city and nation, from colonialism, to mental health, to the struggle for women’s liberation, while also engaging with urgent issues of today, including the battle to save the legendary Cobblestone Pub, centre of Dublin’s recent folk revival, from destruction at the hands of cynical property developers. The film is also smattered with Dublin humour and celebrates the power of community. 

North Circular includes musical performances from artists local to the North Circular, including John Francis Flynn, Séan Ó Túama, Eoghan O’Ceannabháin, Ian Lynch & Gemma Dunleavy.

The film has been playing to sold out audiences all over Ireland and it has picked up a whole host of awards, among them ‘Winner of the Special Mention Award in Documentary Competition at Dublin International Film Festival’, ‘Best Documentary Award at Louth International Film Festival’, ‘Special Mention and Spirit of IndieCork Award’ and earlier this year it won a prestigious Grand Prix at France’s biggest documentary festival, FIPADOC – The jury praised North Circular for the quality of its music, the strength of its storytelling and its aesthetic approach.

The ICC is delighted to give London audiences a chance to see this film. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the Director Luke McManus

What the press say about North Circular

“resonant, vivid and beautifully shot film” … “What distinguishes North Circular is the overwhelming importance of music: there’s a musical tradition here that is not simply commemorative and static, but vital and evolving, and given a fresh burst of creativity by the emerging status of women in Ireland – the film features a potent contribution from north Dublin singer-songwriter Gemma Dunleavy. A film made with real artistry.” Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

“North Circular is a film that shines such depth and complexity on bigger subjects like gentrification, community and history through touching personal stories, creating a love letter to this iconic place which has a turbulent history as well as present.” Variety Magazine.