"Ireland and The Irish in Cinema" Fairfield University Irish Studies program presents film series | Press Releases

The Fairfield University Irish Studies program will sponsor a film series called "Ireland and the Irish in Cinema," which will take place throughout February and March. The series consists of five films, all of which will begin at 7 p.m. in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library Multimedia Room. A Fairfield University professor who teaches in the Irish Studies minor and is also a member of the Irish Studies Committee will introduce each film. Admission is free.

"The purpose of the film series is to make people aware of the variety of Irish culture and history by means of a popular genre," said Professor Marion White, a member of the Irish Studies Committee.

"The Quiet Man" (1952), starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, will kick off the series on Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. The Academy Award winning film, which will be introduced by assistant professor of English Dr. James Mullan, deals with an American who emigrates to Ireland and experiences a culture clash.

Dr. William Abbott, associate professor of History, will introduce "Michael Collins" (1996), starring Liam Neeson, on Thursday, Feb. 22. "The award winning film, is a reasonably accurate historical portrayal of the crucial juncture in Irish political history, 1916-1922," said Professor White.

The following Thursday, March 1, the department will show "In the Name of the Father" (1993), which illustrates the troubles in Northern Ireland. This film, which stars Daniel Day-Lewis, was nominated for 7 Oscars. Dr. Kevin Cassidy, professor of Politics, will introduce this film.

The next film in the series is "The Commitments" (1991), which will be shown on Thursday, March 22, will be introduced by Professor Robert Epstein, associate professor of English. This film portrays the impact of American rock 'n' roll on popular culture in Ireland. "The Commitments" spawned two hugely successful soundtrack albums and garnered an Academy Award nomination.

Professor White will introduce the last in the series, John Sayles' magical film, "The Secret of Roan Inish" (1994), on Tuesday, March 27. This family film, shot in a small fishing village in Donegal, is a reflection of Gaelic folklore.

Each film provides a different aspect of Irish culture, and Fairfield students and local residents are welcome to enjoy this event. The Irish Film Series was funded by The College of Arts & Sciences, the Peace and Justice Program, and the American Studies Program.