Ireland celebrates a notable presence at Cannes this year, with five Irish films making their world premieres. Included in this lineup are Yorgos Lanthimos’ eagerly awaited “Kinds of Kindness,” Ariane Labed’s inaugural feature “September Says,” and Ali Abbasi’s Trump biopic “The Apprentice.”
The Irish film scene not only showcases esteemed talents like actors Cillian Murphy and Ruth Negga, cinematographer Robbie Ryan, and director Lenny Abrahamson, but also boasts locations that have recently attracted notable productions such as “Cocaine Bear” and “Abigail.” Steven Davenport, head of U.S. production and partnerships, emphasized Ireland's compact yet diverse landscape to Variety, stating, “We are a small country to get around but very diverse.”
Davenport highlighted Ireland's versatility as a filming location, noting its capability to stand in for both the U.K. and the U.S. He pointed out the modern appeal of Irish locations, citing the presence of major tech companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Apple, which contribute to a contemporary ambiance imbued with a futuristic undertone.