Returning for its 25th edition, Belfast Film Festival is back and boasting one of its best programmes to date. From 30th October – 8th November the city will play host to a wide variety of screenings, showcase a selection of homegrown talent and even welcome some Hollywood stars. So with such a stacked lineup to choose from, we’ve had a look ahead and picked out a few highlights to help you plan your festival viewing.
Die, My Love
Thursday 30th October // 7:00pm – Cineworld
Opening this year’s festival is Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love. The director, known for her provocative style in We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011) and You Were Never Really Here (2017), returns with an intense psychological drama that depicts one woman’s descent into postpartum depression. Starring generational talents Jennifer Lawrence – who also serves as producer – and Robert Pattinson, this promises to be a cinematic collaboration to die for.
Aontas
Friday 31th October // 7:00pm – Cineworld
After playing Belfast Film Festival with his fantastic feature debut Doineann – Northern Ireland’s first ever Irish language film – back in 2021, local filmmaker Damian McCann returns with brand new thriller, Aontas. His latest film sees three woman rob a credit union, but not one for straightforward or linear storytelling, his plot – co-written with Sarah Gordon – plays out in reverse. With Bríd Brennan starring too, this sounds like one cinematic trip well worth trying to wrap your head around.
It Was Just an Accident
Sunday 2nd November // 3:15pm – Queen’s Film Theatre
One of the festival’s most exciting “new cinema” screenings is without a doubt Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident. Winning the prestigious Palme d’Or – Cannes Film Festival’s top prize – earlier this year, it arrives with much anticipation. Panahi’s film follows a family travelling home who hit a stray dog, but what at first seems like a simple, albeit unfortunate incident, quickly escalates when they pull into a garage for help. With such an intriguing plot and considerable acclaim to back it up, this recommendation is certainly no mistake.
The Secret Agent
Sunday 2nd November // 8:40pm – Queen’s Film Theatre
Kleber Mendonça Filho’s new politcal thriller The Secret Agent has been selected as Brazil’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the upcoming Oscars, and it’s easy to see why. Debuting to rave reviews at Cannes, with lead Wagner Moura picking up the best actor award, the film – which follows a former teacher attempting to evade the persecution of the Brazilian military dictatorship – has generated quite the buzz. And with a UK and Irish release date set for next February, this is the perfect chance to see it early.
Saipan
Saturday 8th November // 7:00pm – Cineworld
After impressing in Gaelic football drama Lakelands (2022) Irish actor Éanna Hardwicke is sticking with sport for new drama, and the festival’s closing film, Saipan. Portraying footballing legend Roy Keane, the film documents the real-life bust up between him and ROI manager Mick McCarthy (Steve Coogan) in the lead up to the 2002 Japan World Cup. With local directing duo Lisa Barros D’Sa & Glenn Leyburn at the helm too, it feels like a fitting way to see the festival blow its full-time whistle.
Not Too Loud 
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