We choose what we feel is the best in contemporary world cinema, basing the considerations on films that have won at festivals such as Cannes, Toronto or Berlin etc…, audience requests, and using the annual Sight & Sound poll as another guide. Additionally, we want to have a strong showing of Irish films each year.

Audience numbers vary and are generally driven by a core group of patrons and then additional attendees depending on the film. Word of mouth is important and certain films catch the zeitgeist such as An Cailín Ciúin and most recently Conclave, where both the quality of the film and the events in the real world conspired to bring in a full house.

In respect of screenings, we look to include Q&A sessions each season with directors if we can. Recent visitors have included Pat Collins (That They May Face The Rising Sun) and Ciaran Cassidy (Housewife Of The Year). These chats are always illuminating and offer the audience a broader view of both subject matter and the technical aspects of making a film.

They also tend to demystify the process and create a direct personal connection between maker and viewer.