Northern Ireland’s first ever football film festival is coming to Newry this weekend. The inaugural Kick Off Football Film Festival will take place over three consecutive days at Newry Showgrounds, the home of Danske Bank Premiership club Newry City AFC.
Over the course of the weekend of July 22-24, the festival will play host to wide range of films, exhibitions and special guests with all screenings overlooking the Showgrounds pitch.
The Kick Off Film Festival is the brainchild of three friends – Ally McKenzie, Gareth McCullough and James Irwin – who all share a love of football and film.
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Friday's opening night will see the screening of Evan Marshall’s Spirit Of ’58, which tells the story of the famous Northern Ireland side that competed in the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
Not only will Evan Marshall be in attendance, but Northern Ireland and Aston Villa goal scoring legend Peter McParland – who hit the net five times in that tournament – will also return to his hometown for the film.
There will also be a Northern Ireland memorabilia exhibition prior to the screening.
On Saturday, July 23, Newry filmmaker John Reavey will host a screening of his short film “Why are there no gay footballers?’ before hosting a Q&A afterwards.
That will be followed later in the day by a Mental Health short video with cross-community football group The Respect Project before The Play Off: Newry City AFC 2018 film.
Saturday will conclude with Jonathan Owen’s ‘I Believe In Miracles’ – the story of the rise of Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough and Peter Taylor, which culminated in European Cup success in 1979 and 1980.
Sunday July 24 will see the screening of the hilarious ‘Football Monologue’ followed by The Three Kings – showcasing the story of three giants of both Scottish and world football: Matt Busby, Bill Shankly and Jock Stein.
Festival Director Ally McKenzie said: “To bring the first ever football dedicated film festival to Ireland is something we're really proud of. As huge fans of both football and film, it's amazing to be able to celebrate the beautiful game on the big screen.
“After the last few years, it's important to get people back viewing films again with audiences. We're offering people the chance to view some fantastic films from the world of football but also have the added layer of watching them within a football ground. It's such a unique environment and will only add to the authenticity of the festival.
“As well as a fine programme of films, we are bringing together football memorabilia and art exhibitions, and will be having important discussions about representation in football during Q&As with filmmakers.
“It means a lot to us to bring this unique festival to Newry. I think many people would expect something like this to take place in Belfast or Dublin - even London - but we know what there are so many talented people in Newry and this is an opportunity to bring something different to the city and to be a part of history.
“To do it with friends makes it even better.”
To see the full list of screenings and events, and to book your seat, go to www.kickofffilmfestival.com
Tickets can also be booked via Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kick-off-football-film-festival-tickets-362351030687?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
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