Amira Casar to Head Jury at Dinard Film Festival; Irish Comedy to Open

Actress Amira Casar, with her dual French-English heritage, is set to preside over the jury at the 37th Dinard Film Festival. The festival, dedicated to British and Irish cinema, will take place in the Breton town from October 7 to 11.

Casar's background, having grown up between France, Ireland, and the UK, makes her a fitting choice for the festival's focus. The organizers noted her extensive filmography, which includes roles in "La Vérité si je mens," "Call Me By Your Name," and "Saint Laurent," among many others. This is not her first encounter with the Dinard festival; in 2000, she presented the Hitchcock d’Or award to "Billy Elliot" at the closing ceremony.

The festival will open with the Irish comedy "Once Upon a Time in a Cinema," directed by David Gleeson. The film evokes a sense of nostalgia for the 1980s, a time when weekly cinema visits were a cherished ritual. It follows Earl Clancy, played by Colin Morgan, the owner of a small-town cinema, as he navigates a chaotic Friday night screening filled with unexpected mishaps like rats and water damage, all while contemplating selling the establishment to an unsavory politician.

The film's narrative unfolds during a screening, with the on-screen drama mirrored by the off-screen struggles of the cinema owner. "Once Upon a Time in a Cinema" explores the future of cinemas as the VHS format begins to gain popularity among audiences. Further programming details and attending stars for the 37th edition will be announced after the summer break.