Northern Ireland

Film stars Jamie Dornan and Judi Dench expected to attend Irish premiere of Belfast

The new movie Belfast, directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, is based on his experience of growing up in the city
The new movie Belfast, directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, is based on his experience of growing up in the city The new movie Belfast, directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, is based on his experience of growing up in the city

FILM stars Jamie Dornan, Caitríona Balfe and Judi Dench are expected to attend the Irish premiere tonight of Sir Kenneth's Branagh's new movie, Belfast.

They are due to join him on the red carpet as his cinematic tribute to his native city headlines the 21st Belfast Film Festival.

Among other stars set to attend the event at the Waterfront Hall are Ciarán Hinds and Gilford-born Jude Hill (11), who has already received rave reviews for his performance in the film and is reportedly being considered for a lead actor nomination at the 2022 Academy Awards.

Having recently won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film - due to be released in February - has been described as a "masterpiece" by critics.

The Irish premiere marks the opening night of the Belfast Film Festival with Sir Kenneth set to introduce the movie at the special event.

Sir Kenneth Branagh
Sir Kenneth Branagh Sir Kenneth Branagh

A semi-autobiographical drama written and directed by him, it is based on his experiences of growing up in the Tigers Bay area in the north of the city.

The film is described as a "personal and joyful story" set amid the social and political upheavals of late 1960s Northern Ireland.

Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan in Belfast, directed by Kenneth Branagh
Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan in Belfast, directed by Kenneth Branagh Caitriona Balfe and Jamie Dornan in Belfast, directed by Kenneth Branagh

Speaking last month, Sir Kenneth said: "I am fortunate to have attended film festivals throughout the world for this most personal of films, but it was always my hope that we might be invited to bring Belfast home.

"To be included as a part of the Belfast Film Festival is a great honour for us.

"This year's festival is packed with local talent in all areas of the industry from acting and directing to producing, and shows the phenomenal strength of the film industry here."