- Jun 8
1
LHR to DUB to BCN
The crowds queue up at the sold-out Barcelona event.
More touring and traveling last week, starting with a few nights at London’s Barbican Centre. I had drinks at a friend’s apartment in the complex, I actually hadn’t been inside a Barbican flat before. Say what you will about its brutalist aesthetic and utopian inclinations, but I like the Barbican. And our two-week run went really well, thanks to the programmers there for featuring the film.
Headed to Ireland next for screenings in Belfast and Dublin. Belfast was beautiful but the turnout was hampered by a holiday weekend and some gorgeous weather. Dublin was sold out and swimming in Jameson. Shout outs are due for Andy McMillan in Belfast, and Niall, James, Patrick, and everyone at the IFI. And a preemptive shout out to Simon Roche, who I met up with in Dublin to go over the details of the Copenhagen event, to be announced soon.
Had drinks with the Sé Merry Doyle and the Loopline Films crew, and listened to some serious ska music DJ-ing from Mr. Aidan Kelly one night. At the end of the set, Aidan graciously gave me a Specials Gangsters 7″. Slainte! And of course there were pints of Guinness and toasties at Grogan’s, a great old pub. And in a meta-Dublin moment, we were sitting outside Grogan’s one evening and of course that guy from the film Once had to walk by…
Raising a glass with Sé Merry Doyle, aka Ireland’s Highest Paid Documentary Filmmaker
Next stop: Barcelona… I’d never been to Spain before, so I took full advantage on the amazing weather, the tapas, the Gaudi buildings, and the Spanish hospitality. At least I did when I wasn’t sequestered in my hotel room, trying to get the subtitles finished so we could screen a subtitled version. The event was sold out and hectic… it started late with 300+ people lined up in the heat, but turned out perfectly. Special thanks to Michela, Marta, Aldo, Blake, Thomas, and the rest of the gang at Smart Design for helping to organize an amazing evening. And thanks as well to Moritz for all the free beer! (That’s four alcohol references in one post!)
Cheers,
Gary
Categories: Film News
