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Portobello Film Festival Celebrates 30 Years with Irish Cultural Centre Partnership

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March 21, 2025
4 min read

Portobello Film Festival Celebrates 30 Years with Irish Cultural Centre Partnership

The Portobello Film Festival is marking its 30th anniversary by teaming up with the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith for a special showcase of short films that highlight the deep connections between Irish culture and West London. The event will feature a selection of films reflecting the experiences of Irish communities and will pay tribute to Niall McDevitt, a poet and Portobello resident whose work explored the literary and historical landscapes of London.

The festival has long been a hub for independent filmmakers, offering a free platform to share diverse stories since its launch in 1996. This collaboration brings together some of the best Irish-connected films from its extensive archives, alongside new works.

Oedipus at The Old Vic: Rami Malek’s Bold Reinvention

A dramatic take on the classic tragedy, starring Rami Malek in an intense reimagining at The Old Vic.

Salomé: Oscar Wilde’s Banned Play

Explore the story behind Oscar Wilde’s most controversial play and its journey from censorship to the stage.

Elektra at the Duke of York’s Theatre

Step into the world of Greek tragedy with a powerful retelling of Sophocles’ Elektra on a London stage.

A Tribute to Niall McDevitt

This year’s programme is dedicated to Niall McDevitt, a poet whose love for London’s literary history led him to collaborate on several documentary films. Among the works being screened is W.B. Yeats: The Battle of Blythe Road, which delves into Yeats’ involvement in the mystical society The Golden Dawn. Also featured is James Joyce – Reluctant Groom, a film chronicling Joyce’s unexpected wedding in Kensington. The festival will also present the world premiere of William Blake and the River Tyburn.

Festival Highlights

The Portobello Film Festival has showcased thousands of films over the years, many of which focus on migration, social issues, and the rich cultural tapestry of London. The Irish Cultural Centre screenings will feature standout entries, including:

Jama The Dandy – A documentary on Jama Elmi, a Portobello legend known as London’s best-dressed man.
Rootical – A deep dive into the photography of Charlie Phillips, who documented Caribbean immigration in Notting Hill during the 1950s and 1960s.
Irish in Brent – A film exploring the Irish immigrant experience in London’s Brent borough during the 1980s.
Shelter Me – A moving documentary featuring musicians Glen Hansard and Hozier, focusing on the homeless crisis in Dublin.
Flying Saucer Rock and Roll – A 1950s-style sci-fi spoof starring Ardal O’Hanlon, best known for Father Ted.
Lucian Freud: Portraits – A documentary that captures the life of Lucian Freud through the eyes of those who sat for his famous portraits.

This unique celebration of Irish filmmaking is just one part of the Portobello Film Festival’s journey towards its official anniversary edition, taking place from 28th August to 14th September 2025.

The partnership with the Irish Cultural Centre ensures that these stories continue to resonate, connecting past and present generations through film, poetry, and shared cultural heritage.

For more updates on London’s film scene, cultural events, and independent cinema, visit EyeOnLondon.

[Image Credit: Portobello Film Festival]