Melbourne’s Australian Ireland Fund Young Leaders hosted a sold out private pre-Oscar screening of the Academy Award nominated Irish film – Brooklyn – based on the award winning novel of the same name by Colm Tóibín at the Palace Cinema, Como South Yarra.
The sold out crowd boasted plenty of Irish star power with Olympic Silver Medalist Sonia O’Sullivan, Melbourne Rebels’ new signing Jamie Hagan and Carlton Football players Ciaran Sheehan and Ciaran Byrne in the audience.
Before the main event guests were treated to beverages on arrival and a photography exhibition donated by Ibar Carty Photography featuring exclusive behind the scenes images of filming in Enniscorthy.
Adding to the anticipation for the screening itself, Melbourne Young Leader Rory Carty opened proceedings with a video message recorded especially for the event by Colm Tóibín himself. Rory has a special connection to ‘Brooklyn’ as it was filmed in his home town of Enniscorthy and his dad’s photography shop (Ibar Carty Photography) features in the production.
There were tears shed during the film which tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey (played by Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee, Saoirse Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. A story that was all too familiar to many in attendance at the Melbourne screening!
We could not be happier with the sold out event, the proceeds of which go towards supporting the Australian Ireland Fund’s charities.
