Berlin prepares to roll out the red carpet for an array of filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles, as Cillian Murphy’s historical drama ‘Small Things Like These’ is slated to be the inaugural film at this year’s prominent Berlin Film Festival. The movie, adapted from Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novella, will command the audience’s attention during its world premiere in the festival’s competition segment on February 15.
Excitement builds as this ambitious project brings together a wealth of talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Directed by Tim Mielants and with a screenplay penned by Enda Walsh, the film harnesses the gifted performances of Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, and Emily Watson. The production not only showcases Murphy’s prowess as an actor but also his acumen as a producer, collaborating with Alan Moloney under their Big Things Films banner, joined by producer Catherine Magee.
The commitment to this film extends to its impressive backing, with Hollywood heavyweights Matt Damon and Drew Vinton contributing as producers. This cinematic endeavor further enjoys the support of recognized figures such as Ben Affleck, Kevin Halloran, and Michael Joe of Artists Equity, who steer the project as executive producers.
Berlinale’s artistic director, Carlo Chatrian, articulated his enthusiasm in a statement to Variety, lauding the film for its storytelling artistry and the team’s ability to translate Keegan’s literary finesse onto the silver screen. Chatrian highlighted how ‘Small Things Like These’ brings to life a tale of an ordinary man who speaks volumes through his perceptive observations of the world, reflecting the clear expanse of the Irish sky. He acknowledged Murphy’s excellent interpretation of the source material, which effectively turns simple, everyday figures into indelible characters. Chatrian’s words reveal a profound confidence in the film’s capacity to strike a chord with audiences, through its potent mixture of human compassion and unyielding courage in the face of injustice.
The launch of this highly anticipated feature is set to coincide with Zeitgeist Irland 24, which is a year-long celebration aimed at honoring Irish culture across Germany. As the festival gears up for this grand opening, ‘Small Things Like These’ stands as a testament to the compelling universality of its narrative, one that harmonizes tenderness towards the vulnerable with an unshakeable stance against societal wrongs.
The anticipation for the Berlin Film Festival is palpable among film aficionados, as it represents not just a platform for showcasing global cinematic masterpieces, but a cultural touchstone that sparks conversations around diverse narratives and art forms. The decision to premiere ‘Small Things Like These’ at this gathering is a clear nod to the power of intimate stories that resonate deeply with human emotions and the prevailing ethos of our time.
As the international community sets its sights on the Berlin Film Festival, all eyes are on ‘Small Things Like These’ to set the tone for an event characterized by artistic celebration and cutting-edge storytelling. This film, with its adept cast and crew, is poised to leave an imprint on its international audience and shape the discourse around world cinema for the year to come.
