Podtalk: Michael Kinirons of ‘The Sparrow’ at 24th Chicago Irish Film Festival, Mar. 2, 2023

CHICAGO – One of the bonus elements of Chicago’s many film events is the opportunity to meet filmmakers from all around the world. The 24th Chicago Irish Film Festival (CIFF) will open on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023, with “The Sparrow,” and appearing on behalf of the film is writter/director Michael Kinirons. For ticket information, click THE SPARROW [18].

“The Sparrow” involves 15-year-old Kevin (Ollie West), who lives in a dysfunctional family anchored by a father (David O’Hara) whose behavior caused his mother to leave, and she subsequently died in an auto accident. His older brother Robbie (Éanna Hardwicke) becomes the last-chance golden boy, as he awaits word on an elite military assignment. Troubled Kevin is shuffled aside, and his obsession with his dead mother causes a riff between him and Robbie, with tragic consequences.

Ollie West in ’The Sparrow,’ Written & Directed by Michael Kinirons
Photo credit: Juno Films

Michael Kinirons makes his feature film directorial debut with “The Sparrow.” He is an award winning Irish screenwriter, and studied directing at the National Film and Television School in London. His short films have played in numerous international festivals and has had projects selected for the Torino Film Lab, eQuinoxe, the Britlist and is a Berlinale Talent Campus alumni.

In an Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, writer/director Michael Kinirons of “The Sparrow” talks about symbolism, Ollie West and of course, Irish Catholic culture in the film …

The 24th annual Chicago Irish Film Festival (CIFF) is the city’s celebration of stories and films from the Land of Storytelling. The festival is available in-person March 2-5, 2023, and online March 6-12. Since its roots in 1999, the festival has screened over 1,500 features, documentaries, and short films by many of Ireland’s most talented and award-winning filmmakers. For complete information, film schedules (both in-person and hybrid) and events, click 24th CIFF [19].

[20]	By PATRICK McDONALD [21] Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com [20]