Music lovers in for a treat at IndieCork 2023

IndieCork, one of the country’s biggest celebrations of independent film, kicks off this Friday and runs until December 22nd at the newly opened Arc Cinema in Cork City (formerly The Gate). Along with its extensive programme of world premieres, internationally acclaimed documentaries and short films, there is an impressive music event, in collaboration with the Centre for Contemporary Music, which represents many of the participants in this project.

‘Reaction’ sees several of Ireland’s foremost contemporary musicians and composers respond to a diversity of silent short films curated by Peter Zemek. Taking place from 5 – 7pm on Sunday December 17th at The Blacknight Festival Centre (The Pavilion), composers are free to ‘react’ however they choose, from free improvisation to soundtrack composition. 

The musicians performing at ‘Reaction’ are Irish interdisciplinary art-music composer and improviser Bianca Gannon; Harry Moore, a composer who specialises in reacting to environments and events he encounters; Ana Palindrome, a band that explores experimental song-writing, combining electronics, bass and fiddles; composer and artist Neil Quigley whose work focuses on sonic representations of space, human politics and the musical workplace; composer and researcher Kerry Hagan who works in both acoustic and computer media; Danny McCarthy a leading exponent of sound and performance art in Ireland and internationally; Jack Mahoney a Cork-based trombonist and composer; Bertrand Galen, classical musician and improviser and founding member of Oscar-winning band The Swell Season; and ethnomusicologist Tony Langois, founder member of IndieCork and composer for film. 

Commenting on the musical offering, Co-Director of IndieCork Úna Feely said: “Since its inception, IndieCork has placed a huge emphasis on the music element of the festival, which has always complemented the programme and added a really exciting dimension for festival goers. This year we’re especially proud to be associated with ‘Reaction,’ a hugely innovative and creative event at The Pav, which will showcase some of the most talented and diverse musicians and artists across Ireland.” 

The Opening night film of IndieCork 2022 is ‘The Trouble with Jessica,’ directed by Matt Winn, who will attend on the night. Winner of both the Special Jury and the Audience award at the recent Dinard Film Festival, this charming film features a sterling cast of British actors. 

The festival closes with the legendary Wim Wenders latest film ‘Perfect Days’ which won ‘Best Actor’ at Cannes Film Festival this year. ‘The Settlers,’ is another Cannes winner; awarded the Fipresci Prize this year; an acclaimed Chilean film. A panorama of new international films offering cinematic views into other cultures features this year, with films from Ukraine, Syria, Palestine, Kazakhstan, China, Germany, and the US featuring on the schedule, amongst many others. 

For more on all films showing at IndieCork, as well as the music events taking place at The Pavilion venue on Carey’s Lane, see www.indiecork.com 

Tickets are on sale now at https://cork.arccinema.ie