World Premiere of ‘Small Things Like These’ Starring Cillian Murphy Opens Berlin Film Festival
The highly anticipated Berlin Film Festival is set to kick off with a bang as it opens with the world premiere of ‘Small Things Like These.’ This marks a significant moment in Irish cinema history, as it is the first time an Irish movie has opened the prestigious Berlinale. The film stars the talented Cillian Murphy, who not only takes on the lead role but also serves as a producer.
‘Small Things Like These’ is a gripping drama set in 1985, offering viewers a glimpse into the weeks leading up to Christmas. The story revolves around Bill Furlong, played by Murphy, a devoted family man and coal merchant residing in the traditional Irish town of New Ross in County Wexford. As he goes about his daily delivery rounds, he stumbles upon a shocking secret hidden within the local convent.
The convent, led by the formidable Sister Mary, portrayed by Emily Watson, is revealed to be a cruel institution that takes in vulnerable women and girls. Bill’s discovery forces him to confront not only the dark truths about the convent but also the realities of his own life and his beloved hometown.
Directed by Tim Mielants, known for his work on the hit series ‘Peaky Blinders,’ and adapted by Enda Walsh from Claire Keegan’s acclaimed novel, ‘Small Things Like These’ promises to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling. Keegan’s previous work, ‘Foster,’ was adapted into the critically acclaimed film ‘The Quiet Girl,’ which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in 2022 and made history as the first Irish-language film to be nominated for an International Feature Oscar.
Cillian Murphy, who was drawn to the project after falling in love with Keegan’s book, expressed his excitement about playing the lead role. He shared, “I very much wanted to play the part. And so, I thought, well the best thing to do then is to see if Claire will give us the rights and to see if we can put a team together.” Murphy’s passion for the story and his collaboration with his longtime partner at Big Things Films, Alan Moloney, and Artists Equity, who financed the film, have brought ‘Small Things Like These’ to life.
The film boasts an impressive cast, with Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, and Zara Devlin joining Murphy and Watson in bringing the characters to life. The production is a collaboration between Artists Equity, Big Things Films, Screen Ireland, and Wilder Films, with FilmNation Entertainment handling the sales.
As the Berlin Film Festival opens its doors to cinephiles from around the world, ‘Small Things Like These’ promises to be a standout film that tackles important themes and showcases the talent of Irish cinema. With its world premiere at the festival, this gripping drama is set to make waves and captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and stellar performances.
