Greystones Film Club: That They May Face The Rising Sun

Director: Pat Collins

Cast: Barry Ward, Anna Bederke, Lalor Roddy, Sean McGinley

Ireland, the 1970s. Joe and Kate Ruttledge return from London to live in a small rural community. They quickly become close friends with many of the older men and women living in the area. Over the course of a year, Joe and Kate grapple with major life decisions, while also witnessing their neighbours’ moments of joy, disappointment, conflict and loss.

Based on John McGahern’s final novel and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pat Collins (Song of Granite), That They May Face The Rising Sun is a beautifully bittersweet portrait of a very particular time and place. It’s a perfectly-observed slice of life – full of humour and warmth, while also tenderly reflecting on the people and traditions that Ireland has lost.

Festivals:

BFI London Film Festival, 2023

Dublin International Film Festival, 2024

Awards:

Best Irish Film – Dublin Film Critics’ Circle Awards, DIFF 2024

Quotes:

“★★★★★ [A] perfectly pitched adaptation of John McGahern’s final novel” – Donald Clarke, The Irish Times

“A lyrical, loving celebration of the everyday… beautifully realised and quietly beguiling” – Allan Hunter, Screen Daily

“An achingly tender and richly textured portrait of a year in the life of a close-knit Irish farming community” – Jerry Whyte, Cineoutsider