‘Small Things Like These’ by Tim Mielants to open 51st edition Film Fest Gent Small Things Like These, Belgian director Tim Mielants’ third feature, is the official opening film of Film Fest Gent 2024 and will kick off the 51st edition on Wednesday 9 October. The subdued yet poignant drama starring Oscar winner Cillian Murphy tells the story of a coal merchant in 1980s Ireland who discovers the local convent’s shocking secret. Irish-Belgian production Small Things Like These will have its Belgian premiere as the official opening film of Film Fest Gent. Back in February, the film had the honour of opening the Berlinale, where it received rave reviews from the international press. Actress Emily Watson won the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Actress. Small Things Like These is adapted from the novel of the same name by Irish author Claire Keegan - known for her short story Foster, which previously received a film adaptation as The Quiet Girl. The story is set in 1980s Ireland, where the Catholic Church wielded a stifling influence. Bill Furlong (Cillian Murphy), a coal merchant and father of five daughters, lives a modest life. His peaceful existence is disrupted when he discovers a secret in the local convent, headed by Sister Mary (Emily Watson). This discovery forces Bill to reconsider his silence. Without referring to them by name, Small Things Like These sheds light on the abusive practices of Ireland’s notorious Magdalene laundries where women - mostly young, unwed single mothers - were housed in deplorable conditions. In 2013, an official apology was issued by the Irish state to the tens of thousands of victims.
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ROYAL ARTS VISIONS; Film Fest Gent 51st Edition