Stella Days, one of the films in the 13th Annual Irish Film Festival running March 22-25.

By Amanda Rhodes

The 13^th annual Irish Film Festival, Boston, is coming to Somerville once again this year. The festival, founded in 1999, showcases contemporary Irish films, but features at least one gem from the past.

The festival runs from Thursday, March 22, through Sunday, March 25, and shows at the Brattle Theatre in Harvard Square on Thursday and Somerville Theater in Davis Square from Friday through Sunday. Tickets to each film screening are $10 and include entry into all pre-event and post-event receptions. An All Access Festival Pass, which allows entrance to all screenings and receptions, is available for only $75.

The Irish Film Festival strives to be a gateway for Irish filmmakers interested in entering the American market.  As the Festival Co-Director, Dawn Morrissey, points out, “Momentum is building around the strength of our line-up, and it is an honor to be the best port-of-call when it comes to premiering cutting-edge Irish film in America.”

Many different genres of filmmaking are featured at this year’s festival, including documentary, short, and feature-length films which highlight an Irish sensitivity to filmmaking. This year’s lineup showcases many Oscar nominated and award-winning films, such as Jonny Boy, starring Jon Polito. The festival also serves as the U.S. premiere of Behold the Lamb, and includes appearances by its Director John Mcllduff and actress Aoife Duffin. Also screening at this year’s Festival is the Academy Award winner for Best Short Film is the film, The Shore.

As Dawn Morrissey points out “there is a trend toward independent film, that tends to stand out, that is edgier than American film.” Contemporary Irish films have become global, featuring more than just Northern Ireland and its troubles. The films showcase an Irish humor and visual sensibility.

One draw for American audiences is the film The Road to Moneygall, which documents the story of Henry Healy, an Irish cousin of President Obama. Both Henry Healy and the Director of the film, Ed Godsell will be in town for the Festival. The festival also includes appearances by many of the directors, actors, and actresses of the films, including Stephen Rea, an actor in Stella Days, The Crying Game, and V for Vendetta.

The festival is kid-friendly and offers free animations for children on Saturday and Sunday. Grown-ups can take advantage of the rich film offerings and have a beer at the Somerville Theater, all while their kids enjoy world-class animated films.

The Irish Film Festival’s grand finale is a screening of Dreaming of the Quiet Man and commemorates the 60th anniversary of the 1952 Academy Award winner, The Quiet Man, by Director John Ford. In the film, Ford crafts his homage to Ireland, the birthplace of his parents and creates a classic Irish-American film. The commemorative film, Dreaming of the Quiet Man, features commentary by actors and actresses well-known to American audiences, such as Maureen O’Hara, who starred in the original film opposite John Wayne.

Festival goers can find films to match his or her tastes or mood, whether comedic, athletic, or somber. A complete schedule of film screenings and events is available at www.irishfilmfestival.com.  Tickets can only be purchased through the website. Though opening night at the Brattle Theatre is sold-out, tickets are still available for viewings at Somerville Theater. A reception follows each night’s events.