Fleadh fingers crossed for Keira

All eyes will be on Galway and whether it has the X-Factor to draw Hollywood A-lister Keira Knightley to the red carpet for the Irish premiere of her new film.

The 26th Galway Film Fleadh opens with the new film from ‘Once’ writer and director John Carney. Begin Again set in Manhatten boasts an impressive cast led by the star of Pirates of the Caribbean and Atonement alongside Mark Ruffalo and musician Adam Levine.

The Fleadh gave Once its world premiere back in 2006. In the audience was a key programmer from the Sundance Festival which saw the Irish musical opus get to the world stage. Musicians Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová starred and wrote the soundtrack for the movie, later winning the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song for the title track, “Falling Slowly”.

The backroom team of the Galway Film Fleadh are working flat out to secure the appearance of Knightley at the Town Hall Theatre on July 8, who is currently doing the world circuit of publicity for the film.

“It’s impossible to say at this point. John Carney is the only one totally confirmed. We’re crossing our fingers,” revealed publicity officer William Fitzgerald.

“Mark Ruffalo would also be a big draw after his role in the Avengers. We are hoping a number of stars will be here but we’re waiting to lock in travel details before we announce anything.”

Begin Again is an American musical romantic comedy-drama featuring Gretta (Knightley) and her long-time boyfriend Dave (Adam Levine) who are college sweethearts and songwriting partners who decamp for New York when he lands a deal with a major label.

But the trappings of his new-found fame soon tempt Dave to stray, leaving a distraught Gretta on her own.

She then hooks up with Dan (Mark Ruffalo), a disgraced record-label exec, who stumbles upon her performing on an East Village stage and is immediately captivated by her raw talent. From this chance encounter emerges a mutually transformative collaboration. John Carney and Glen Hansard also contributed as songwriters for the film’s music.

For more on this story see the Galway City Tribune.