Light beamed out from the small projection room above Meeting House Square in Temple Bar. Alexis Nealon, sound engineer and Rob Furey, production manager, were setting up behind the scenes, watching from their turret-like vantage point. "It's a very safe place to be," said Furey, looking out at the square. "It's brilliant. It's a family- oriented space," he said.
Viewers filed in to take their seats for the first night of films from the Czech Republic and Cyprus. Monday night's film was Kolya, winner of an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, which attracted a full house.
Petra Marsalova, from the Embassy of the Czech Republic, was interested in the film because it focuses on aspects of language. Doireann Ní Bhriain and her daughter, Gráinne Pollak (15) were among those who came to see Kolya. Gráinne Millar, head of cultural development with Temple Bar Properties, says each screening caters for a seated audience of approximately 600.
They are shown as part of Diversions, the festival of free outdoor events that Temple Bar Properties organises to run throughout the summer. Also being screened as part of the Stella Artois Movies on the Square on Saturday nights, are entries to a short film competition. Millar says the winner, who will receive €4,000, will be announced at the beginning of September.
For further information on Diversions, click on www.templebar.ie