Cowboys, vampires, capers and crime in the 'city of ghosts'

A new mini film festival brings a flavour of San Diego Comic Con to Dublin, with previews, secret films and some surprise celebrity features, writes JOE GRIFFIN

THE IRISH have an insatiable appetite for the film. We’re among the most frequent cinemagoers per-capita in the world – trailing only behind the US – and our film festivals are healthily attended. Movie Fest is a perfect fit for this country, with six movie previews over two days, peppered with recorded greetings from the talent and advance trailers and preview footage.

Vincent Donnelly, editor of Movies.ie, is the organiser and one of the financiers of the event. When I speak to him before the festival, he is understandably nervous – he has been told to expect most tickets to sell on the day of the event, which is hardly reassuring.

The festival is inspired by San Diego Comic Con, a film, comic and sci-fi jamboree that has developed into a huge affair – it is attended by thousands and attracts high-profile advance preview footage and guest appearances from the cream of Hollywood. “It’s become so big because movie studios benefit from small audiences that make footage go viral. Jealousy fuels its journey around the world. [Our event is] small, but hopefully it will become like that eventually,” says Donnelly.

Thankfully, the film choices are't too geeky or niche; the line-up for Movie Fest is varied, including a cerebral crime movie, comedies and sci-fi western Cowboys & Aliens. "While I was inspired by Comic Con, I was careful not to choose comic-style movies," says Donnelly. "There is an audience for that, but it's not everyone's cup of tea."

The first day of the sold-out event features Fright Night, a horror/comedy starring Colin Farrell as a vampire who moves in next door to a single mother (Toni Collette) and her teenage son (Anton Yelchin). David Tennant turns up too, as a campy, outspoken celebrity magician. This is a perfect first film – a witty and lively remake of the 1980s favourite.

Prior to the surprise film, there is a slew of trailers and some celebrity introductions to preview footage. Mexican horror icon Guillermo del Toro is charming when addressing Dublin, "the city of ghosts", and describing his latest production, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark,which he describes as "a labour of love".

Less impressive is Seann William Scott's description for the new American Pieinstalment, which (because it doesn't mention Dublin or Movie Fest) feels like it was recorded for a different event, and echoes The Simpsons scene in which a grainy video shows Krusty the Clown saying: "I heartily endorse this event or product."

The surprise film for Saturday is Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive.A brooding, atmospheric crime drama with shades of Michael Mann and a gorgeous synth soundtrack, it stars Ryan Gosling as a getaway driver who gets mixed up with the wrong people.

The final film of the day is the not-bad body-swap comedy, The Change-Up,starring Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman.

One complaint? The bag of free "goodies" leaves a little to be desired – my bag contains a box of crisps (tasty, in fairness), a Mars Needs Momnotebook that fell apart almost instantly, a free movie download and a T-shirt tying in with the mega-flop I Am Number Four.

Still, when the worst you can say about a mini movie festival is that the free stuff could be better, you know you’re being spoiled. An undeniable success, Movie Fest 2011 is a good omen for next year.