Phizzfest 2014

Monday 5th May at 2.45pm

A unique opportunity to view the controversial film whose opening scenes were filmed here in the cemetery over 50 years ago and to remember the residents of Phibsborough who spent their lives working in the cinema and film industries. 

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum will show the 1959 Michael Anderson film 'Shake Hands with the Devil', a film whose opening scenes were filmed in the cemetery 55 years ago. Set in 1920's Dublin during the War of Independence, the story sees a young medical student, Sean Lenihan, drawn into the Irish fight for independence after returning from World War 1. Torn between his love for a beautiful English hostage and his loyalty to his mentor and comrades, Sean must decide to accept or fight the Anglo Irish Treaty. Angering many surviving revolutionaries at the time of its release the film depicts the experience of many young Irish men and women caught in this conflict.

The cemetery is also the final resting place for hundreds of people who spent their lives working in the film and cinema industries; actors and directors to cinematographers and ticket sellers. Academy Award winning set designer, Josie McAvin's, Oscar will be on show as well as a small display of other film memorabilia to mark the contribution made by the residents of the cemetery to cinema in Phibsborough through the past 100 years.

Admission FREE. Booking essential at 01 8826550 or events@glasnevintrust.ie

Press Release 

'Oscar glamour at  Glasnevin Cemetery Museum for Phizzfest 2014'

This year's Phizzfest will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of cinema in Phibsborough. As part of their film programme and together with Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Phizzfest is absolutely delighted to announce that Irish Set Designer Josie MacAvin's Oscar which she won for Out of Africa in 1985 and the Emmy which she won for the 1994 mini-series,Scarlet, the sequel to Gone with the Wind, will be on display at the Museum during the festival - from Thursday 1st - Monday 5th May.

The Glasnevin Cemetery Museum will also have a special screening of the 1959 classic, "Shake Hands with the Devil", the first scene of which was filmed in the cemetery and Josie was also the Set Designer on this movie. She was the only Irish woman with the distinction of winning both an Oscar and its television equivalent, the Emmy.  Josie died in 2005 at the age of 86 and is buried at Glasnevin Cemetery.

The awards will be on display and free to view by the public on Monday 5^th May. See glasnevintrust.ie for opening hours and full details of tour discounts for Phizzfest visitors from 1st - 4th May.  .

John Greene, Chairman of Glasnevin Cemeteries Group, commented "Glasnevin Museum are thrilled to participate in Phizzfest's fifth festival and to present this unique opportunity to our local community and visitors  to view the actual Oscar and Emmy won by this extraordinary Dublin woman."

Marian Fitzpatrick of Phizzfest added, "this year's film programme also includes  Happenings at the King's Inns Park with a screening of The Commitments, movies from 1914, movie night 'Back at the Boh' - now Woodstock café,  and a screenwriting workshop with Ferdia MacAnna.

For more information on all events taking place during Phizzfest, visit phizzfest.ie and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

About Phizzfest

Phizzfest is a vibrant community arts festival which brings the little urban village of Phibsborough alive each year.  It was established to develop an annual celebration of artistic life around Phibsborough, to highlight the rich diversity of culture within our community and to provide a showcase for local talent. Phizzfest are All Ireland winners in the Epic Awards 2011 and also won the People's Choice Award at Dublin Living Awards in October 2011.

For more information contact: Marian Fitzpatrick 087 206 6285 or email phizzfest@gmail.com