GIRLS & BOYS
Friday, February 27 • 9:25 PM • T1
Dramatic Feature | Woman Writer & Director | Feature Directorial Debut | Award Winner | LGBTQI+
Screening generously sponsored by Brian Maney & Barbara Stauffer
This tender, funny and quietly funny romantic comedy tells the story of rugby player Jace as he meets aspiring filmmaker Charlie at a college party on Halloween night. Both attend Trinity, but their worlds couldn’t be more different—Charlie is trans, her circle full of queer artists and creatives, while Jace sticks with the more straight-laced camaraderie of his rugby teammates. When the party is suddenly shut down by the Guards, the two find themselves alone in the streets of nighttime Dublin. As they wander the city, sharing secrets, dreams, and fears about life after college, a surprising revelation from their shared past threatens to upend their fragile connection. Jace must confront not only his past, but the social identity he’s long taken for granted. Features breakout performances from newcomers Liath Hannon and Adam Lunnon-Collery.
DIR Donncha Gilmore; SCR Donncha Gilmore; PROD Gearóid Gilmore; CAST Liath Hannon, Adam Lunnon-Collery, Jenny Maguire, Justin Ensor, Francis O'Mahony, Oisin Flynn, Joseph McGucken; DOP Fionnuala McCormack; SCORE Josh Reichental. Ireland, 2025, color, 85 min. In English. RATED 15A
AWARDS: Best Independent Irish Film - Galway Film Fleadh 2025
“Wildly impressive Irish debut features tremendous performances and a magical soundtrack.” - Irish Times
“Casts a Before Sunrise-like glow of romantic possibilities.” - Screen International
“With a pitch-perfect central pairing, sharp dialogue, beautiful visuals and essential subject matter, Girls & Boys is simply a cinematic must-see.” - Film Ireland
Funded by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, with support from production company Gander Video.
🎟 For further information regarding bookings:
Please call 301-495-6720 between M-F, 9 AM - 5:30 PM or email silverinfo@AFI.com
Award-winning filmmaker Donncha Gilmore’s work has screened all over the world at various festivals including the Galway Film Fleadh, Jecheon International in South Korea, Indiecork Film Festival, Fastnet Short Film Festival, and The Paris Short Film Festival. Donncha has received many grants for his work such as the Arts Council’s Youth Ensemble Scheme, AIB’s Alumni award, and TCD’s Visual and Performing Arts grant.
In 2015, Donncha’s Arts Council funded Bonsoir Luna garnered significant media attention as it was the first Irish language musical film ever made. The film screened at festivals all over the world and continues to screen to this day, most recently at the Scéal Eile film festival in Brussels. He has also written and directed the shorts The Banshee and The Inheritance. Donncha received a BA in Film Studies from Trinity College in 2014.
DINNER AND A MOVIE DEAL
Our festival partner, McGinty's Public House, has generously offered an ongoing discount from February 27 through March 2 for all CIFF ticket holders! When you dine at the restaurant, show your CIFF ticket or pass for a 10% off discount on your bill. Located just around the corner from AFI Silver Theatre, McGinty's (911 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910) is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat between screenings.
The Capital Irish Film Festival is supported by the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme, Culture Ireland, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Embassy of Ireland, Northern Ireland Bureau, Northern Ireland Screen, and the Irish Film Institute’s IFI International Programme supported by Culture Ireland. Solas Nua is supported by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.
