Cine Concert: Stupid August

An amnesiac clown finds himself exiled to the Ireland of the early 1960s. As the shadows of his past re-emerge, Gus must navigate the present dangers to find himself again and be finally free.

Stupid August is a historical fantasy which explores the dangers of burying our collective histories and the lasting traumas of our inhumanity.

With this beautiful film that will be presented in two ways at CIFF - one with live music and one with the recorded score, both gorgeous - Padraig Trehy looks back at silent film's ability to express powerful, fundamental truths of human existence. With its mere presence in the world as a feeling and thinking body, a person claims their right for life, freedom, and kindness. Deeply affecting.

CINE CONCERT

A cine-concert is often the highlight of any film festival - a spectacular fusion of the breathtaking visuals of a classic film with the immersive energy of live music. Cork International Film Festival has a proud history of presenting unforgettable cine-concert experiences, Nosferatu (2018), Metropolis (2021), A Trip to the Moon (2022).

This year, we are thrilled to present the world premiere of Padraig Trehy's new film, Stupid August, a historical fantasy that delves into the depths of our humanity, brought to life with a live musical performance of an original score by Cork composer John O’Brien. An amnesiac clown finds himself exiled to the Ireland of the early 1960s. As the shadows of his past re-emerge, Gus must navigate the present dangers to find himself again and be finally free.

Stupid August is a historical fantasy which explores the dangers of burying our collective histories and the lasting traumas of our inhumanity.

Presented in association with the Irish Film Institute, Stupid August was produced under the Arts Council’s Authored Works scheme.