At Home and Abroad

The Sparrow -Director: Michael Kinirons When troubled West Cork teen Kevin Coyle (Ollie West) is involved in a tragic accident, he does something seemingly unforgivable; he keeps it a secret. Kevin must watch in horror as the consequences of his lie unfolds before his eyes. Will he be forced to confront the truth as events inevitably escalate out of his control? Michael Kinirons’ full-length debut, The Sparrow. It’s an impressive opening bow, combining moody cinematography, well drawn characters and an element of suspense to create a cinematic experience that is greater than any of those individual parts. The Galway Film Fleadh jury was won over too, awarding The Sparrow the honour of Best Irish First Feature. The film blends the experience of longstanding character actors such as David O’Hara and Aisling O’Sullivan with up and comers like Éanna Hardwicke and Isabelle Connolly. However, it’s young Ollie West in his first onscreen role who has to carry most of the story on his shoulders and he is well able for the task.