Set in a working-class area of Cork, Christy is the portrait of a boy, not quite 18, pulled out of foster care for violence and returned temporarily to his older brother. Unable or more likely, unwilling to keep Christy, the brother and a social worker try to find him a new home. Played by Danny Power, who is riveting to watch, Christy doesn’t say much and has little agency over his own life. He gravitates towards a motley crew of new friends, one of whom in a wheelchair, likes his haircut and wants one, which he calls “the Christy.” Christy soon finds he has a talent with scissors and slowly discovers a new path. The power of this film – winner of the Grand Prix of the Generation section at the Berlin International Film Festival and Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh– is that you can’t predict where it is going. The fear is that Christy will sink back into violence. Skillfully directed by Brendan Canty, ultimately, it’s a hopeful look at circumventing difficult circumstances. Ireland 2025 (94 minutes)
Playing as part of Mostly British Festival
This film can be used with loyalty cards or our 2026 annual CinemaSF passes