A still from the documentary Katie. (Courtesy Irish Film Fest Boston)
Exactly one year ago, the Irish Film Festival Boston (IFF) debated canceling its 20th annual celebration of contemporary Irish cinema. With a banner roster of films and guests locked, jury awards selected but not yet announced, plane tickets, print ads and merchandise purchased, and the Somerville Theatre and surrounding restaurants and bars ready and waiting, it felt like an impossible decision to executive director Dawn Morrissey.
“With my hand on my heart, I still sit and cry. The 20th was going to be amazing,” says Morrissey. The fest had even taken a break in 2019 in order to muster resources for its milestone year.