Jirga, the new film from award-winning filmmaker, author and paramedic Benjamin Gilmour (Son of a Lion, Paramedico) has been selected to make its International Premiere at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in the section dedicated to showcasing first or second features, Discovery. Gilmour will be joined in Toronto by lead actor Sam Smith.
Jirga was the only Australian film In Competition at Sydney Film Festival, and screens In Competition at Cinefest Oz this week after sold-out screenings at MIFF. Following TIFF, Footprint Films presents Q&A screenings in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth ahead of the film’s September 27 release date, with other states to follow.
Set and shot in Afghanistan in extraordinary circumstances, Jirga stars Sam Smith as a former Australian soldier who returns to Afghanistan to find the family of a civilian he accidentally killed during the war. Seeking forgiveness, he puts his life in the hands of the village justice system – the Jirga.
Benjamin Gilmour said “We’re so thrilled to have Jirga at Toronto, such an important festival. I think audiences are really craving films like this, stories of reconciliation and peace. “
Jirga is directed and written by Benjamin Gilmour, produced by John Maynard. Executive producers are Bridget Ikin and David Gross. Jirga is a Felix Media production. Principal production investment from Screen Australia, in association with Definition Films.
JIRGA Q&A TOUR
Sydney
Thursday 20 September
6.30pm screening of JIRGA followed by a Q&A with director Benjamin Gilmour, lead actor Sam Smith and producer John Maynard, hosted by Sydney Morning Herald’s Garry Maddox
Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace - 380 Military Road, Cremorne
Buy tickets: http://www.orpheum.com.au/wp-cinema/movie/OJIRGAQA/JIRGA+-+QA+PREVIEW/
Sunday 23 September
3pm screening of JIRGA followed by a Q&A with director Benjamin Gilmour, lead actor Sam Smith and producer John Maynard
Dendy Newtown, 261-263 King St, Newtown
Buy tickets https://www.dendy.com.au/events/q-and-a-screening-jirga-422
Friday 28 September
7pm screening JIRGA followed by a Q&A with director Benjamin Gilmour, lead actor Sam Smith and producer John Maynard
Casula Powerhouse
Wednesday 3 October
7pm screening of JIRGA followed by a Q&A with director Benjamin Gilmour, lead actor Sam Smith and producer John Maynard
Parramatta Riverside Theatre
Canberra
Friday 21 September
7pm screening of JIRGA followed by a Q&A with director Benjamin Gilmour and lead actor Sam Smith
Dendy Canberra – Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda St, Canberra
Buy tix: https://www.dendy.com.au/events/q-and-a-screening-jirga
Melbourne
Tuesday 25 September
6.45pm screening of JIRGA followed by a Q&A with director Benjamin Gilmour and lead actor Sam Smith hosted by The Guardian’s Luke Buckmaster
Cinema Nova – 380 Lygon St Carlton
Buy tix: : https://www.cinemanova.com.au/films/jirga
Perth
Thursday 27 September
6.30pm screening of JIRGA followed by a Q&A with director Benjamin Gilmour and lead actor Sam Smith
Luna Leederville, 155 Oxford St, Leederville
Buy tix: http://lunapalace.com.au/special-events+2681+jirga-qa-screening-with-director-lead-actor
