Cinema for me is…
Eamon in 11 frames
1. What film made you fall in love with cinema?
The Land before time – the 1988 animated film (Don Bluth, US), I remember this being one of the few films that my primary school had when we were little. Any rainy day where we weren’t allowed outside for lunch break meant a big old box TV on wheels was brought in and we would gather around to watch. Communal core memories across our class I’m sure!
2. What are the 3 best European films you have seen in the last year?
Manodrome (John Trengove, US, 2023)
Close (Lukas Dhont, BE, 2022
Anatomy of a Fall (Justine Trier, FR, 2023)
3. What does Europe mean to you?
Europe to me is an agreed upon net of populations and cultures. Although not always perfect, it attempts to bring people together rather than divide populations for political votes. Without it we’d be isolated, with it we can build bridges.
4. In 2024, I think it is important to vote in the European elections because:
Now more than ever we have seen that government policy affects our day lives, rising house prices, higher cost of living, increases energy bills. We often forget that these are the responsibilities of our elected officials. These elections are a turning point where we can at least begin to have an impact and vote in those who really do have our best interests at heart.
5. What do you like the most about your country that makes it unique?
For Ireland’s relatively small size we have a huge cultural footprint. All across the world the Irish are known. I’m proud of the fact that our culture travels and makes us great ambassadors!
6. Your favorite film theatre? What do you like about it?
The Stella Theatre in Rathmines Dublin. A beautifully restored theatre with architecture from the 1920s, it brings such a glamour to the films you see there. I consider it a special treat and often go watch the restored classics such as Cinema Paradiso, it is always amazing to relax into a screening there…
7. What is your dream job in the film industry?
I would like to run a production company with a distribution arm as a way to guide talented writers and directors all the way through to their audience. Severing the connection between production and distribution has always felt like a commercial misstep to me!
8. Which film director would you like to be?
I’ve always had an obsession with Peter Greenaway (The Pillow book, Walking to Paris, …) work. His encyclopaedic knowledge on cinema and his ability to subvert has always been masterful. I would love to have that creative ability paired with such a strong intellect!
9. Which film character do you most identify with?
Sometimes Bob Fosse from All that jazz (US, 1979) – Over obsessed with my passions that I forget to take a break!
Sometimes The Narrator from David Byrne’s True Stories (US, 1986) – completely curious and at ease to be swept up and charmed by the world and people around me.
10. Your favorite soundtrack or song?
As Long As We’re Together by The Lemon Twigs
11. If you had to live in a movie, which one would you like it to be?
Apollo 10 ½ (US, 2022) by Richard Linklater
Eamon Hughes is the Ambassador of Irish Film Institute. Find out more about the cinema here.
