"Eldritch Karaoke" and "A Simple Killing" Selected for Chicago Irish Film Festival 2025.

Eldritch Karaoke and A Simple Killing, both featuring scores by Irish composer Emer Landers, have been selected to screen at the Chicago Irish Film Festival in February 2025. Since 1999, the festival has showcased the works of Irish filmmakers, offering audiences a window into the complexity and richness of Irish storytelling and artistic expression.

Eldritch Karaoke, directed by Joe Loftus, will feature in the Shorts Program 1 entitled “Decisions.” This unique short film combines humor, horror, and haunting music to tell the story of a woman struck by a car, whose journey takes her into a chaotic, musical afterlife. The film is written, directed, and produced by Loftus and features an original score and song by Emer Landers, with additional vocals by members of the Musical Theatre Society Entracte. The score also includes a performance by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, with the mix handled by John Elleson-Hartley. Eldritch Karaoke made its world premiere at The 36th Annual Galway Film Fleadh in 2024 and is set to screen at the Belfast International Film Festival this November.

A Simple Killing, directed by Jason Branagan, will appear in the Shorts Program 4 entitled “Beginnings.” The ambitious horror film made its world premiere earlier this year at the Raindance Film Festival in London and its US debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Written by Mark Conway and produced by Emer Durcan of Western Front Studios and Mark de Carreau of Five Line Films, the short was shot at Bellefield House and Gardens in Shinrone, county Offaly, and received €10,000 from the Film Offaly Short Film Bursary 2023. It stars Daphne Cheung, Claire Gavin, and Aidan O'Callaghan, with cinematography by Brian Durcan and stunt work overseen by Irish coordination company Total Stunts.

The Chicago Irish Film Festival is committed to showcasing diverse and creative Irish cinema, presenting films in both English and Irish to celebrate the talent of Irish filmmakers worldwide. Audiences can explore vibrant programming, including these two films, which highlight the exceptional work of contemporary Irish artists.

Tickets and further information about the festival can be found at chicagoirishfilmfestival.com.