New York City’s 2012 Craic Fest - focus on films - VIDEOS

You'll be moved and inspired by this David and Goliath tale that contains that rarest of all things -- a truly happy ending.

Veteran Irish actor Colm Meaney, most famous to U.S. audiences for his role as ships captain on Star Trek, will be on hand on the March 9 Craic Fest opening night at the Tribeca Cinema for a screening of the film Parked, where he plays the unlikely hero Fred.

Fred has returned to Ireland after many years away and finds himself reduced to living in his car. But his sad situation changes when he strikes up a friendship with Cathal, a dope-smoking 21-year-old with a remarkably positive attitude.

Cathal resolves to help Fred sort his life out, and his efforts are spectacularly successful. Fred gathers up the courage to begin a relationship with Jules, an attractive music teacher who lives nearby.

But everything isn’t perfect because Fred still struggles mightily with his own pride, and telling Jules about his reduced circumstances seems impossible.

Meanwhile, Cathal’s life is threatened by his increasingly out of control drug habit. The three friends are set on a collision course that will change their lives in this lovely, heartfelt drama that’s as cheering as a shot of Irish whiskey.

And speaking of whiskey, did you know the Craic festival is sponsored by Tullamore Dew? That means open bars and Irish conviviality as you wait for the screenings. How’s that for civilized?

This year for the first time the Craic Fest will also feature a Kids Fleadh (meaning kids festival) which will present a special program of family-friendly short films and Irish stepdancing, and will take place on the closing day of the festival on Saturday March 10.

It’s not hard to guess that tickets to the Rubberbandits live gig have been selling like hot cakes, but the Craic Fest is first and foremost about film, and this year’s lineup is among the strongest examples we’ve yet seen.

Book your tickets now and enjoy the full Irish. For more information, including ticket prices and dates visit www.thecraicfest.com.

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Nster.com