Monday Night Cinema

That They May Face the Rising Sun

Based on the novel by John McGahern

Ireland, the 1970s. Joe and Kate Ruttledge (Barry Ward, Bad Sisters, and Anna Bederke) return from London to live in a small rural community. They quickly become close friends with many of the older men and women living in the area. Over the course of a year, Joe and Kate grapple with major life decisions, while also witnessing their neighbours’ moments of joy, disappointment, conflict and loss.

Based on John McGahern’s final novel and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pat Collins (Song of Granite), That They May Face The Rising Sun is a beautifully bittersweet portrait of a very particular time and place. It’s a perfectly-observed slice of life - full of humour and warmth, while also tenderly reflecting on the people and traditions that Ireland has lost.