Once (2006)
Written & Directed by John Carney.

How often do you find the right person? Join Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová as they introduce the film for which they won the 2008 Oscar for Best Song.

Once features Glen Hansard from Irish band The Frames as an unnamed guitarist/singer-songwriter and Markéta Irglová as a piano playing Czech immigrant. Hansard makes a living fixing vacuum cleaners by day, and singing and playing for money on the Dublin streets by night.

After a chance meeting the film follows an eventful week as they write, rehearse and record songs that reveal their creative partnership and unique love story.

Rated M. Contains moderate coarse language.

Awards
2008 Academy Award winner for Best Song (Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová)
2008 Chlotrudis Award, Best Film
2008 Evening Standard British Film Awards, Most Promising Newcomer (John Carney)
2008 Independent Spirit Awards, Best Foreign Film
2008 Mons International Festival of Love Films, Grand Prize
2007 Sundance Film Festival, Audience Award
2007 Dublin International Film Festival, Audience Award

Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová perform songs from Once and more at the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House.

Once is playing as part of Festival Flicks. Other events in this series include Dancing at Lughnasa and Iag Bari - Brass on Fire.

---

WHAT THE PRESS SAID

"He delivers several nerve-tingling performances alone and alongside Irglova, diving into Van Morrison and Daniel Johnston covers with equal fervor ... more" - The Star

"A sublime pairing, producing acoustic rock treasures with supple and occasionally soaring harmonies ... more" - Post-Gazette

"A match made in heaven ... more" - Washington Post

“Achingly beautiful.” - The Daily Telegraph (UK)

"The formula is simple: two people, a few instruments, 88 minutes and not a single false note." - New York Times

“You're at a movie, and a song, as if by magic, breaks through the surface of the drama. Suddenly, you're no longer sitting and watching — you're soaring” - Entertainment Weekly

---

COMMENTS

Mary Tang 28/01/09

For once, every word in "What the press said" is true. Read the above and be very very jealous. Although most of us who watched the film didn't get tickets to the concert, Glen and Markéta came and sang us THE SONG - minutes before their concert at the Opera House. Ever seen a standing ovation in a cinema? They deserved it and more.

---

Sinead 28/01/09

This is a truly magical treat.. Tears welled in my eyes a few times at the joy that is Glen and Marketa's wonderful voices! Thanks Guys for a FANTASTIC night!!!

---

Ali 30/01/09

Whoever put this on the Program was a genius. Absolutely stunning, and just so much fun. Everything I had hoped for and much, much more. Thank you.

---