Actor Liam Neeson is to narrate a new IMAX documentary film entitled Ireland, which will celebrate the country's history, culture, arts and music and scenery, and which will be released in US cinemas this February.
The new film, which is being sponsored by Tourism Ireland, will be screened in IMAX and giant-screen theatres across the United States and was produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films.
It will take audiences across Ireland, following writer and broadcaster Manchán Magan and a group of young musicians on a journey from Dublin to Belfast and from Kilkenny to Cong and will feature footage of places like the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway and the Skellig Islands.
Tourism Ireland hopes the release of Ireland will play a significant part in the recovery of tourism from the United States next year and inspire Americans put Ireland on their holiday wish-list for next year.
A previous film produced by MacGillivray Freeman Films for Brand USA (the destination marketing organisation for the United States), called Natural Parks Adventure, was seen by around eight million people in IMAX and giant-screen theatres.
Speaking about the film, Neeson said, "There is a movement in Ireland to reconnect with our heritage, to rediscover what it means to be Irish, and I am delighted to help bring the joy and diversity of all that Ireland has to offer, both the old and the new, to IMAX and giant-screen audiences worldwide.
"As viewers experience Ireland’s great beauty and humanity on the world’s largest screens, they will fall in love all over again."
Director Greg MacGillivray said: "Ireland has long captivated the world's imagination with its rich history and picturesque landscapes, and with this film we hope to share with audiences all the wonder and cultural diversity that makes Ireland so unique and special. Our story intertwines Ireland’s ancient past with its vibrant future, and I hope the film ignites a new appreciation for the vast, natural beauty and fascinating, cultural traditions of this magical place."
Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: "Tourism Ireland is delighted to be announced as the global sponsor of the new giant screen documentary film 'Ireland’, narrated by our own Liam Neeson.
"With the international release of the film set to take place next February, it comes at an ideal time for us as we restart travel to Ireland. It will play a significant part in the recovery of tourism from the United States.
"The film will be seen by millions of viewers in IMAX and giant screen theatres, shining a spotlight on our rich history, culture and heritage and our spectacular scenery."
