MEMBER PURSUITS // Niall McKay Presents The Inaugural Irish Film New York This Weekend (Discounts for 3rd Ward Members)

The inaugural edition of Irish Film New York is happening this weekend, from Friday, September 30 to Sunday, October 2 at NYU's Cantor Film Center, and this amazing showcase is brought to you by 3rd Ward's own Niall McKay. We caught up with him to get the inside scoop on what's in store.

McKay is no stranger to presenting and promoting Irish films. In 2003 he founded the San Francisco Irish Film Festival, which just celebrated its 8th edition this past weekend. He also co-founded the LA Irish Film Festival, which is in its fourth year. "Starting film festivals is a disease that I have," he jokes.

Now, after moving to New York last winter, McKay is bring that same spirit to the Big Apple. "They are similar in so far as my only real interest is showing great films," he says, comparing his San Francisco and New York endeavors. "I love standing in the lobby after a movie and overhearing people saying 'That was great.' The New York event will be a little more industry focused than San Francisco. We will include distributors, sales agents and producers. We are, for example, holding an industry panel at NYU on Friday afternoon."

"I really like watching films and talking about films, so I approached Glucksman Ireland House (The Irish Studies Program at NYU), Culture Ireland and the Irish Film Board," McKay says. "All three organizations have been very supportive."

More from McKay, along with a ticket discount for 3rd Ward members and the New York Irish Film trailer after the jump.

McKay is naturally excited about all of the films that'll be screened this weekend. "We have something for everybody," he says. "Knuckle is brilliant and violent. The Runway is sweet and funny. Parked is sad and profound. 32a is a touching coming of age movie. Pajama Girls is an interesting documentary and Sensation is for the rest of you. You know who you are. All films affected me emotionally and that's what I like about them."

And how did McKay manage to put together such an amazing event in just a matter of months? Well, in addition to his prior experience, 3rd Ward played a significant part. "When I arrived in New York I was living in a room whose window looked onto the Marcy Ave station," he says. "Every time the train passed (which was about every 90 seconds) I would have to pause my telephone conversation. So I discovered 3rd Ward and it became my second home. Every day, Elias would greet me and make me feel welcome. He also has a uncanny super power that seems to enable him to know that you are waiting to be buzzed in." McKay created the Irish Film New York website in the computer. "And really the whole operation is powered by many cups of the free Intelligentsia coffee," he adds.

McKay is also offering a special discount for 3rd Ward members on all tickets except for the first screening, Knuckle. Use the discount code "WARD" when you buy your tickets at Irishfilmnyc.com. You can also RSVP here for the festival's opening reception, which takes place at 6pm at the Glucksman Ireland House.

IFNY 2011 Trailer from Media Factory on Vimeo.

-- John Ruscher