That They May Face the Rising Sun (film)

That They May Face the Rising Sun is a 2023 Irish film. It is an adaptation of the 2002 novel of the same name by John McGahern. The film won 11 awards, including Best Film, at the 2024 Irish Film & Television Awards.

Premise
In the 1980s, a young couple Joe and Kate leave London for Ireland to live in Joe’s native County Leitrim.

Cast

 * Barry Ward as Joe
 * Anna Bederke as Kate
 * Lalor Roddy as Patrick
 * Ruth McCabe as Mary
 * Phillip Dolan as Jamesie
 * Sean McGinley as Johnny
 * Brendan Conroy as Bill

Production
The adaptation of the John McGahern 2002 novel is directed and co-written by Pat Collins whose previous documentary work includes John McGahern: A Private World (2005). The script was co-written by Eamon Little. The cast has Barry Ward, Anna Bederke in the lead roles and also includes Lalor Roddy, Sean McGinley, Ruth McCabe and first-time actor Phillip Dolan.

Principal photography took place in Connemara in County Galway, along the Mayo border.

Release
The premiered at the London Film Festival in 2023.

Reception
The film was nominated for 11 awards, winning for Best Film, at the Irish Film & Television Awards in April 2024.