University News Last updated 10 July
A Birmingham City University (BCU) academic is set to bring his latest cinematic celebration of Irish culture to the big screen in Birmingham this weekend.
A Sip of Irish, a new feature documentary by BCU Senior Lecturer in Film and Entrepreneurship Dr Frank Mannion, will have its regional premiere at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) on Saturday ahead of its digital release on 14 July.
Supported by BCU’s Faculty Research Investment Scheme (FRIS), the film delves into Ireland’s influential role in the global food and drink scene, showcasing the country’s iconic culinary exports with a mix of humour, history, and hospitality.
The documentary also forms a key part of Dr Mannion’s ongoing research initiative, The Irish Identity Film Project, using cinema as a tool to explore cultural storytelling and heritage.
The documentary features a stellar line-up of contributors, including:
- Deirdre O’Carroll, Master Blender at Jameson Whiskey
- Rory Guinness, heir to the Guinness dynasty
- Sam Neill, actor and winemaker
- Michael Flatley, dancer and founder of Flatley Whiskey
- Laura Whitmore, TV presenter
- Una Healy, singer-songwriter
- Prince Albert II of Monaco, who shares an unexpected Guinness family link
- Oisín Rogers, famed publican behind the “best pint of Guinness in England”
- Bo Barrett, Napa Valley wine legend of Bottle Shock fame
The Guardian has already highlighted the film’s charm and originality, calling it “a cheerful celebration of the beloved tipples of Irish origin”.
Filmed in stunning locations such as Ballymaloe House in Cork and Château Margaux in Bordeaux, A Sip of Irish is a cinematic journey through heritage, humour, and hospitality.
The FRIS funding was instrumental in supporting the film’s distribution strategy and enabled a series of event screenings where data was gathered to further Mannion’s research.
Dr Mannion (pictured) is also the founder of Swipe Films and the director of acclaimed documentaries including Sparkling: The Story of Champagne (with Stephen Fry), Quintessentially British (with Ian McKellen and Judi Dench), and Quintessentially Irish (with Pierce Brosnan and Jeremy Irons).
For information about Saturday’s screening, click here.
Watch the official trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll0GOnlooEM