New Irish streaming platform Eiretainment launches
By Brian Bowe
Folks, there’s a new film streaming platform on the scene! What makes this one stand out from the crowd, you ask? Well, Eiretainment is a subscription streaming platform offering the very best of Irish film and documentary. It supports independent Irish filmmakers across the island; so by subscribing, the public will be directly supporting the Irish film industry.
For years, I’ve been moaning about how when the majority of Irish independent films (especially shorts) finish up their festival run, they inevitably fizzle up in the air — poof! Never to be seen again. And look, you’d maybe come across a handful on Vimeo or Dailymotion, or on the back of a headrest during a transatlantic flight, but it simply wasn’t good enough. Both the Irish film industry and its audience were crying out for a digital hub where viewers could go to watch these films.
Speaking at the platform’s launch in October, developer Simon Maguire said: “It’s an exciting time in the Irish film and TV industry and I hope Eiretainment will play its part in the years to come. From Aiden Gillen to Ruth Negga and Aoibhinn McGinnity to Barry Keoghan — we’ve got some gems on the platform sure to entertain subscribers of all interests.
“I’d like to thank all the directors, producers and distributors who have helped me get to this point. I’d also like to thank the people at the Local Enterprise Office in Dublin City Council for supporting the project as well. As well as the catalogue on offer today — we have a number of online premieres coming up over the next number of weeks so subscribe today and enjoy the journey with us.”
It’s been a year since streaming titans Netflix and Disney + last raised their monthly subscription price. Netflix even went one step further in an effort to put off their users when they began cracking down on password sharing, a decision that has encouraged many to cancel their subscription altogether. Mubi, a favourite among art-house film fans for its rich choice of international cinema, recently increased their price to a staggering €13.99 per month.
For less than half that you could enjoy a monthly subscription to Eiretainment for only €6. Subscribers can get two months free by signing up for an annual pass costing €60, which, if you ask me, sounds like a perfect Christmas gift for any film fan you might know.
Library highlights at this time include the 2009 short film Corduroy starring Caoilfhionn Dunne and Domhnall Gleeson; Ruth Negga’s 2004 thriller Trafficked; and Brendan Canty’s For You, featuring Barry Keoghan fresh off the back of Love/Hate.
The Eiretainment app is available for download on both Android and iPhone. Those interested can log onto the Eiretainment website (www.eiretainment.com) for more information.
