FatFreeFilm 68 - Dan Ireland

Dan Ireland began his career as the co-founder / co-director of The Seattle International Film Festival. Among his many accomplishments, he launched the American Premieres and releases of such notable films as SOLDIER OF ORANGE, THE ROAD WARRIOR, ALIEN, THE STUNT MAN, CHOOSE ME, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, MONA LISA, DANCE WITH A STRANGER, ANOTHER COUNTRY, CHOOSE ME, and BLOOD SIMPLE, among many others. In the 1980's, Ireland (along with Darryl Macdonald) was the co-owner / co-operator of The Egyptian Theatre, the most successful independent theatre in the state of Washington. Ireland remained at the theatre and festival until 1986, where he was Executive Vice President of Acquisitions for Vestron Pictures. It was at Vestron that Ireland developed his filmmaking skills. During his time there, he was Executive Producer of fifteen films including John Huston's final film THE DEAD (two Oscar nominations), Bernard Rose's (CANDYMAN, IMMORTAL BELOVED, ivansxtc.) feature debut PAPERHOUSE and Ken Russell's THE RAINBOW. In 1993, Ireland joined Cineville, one of the leading independent film production companies which produced such films as DELUSION, GAS FOOD LODGING and MI VIDA LOCA. In 1996 Ireland made his debut as a feature director for Cineville with the highly acclaimed film, THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD, starring Vincent D'Onofrio and Renee Zellweger also produced by Ireland and D'Onofrio. His subsequent directorial credits include: THE VELOCITY OF GARY, PASSIONADA and most recently, MRS. PALFREY AT THE CLAREMONT.