Stephen Burke Critic7

Stephen Burke is a film critic, writer and journalist based in Ireland. His writing focuses primarily on cinema and film culture, with a particular interest in Irish and independent filmmaking.

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Steven BenedictConor Bryce June Butler

Article: Our Favourite Films of 2025

As 2025 closes its curtain, Film Ireland contributors take a look back at some of their favourite films from the year.

ReviewsMichael Kinirons Éanna Hardwicke

Review: The Sparrow

Stephen Burke reviews Michael Kinirons’ 'The Sparrow', which won Best Irish First Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh.

ReviewsÉanna Hardwicke Galway Film Fleadh

Review: Lakelands

Stephen Burke was at the Fleadh for Robert Higgins & Patrick McGiveny's debut feature 'Lakelands'.

ReviewsDamian McCann Bríd Brennan

Review: Doineann

Stephen Burke braves the storm on a remote island.

ReviewsGalway Film Fleadh Barry Ward

Review: Extra Ordinary

Stephen Burke was in Galway to witness firsthand Rose Dooley's supernatural abilities that allow her to communicate with spirits.

ReviewsRoisin Kearney Caroline Grace-Cassidy

Review: Irish Talent - New Shorts Fiction - GFF 2019

Stephen Burke checks in on Galway's programme of live action shorts which explores the parallel problems of escapism from a variety of settings: judgement, troubled pasts and unhappy status quos.