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The documentary Kinaesthesia delves into the dreamlike qualities of early cinema, showcasing a treasure trove of visions from the 1910s and 1920s. Director Gerald Fox draws on the theories of late Harvard film studies professor Vlada Petrić, who posited that early cinema pioneers employed techniques to activate the brain similar to those experienced during dreams.Luis Buñuel's Un Chien Andalou, co-written with Salvador Dalí and inspired by their dreams, is a seminal work featured in the documentary. Its surreal images, including a razor slicing through an eyeball and rotting donkeys strapped to grand pianos, continue to shock and disturb nearly a century later.The film is a greatest hits collection of experimental early cinema, featuring works by FW Murnau, Fritz Lang, Sergei Eisenstein, and Oleksandr Dovzhenko. Notably, it includes Teinosuke Kinugasa's A Page of Madness, a 1926 film set in a psychiatric hospital that was long believed lost but later found in a sake barrel.The documentary also highlights the contributions of avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren, with a dedicated section showcasing her brilliance. While the narration by Fox can be somewhat hammy and the dramatic sections featuring Goran Kostic as Professor Petrić add little value, the film remains required viewing for anyone interested in the history of cinema.Kinaesthesia is set to release in UK and Irish cinemas from April 17, 2026.

Moya Brennan, the celebrated voice behind Irish folk ensemble Clannad, passed away at the age of 73 in her native County Donegal, surrounded by family. The 73‑year‑old had been living with pulmonary fibrosis and was awaiting a possible double‑lung transplant when she died peacefully. Born 4 August 1952 in Dublin as Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, she grew up in a large musical family that performed in their local pub. She later honed her craft at the Royal Irish Academy of Music before co‑founding Clannad in 1970 with her brothers and two uncles. Clann2’s early breakthrough came at the Slógadh Youth Festival, where a prize‑winning performance secured a Polydor contract—though the band members were too young to sign. Their commitment to singing in the Irish language set them apart; as Brennan recalled in 2022, they felt they were “letting the language down” but fell in love with its melodies. The group’s commercial breakthrough arrived in 1983 with the album Magical Ring and its hit single “Theme from Harry’s Game.”strong> The track reached No. 5 on the UK Top 40, earned Clannad a historic appearance on Top of the Pops as the first act to perform in Irish, and paved the way for a BAFTA‑winning score for the ITV series Robin of Sherwood. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Brennan earned the moniker “first lady of Celtic music,” garnering praise from peers such as Bono of U2 and contributing vocals to major film soundtracks including Titanic and King Arthur. Her sister Eithne, later known as Enya, also emerged from Clannad before launching a wildly successful solo career. Beyond her musical achievements, Brennan’s personal journey was marked by hardship. She publicly discussed a 1972 abortion in England, subsequent substance use, an 18‑month marriage to fellow musician Pat Farrell, a miscarriage in 1987, and a brief relationship with U2’s Adam Clayton. A deepening Christian faith after the miscarriage helped her overcome addiction, and she later married photographer Tim Jarvis in 1990, a partnership she credited with ending her drug use. Her solo discography began with the critically acclaimed album Máire in 1992 and continued through 2024’s Voices & Harps IV with Cormac de Barra. Brennan also devoted considerable energy to philanthropy, working with Christian Blind Mission Ireland on projects across the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Brazil, and Tanzania, and supporting programs for those battling drug and alcohol dependency. In 2002 she officially adopted the stage name Moya Brennan, formalising the change by deed poll in 2009. Over the years she collaborated with a diverse roster of artists, from Shane MacGowan and Robert Plant to Bruce Hornsb​y, the Doobie Brothers, and Ronan Keating. Brennan is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children. In a 2022 interview she attributed her resilience in the face of her lung disease to her Christian faith, stating, “I know God is with me… that’s where my strength comes from.”

Rory McIlroy secured his second straight Masters title on Sunday, finishing at 12‑under 276 and becoming only the fourth player in history to win Augusta National in back‑to‑back years.The Northern Irish star rallied from a three‑shot deficit on the front nine, carding a 71 (one under par) in the final round to edge out Scottie Scheffler by a single stroke."I can’t believe I waited 17 years to get one green jacket, and I get two in a row," McIlroy said in the Butler Cabin, emphasizing the perseverance that finally paid off.His victory marks a sixth major championship, tying Nick Faldo for the most majors by a European in the modern era and placing them both at 12th on the all‑time list.Trailing McIlroy were Cameron Young, Russell Henley, England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose, each finishing one shot back at 10‑under.McIlroy began the final round tied for the 54‑hole lead at 11‑under, slipped to 9‑under after two early bogeys, then surged with birdies on holes 7, 8, 12 and 13 to build a two‑shot cushion heading into the iconic "Amen Corner."When the pressure mounted on the 18th, a well‑placed drive into the trees allowed him to reach a greenside bunker, set up a two‑putt bogey and preserve the lead, confirming his place among the Masters’ elite.Beyond the personal milestone, McIlroy’s back‑to‑back triumph underscores the rarity of defending the Masters—an achievement previously accomplished only by Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods—and highlights the growing prominence of European players on golf’s biggest stage.

Rory McIlroy's sixth major victory at the Masters Tournament has cemented his status as a golfing great, drawing comparisons to Seve Ballesteros and other legends of the sport.McIlroy's achievement is not just about the numbers; it's about the style and excitement he brings to the game. His thrilling performances have captivated audiences, making him a must-watch for fans and a key figure in golf's popularity.The Northern Irish golfer's journey to success has been inspiring, from his humble roots in Belfast to his rise as a global superstar. His relatable personality and dedication to hard work have endeared him to fans worldwide.McIlroy's comeback at the Masters was nothing short of remarkable. Despite struggling with consistency, he managed to secure a dramatic win, showcasing his resilience and creativity on the course.His influence on golf extends beyond his own performances. McIlroy is a key figure in shaping the sport's future, and his involvement in high-profile events like the Ryder Cup has made him a leader in the golfing world.

Rory McIlroy has revealed that weeks of preparation at 'home course' Augusta National played a crucial role in his successful Masters defence. The Northern Irish golfer spent considerable time at Augusta in the lead-up to the Masters, rather than participating in PGA Tour events, despite struggling with a back injury.McIlroy's preparation involved simulating a tournament by playing with a single ball, a strategy inspired by advice from golf legend Jack Nicklaus. This approach allowed him to feel comfortable with the course and make informed decisions about his shots.After securing his sixth major win, McIlroy expressed his satisfaction with his preparation, stating, “I joked last week that this place feels like my home course”. He emphasized the importance of getting to know the course and being prepared for various situations.McIlroy's victory joins an exclusive group of golfers who have retained the Green Jacket, including Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. With this win, McIlroy believes he can focus on playing his game and increasing his chances of winning more majors.The article also mentions Scottie Scheffler's comments on the course conditions, particularly on Friday afternoon when McIlroy birdied six out of Augusta's closing seven holes. Scheffler suggested that the firmness of the course was not equal on Thursday and Friday, but acknowledged that the weather and wind conditions also played a role.

Rory McIlroy has made history by winning his second Masters title, holding off a strong challenge from world No 1 Scottie Scheffler to claim a one-shot victory at Augusta.This impressive win cements McIlroy's status as one of golf's all-time greats, making him only the fourth player in the tournament's 90-year history to win successive titles at Augusta. McIlroy's sixth major puts him level with Nick Faldo and one beyond the great Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, who won five.Donald Trump, the former US President who has played golf with McIlroy in the past, was quick to congratulate the Northern Irishman on his achievement. Using his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: 'Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on another Great Championship, The Masters! He performed tremendously under intense pressure, something which few people would be able to even think about doing. With each year, Rory is becoming more and more a LEGEND!'Trump also expressed his excitement for McIlroy's next appearance at the Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral in Miami later this month, praising the quality of professional golfers today.

‘Departures’ arrives in UK and Irish theatres on 17 April, offering a sharply observed portrait of a man navigating the aftermath of a breakup. The story centers on Benji, a thirty‑something who, after parting ways with his charismatic trainer Jake, plunges into a haze of parties, substance use and fleeting encounters in an attempt to dull the ache of lost love. The film tackles weighty subjects—body‑image insecurity, familial rejection and the pressures of toxic masculinity—yet it avoids sentimentality by leaning into a darkly comic tone and a poppy visual palette. Its elliptical editing stitches together present‑day self‑destruction with fragmented memories of Jake, creating a nonlinear rhythm that mirrors the disorienting experience of a broken heart. Ey​re‑Morgan not only co‑writes and co‑directs but also embodies Benji, delivering a performance that feels both self‑deprecating and raw. His on‑screen chemistry with David Tag’s Jake provides the emotional anchor of the film, allowing the audience to glimpse the genuine connection that fuels Benji’s subsequent turmoil. Despite its strengths, the movie leans heavily on voice‑over narration, which at times hampers momentum, especially during emotionally charged scenes. The tendency to verbalise feelings rather than let the cinematography speak can feel redundant, and the multiple flashbacks occasionally drift into over‑exposition. Overall, ‘Departures’ stands as a thoughtful exploration of love, identity and the search for authenticity, while also showcasing the burgeoning talent emerging from northern England’s film scene.

Rory McIlroy has joined an elite club by defending his Masters crown at Augusta National, becoming just the fourth golfer ever to win the tournament back‑to‑back. The Northern Irish star edged out world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler by a single shot, marking his sixth major championship and cementing his place in golf history. Speaking after the victory, McIlroy emphasized that the win is a stepping stone, not a final destination. “I just won my sixth major and I feel like I’m in a really good spot with my game and my body,” he said. “I still have things I want to achieve and I want to enjoy the journey.” His parents, Rosie and Gerry, who missed the 2025 ceremony, were present this year, adding a personal dimension to the triumph. “It’s amazing to have them here,” McIlroy remarked, noting that their presence reinforced his motivation and gratitude. Despite the celebratory mood, McIlroy’s performance was far from flawless. He hit only 55% of fairways and recorded 48 of 72 greens in regulation over four rounds. A six‑shot lead after 36 holes evaporated by the 54‑hole mark, and a wayward drive into the trees on the final tee underscored the pressure he faced. Reflecting on the difficulty of the feat, McIlroy admitted, “I don’t make it easy. I used to win by eight shots in my early 20s. This year I realised it’s just really difficult to win the Masters.” He described the moment of uncertainty on the 18th tee as “the greatest stress,” highlighting the thin margin between victory and defeat. Looking ahead, McIlroy signaled that his ambitions extend beyond the Masters. While he plans to take a brief break, he dismissed the notion of a post‑victory lull, stating, “I don’t think I’ll go through that lull of motivation… I still want to enjoy it as well.” With his back‑to‑back Masters titles now secured, the golfer’s next targets remain speculative, but his confidence suggests a continued push for further major victories and possibly a career Grand Slam.

Rory McIlroy clinched a second Masters victory on Sunday, edging out the field by a single stroke at 12‑under‑par to become only the fourth player in history to successfully defend the green jacket, joining Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.The 36‑year‑old Northern Irishman entered Augusta National after ending his own “Masters hoodoo” in 2025, a win that completed his career Grand Slam and placed him among the elite six‑time major champions, surpassing Seve Ballesteros in the process.In a final round that tested his nerves, McIlroy recovered from a six‑shot lead that vanished after 54 holes. A double‑bogey on the 4th and a further slip on the 6th sparked talk of a potential collapse, but the champion rallied, birdieing the 7th and 8th before delivering a decisive birdie on the 13th after a 350‑yard drive on the par‑five 12th.McIlroy’s composure under the blazing Georgia sun and gusty winds was evident as he navigated the closing holes, posting pars on 15, 16 and 17 and securing the win even if he had finished with a bogey on the 18th.Scottie Scheffler, the world No 1, finished runner‑up at 11‑under‑par. Despite an early birdie on the 3rd and a stretch of 11 consecutive pars, Scheffler’s putter faltered on the final holes, leaving him unable to challenge McIlroy’s lead.The third‑place tie at 10‑under‑par featured Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose, Russell Henley and Cameron Young, highlighting the depth of the field.During the prize ceremony, an emotional McIlroy thanked his parents, stating, “I wanted to come back here and prove last year wasn’t a fluke. The Masters continues to be the shining light of the majors, and I am honoured to win it again.”Analysts note that defending a Masters title is notoriously difficult; McIlroy’s triumph not only cements his status among the sport’s greats but also demonstrates the mental resilience required to dominate at Augusta, a venue often described as a “psychological torture chamber.”Looking ahead, McIlroy hinted that Augusta may become his “playground,” suggesting that his focus will now shift to maintaining this momentum across the remaining majors of the season.