Stella Days is a heartwarming drama based on the true story of Father Daniel Barry, a priest in a small Irish town in the 1950s. Father Barry (played by Martin Sheen) is a progressive and intellectual man who dreams of returning to Rome to pursue his love of literature and philosophy. However, he is told by his Bishop (played by Tom Hickey) that he cannot leave until he raises enough money for a new church.
Father Barry turns to a new idea - opening a cinema in the town. This is met with mixed reactions from the conservative locals, who are not exactly open to the idea of movies and are worried about the influence it may have. However, Father Barry is persistent and convinces some of the townspeople to help him out.
The cinema becomes a huge success and Father Barry starts to build a community around it. He brings in films that promote thought and conversation, and encourages the townspeople to engage in debates after the screenings. He even manages to get a controversial American film that had been banned in Ireland due to its sexual content.
As Father Barry’s project gains momentum, he faces opposition from the church hierarchy and some of the more conservative members of the community. Tensions rise and there are fears that the cinema will be shut down. But Father Barry’s newfound energy and the support of some locals help him push through and ultimately succeed.
Stella Days is a beautifully crafted film with excellent performances from the entire cast. It’s a story of hope, perseverance, and the power of cinema to bring people together and inspire change.