American actor and director Al Pacino would like to make a film in Ireland in order to “get around, see it, be part of it and be with the people”.
He was speaking as he arrived at Dublin's Savoy Cinema for a screening of Wilde Salome, his documentary about Oscar Wilde's notorious play, which was partly shot in Dublin.
Pacino said he felt it was important to visit Wilde’s birthplace during the making of the film.
“To come to this place where his roots are and to be allowed free reign …it was very beneficial to the movie and I am just deeply grateful,” he said.
Joining him on the red carpet were Wilde’s grandson Merlin Holland and film producer Barry Navidi.
Pacino has spent five years making the documentary Wilde's Salomé, which was shown tonight as part of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival. He has described the film as his "most personal project ever" and he also plays the role of Herod in the feature.
The documentary marks the actor's third time behind the camera. He previously directed the documentary Looking for Richard in 1996 and Chinese Coffee in 2000.
The New York-born actor (71) was presented with a Jameson Dublin International Film Festival achievement award by President Michael D Higgins.
Wilde Salomé premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September and is expected to go on general release later this year.
Pacino, who has been nominated for an academy award on eight occasions, previously visited Ireland in 2006 when he received the honorary patronage of the University Philosophical Society at Trinity College Dublin.
During that visit he filmed a number of scenes which feature in his latest documentary.
Wilde wrote the one-act play Salomé in 1891. It was initially banned from being performed in Britain due to a law forbidding the depiction of biblical characters on stage.
The Jameson Dublin Film Festival continues until February 26th.
