The 74th Berlin Film Festival will open its gates with the historical drama “Small Things Like These”starring Cillian Murphy.

Directed by Tim Millands and written by Irish playwright Edda Walsh, the film will have its world premiere as part of the competition section of the Festival on February 15.

Based on Claire Keegan’s book of the same name, the film “Small Things Like These” “reveals truths about the ‘Magdalen Laundries’ in Ireland, Asylums of Shame operated from the 18th century until 1996 by Catholic nuns and housing ‘degenerate women’ »» according to the summary.

It is noted that last year’s Oscar-nominated film “The Quiet Girl” was based on the award-winning novel “Foster” published by the author in 2010. The star cast includes Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley and Emily Watson.

Murphy plays devoted father and coal and lumber merchant Bill Furlong who during Christmas 1985 “discovers terrifying secrets hidden in his town’s monastery, along with some shocking truths of his own,” according to the press release. He has also produced with Alan Moloney and Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s production company, Artists Equity. According to Variety, the 74th Berlinale will be held from February 15 to 25.