Michael Flatley said he wants the world to see the beauty of Ireland through his new movie - as he walked the red carpet at the Irish premiere.
The Lord of the Dance and Riverdance legend, 64, has written, directed and also stars in spy thriller Blackbird, which opens in cinemas on Friday 2 September.
Speaking at the star-studded red carpet in Dublin’s Lighthouse Cinema last night he said the film is both an ode to his late mother and to his love of Ireland.
Read More: Michael Flatley was told going into the film world was 'impossible'
“I wanted the world to see Ireland and north Cork is spectacular. But all of Ireland is. Ireland is the most beautiful place in the world and the world should see it.
“That’s how I see it.
“I tried to get in as much, in fact, we filmed way more that didn’t make the final cut that would have liked to have seen in it. But I got in a lot and I’m very happy.”
“I have to say half the crew is Irish. And no matter where we went, it is a serious movie, but we had a great old time and that made it so much more pleasurable. And it is great to have the Irish touch.”
The film screened at the Monaco Streaming Film Festival last year, where Flatley picked up the best actor award.
And he said his Irish premiere homecoming felt like a special moment, particularly after he had been told for years that his acting and directing dream would be “impossible.”
Dressed in a black Tom Ford suit and Armani shoes, he said: “I’ll try anything once, you only live nine times - you've got to go for it.”
“It’s a big night for me tonight and I’m thrilled. I can’t wait to take my wife out for a martini after this."
He said the movie is dedicated to his late mother Eilish, who passed away in 2016, and told how she always dreamt of seeing him on the big screen.
“My mother always wanted me to do this movie and, God rest her soul, she is not here to see it, but I know she is here to see it if you know what I mean.
“It’s for mom.”
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