Location: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th Street

The U.S. premier of "Garage," starring Pat Shortt, one of Ireland's most beloved comedians in a dramatic role, will open the 9th annual Chicago Irish Film Festival Friday with a 7 p.m. reception followed by an 8:30 p.m. screening.

The festival, with nine screenings and two receptions, runs through Wed., Mar. 5 at the Center and will showcase feature films, documentaries, a classic Irish film, two programs of short films and animations, live music, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers, scholars from the American Conference of Irish Studies (ACIS), and guest speakers.

Guests at the opening reception include Irish filmmakers David Gleeson (director, "The Front Line"), Nathalie Lichtenthaeler (producer, "The Front Line"), James Kelly (director, "Colman Doyle: Photographing the Nation") and Ross Whitaker (director, "Saviours"); Consul General of Ireland Martin Rouine and Vice Consul General of Ireland Timothy Reilly; members of the American Conference on Irish Studies; and members of the South Side Irish Parade Committee. The evening includes live entertainment by The Cloonans, hors d'oeuvres buffet, open bar and the film screening, and is sponsored by Bailey's Irish Cream, Bushmill's, and U.S. Cellular.

For more information, call (773) 445-3838 or visit www.chicagoirishfilmfestival.com.