FREEHOLD — Borough Councilman John Newman read “Round Ireland With a Fridge” by Tony Hawks in 2009 after returning home to Freehold Borough from a trip to Ireland.
Now, two years later, the film version of “Round Ireland With a Fridge” will have its United States premiere at the American Hotel in Freehold Borough as a fundraiser for the fledgling Freehold Borough Arts Council.
“Round Ireland With a Fridge” will be shown at 7 p.m. March 11 at the American Hotel. The evening’s festivities will also include several short films provided by the Irish Film Institute, Reel Ireland and Culture Ireland.
Newman said he read the book after his trip to Ireland. He eventually learned it had been made into a movie. Newman said he took a chance and sent an email to Hawks to ask if the film could be brought to the United States.
“He said yes,” Newman reported.
In a press release, Newman described the book, saying, “After a night of drinking, Tony Hawks (played by the author) accepts a bet that he can’t hitch-hike the perimeter of Ireland with a refrigerator.
“During the course of a month, Tony has one of the most unforgettable experiences of his life. This new comedy road movie proves that, no matter how gloomy things seem, open the fridge door and a little light comes on.”
Hawks, a British comedian and writer, will appear at the screening via Skype and answer questions from the audience.
Freehold Borough Arts Council member Joe Barris said the March 11 event “has taken on a life of its own” now that it is also incorporating Irish film shorts in addition to the feature film.
“This is really a big deal, to have a first screening of a foreign film right here in Freehold Borough,” Barris said. “This will hopefully bring positive attention to the arts council, which we want to become a destination for cultural arts. We want to get people from all ethnicities to converge and meet in one place to work for the betterment of the arts in the community for everyone.”
To purchase tickets, go to the website www.freeholdboroughartscouncil.blogspot.com or call 732-800-2173. Tickets are $15 and advance ticket purchase is recommended. The event will offer a cash bar and light snacks will be served.
Proceeds will benefit the Freehold Borough Arts Council and its efforts “to inspire, provide and champion the arts in order to build upon a greater cultural community,” according to the press release.
— Clare Marie Celano