Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Matt Damon to be invited to Wexford for 30th anniversary of ‘Saving Private Ryan’
And as the 30th anniversary approaches, calls have been made to host a series of events commemorating its production. At the October meeting of the Wexford Borough District, Councillor Leonard Kelly submitted a motion in which he proposed a “landmark cultural event” for 2027 which would celebrate Saving Private Ryan’s legacy in the county.
This would include a special outdoor screening of the film on a 75ft LED screen at the The Winning Post Car Park at Wexford Racecourse complete with World War II-era military vehicles to create an immersive experience for viewers. The film’s director and stars would also be invited to Wexford for the event which will also feature a live orchestral performance of John Williams’ score at the National Opera House.
Tom Hank, Matt Damon and Ed Burns in a scene from Saving Private Ryan
Cllr Kelly made the request on behalf of Reel Reviews, Wexford Retro Movie Club, and Seanchai Productions Ltd, all of whom are requesting Wexford County Council’s support in funding and sponsoring the event and helping to promote it locally and internationally.
“The event will be heavily advertised in the US, UK, and Ireland, drawing international visitors and boosting bed nights, hospitality, and local business activity,” read Cllr Kelly’s motion. “It would reinforce Wexford’s role in global cinema history and offer a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for residents and visitors alike. This anniversary presents a unique opportunity to honour Wexford’s place in film history while delivering lasting cultural and economic benefits.”
In response, district manager for the Wexford Borough, Anthony Bailey, said he would look into the project further and intimated that funding may be available via the council’s festivals and events budget.
Hanks is known for not enjoying the experience of watching his own films, but he does have fond memories of making them, and few more so than Saving Private Ryan.
Speaking to the Irish Independent in 2023, Hanks said: “As the crow flies, Wexford’s not all that far from Dublin, but on those narrow back roads it can take a long time to get to where you want to go. But very, very beautiful.
“When we were there, the local businesses were advertising, and saying ‘come on in, you’ll have a drink with the Ryan crew!’ And I thought to myself, why not?
“I remember once I was sitting in a car because I was going to have a look at some [footage], outside a church or community hall where they had set up the projector, and this kid came by. He was in his wellingtons and he just had a stick and he was driving a couple of cows. And he comes up and he sees me in the car and I thought, ‘Oh, obviously he’s recognised me’. And I rolled down the window and I said, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’, and he says, ‘Are you with the film?’ Tom says ‘fillum’, working his way steadily in the general direction of a respectable Irish accent. “So I said, ‘yeah I am’. And he looked at me and said, ‘Well, enjoy Wexford’. That’s Ireland for you.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
