The film is the highly anticipated adaptation of Colm Toibin’s novel of the same name.

Set in the early 1950s, Brooklyn is the story of a young woman played by Ronan who moves from small town Ireland to Brooklyn, New York, where she has the opportunity for work and romance with an Italian-American played by Emory Cohen.

When a family tragedy brings her back to Ireland, she finds herself absorbed into her old community.

Romance sparks between her and local boy Jim Farrell, played by Gleeson, and she finds herself torn about returning to America. Author Toibin (below) said he was impressed with the adaptation and described Ronan’s performance as “extraordinary”.

“It’s very, very emotional. It’s the first time I suppose she’s doing a part as a lead actress as an adult on her own and she’s absolutely extraordinary,” he said.

He also revealed that Ronan had major on-screen chemistry with co-star Cohen.

“Emory Cohen plays it as pure charm. He’ll do anything to win her,” he said.

The screenplay was written by About A Boy author Nick Hornby and is set to hit cinemas next year.

Brooklyn marks the fifth Irish production with support from the Irish Film Board to screen at the festival over the years.

Kerry director Gerard Barrett will be taking his new film Glassland to the festival established by Robert Redford.

Starring Jack Reynor, Toni Colette and Will Poulter, it tells the story of a young man trying to cope with an alcoholic mother in Tallaght.

“It’s such an honour and privilege to take this film to Sundance. To be in competition at Sundance really is special,” said Barrett.

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