Opening Gala Screening: “The Last Hijack”
06.03.2026 by Eimear
It is only hours away from the official opening of Darklight--the festival of independent creativity--and no opening can be without an event that summarizes the festival's essence. Opening Darklight Re:boot is the Irish premiere of ”The Last Hijack.”
“The Last Hijack” is a film co-directed by Tommy Pallotta and Femke Wolting that merges documentary storytelling with the art of animation. It tells the story of Mohamed, a middle-aged Somalian man who makes his living through piracy. The world of modern piracy, however, is very different from the Romantic, swashbuckling image generated by Hollywood and classic books. Mohamed’s existence is very different to that of Captain Kidd or the latter-day Jack Sparrow. Pending nuptials, he is under pressure to give up his marauding lifestyle, which grows more dangerous with every passing day.
Today, piracy off of Africa’s coast is a hot issue. It is a thriving economy for citizens whose country has been sucked dry of any financial or employment rejuvenation. The success behind this illegal activity is based upon the secrecy sworn between active pirates. “The Last Hijack” is an unprecedented achievement in the film's capturing of this illegal occupation from the perspective of a veteran pirate.
The opening gala screening of "The Last Hijack" is followed by an Q&A with one of the directors, Femke Wolting. The filmmaking team of Tommy Pallotta and Femke Wolting is a meeting of true industry pioneers who push the boundaries of storytelling. Pallotta first produced the award-winning feature film "Waking Life," directed by Richard Linklater. He followed it up with the film adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s "A Scanner Darkly." Femke Wolting co-founded Submarine, a multiple award-winning production company.
The Irish premiere of “The Last Hijack” takes place tonight in the Light House Cinema at 8pm. Tickets are €15.