FOLLOWING a sell-out premiere at Killarney Cinema on Saturday evening, and a standing ovation as the credits rolled, it got even better for a talented team of Kerry based filmmakers before the night was over.
Director Malcolm Willis and producer Brian Hurley, along with film crew, were astonished when they were informed their feature documentary, Kilimanjaro Mama, was shortlisted for two awards as part of the 20th Kerry International Film Festival.
It was then revealed that they won the prestigious Best Feature Film award which is an impressive achievement for an independent production with a tight budget against some big budget international competition.
Kilimanjaro Mama is an hour-long documentary featuring an extraordinary young woman, Louise Quill, from Tralee, who shares her story of why she decided to set up Tir na nÓg orphanage in Africa, what drives her and the impact it has had on her own health and wellbeing.
Documenting the journey from Ireland to Tanzania, this is the story of one woman’s dogged determination to give the children of Kilimanjaro the best possible chance to overcome the tough life they have been dealt.
Director Malcolm Willis stated: “This is our home festival and it was very special having all the hardworking crew with us on the night. The film shines a light on the amazing children and the inspirational woman behind it all, Louise Quill”.
Following the win, producer Brian Hurley commented: “This was an amazing and unexpected accolade. We were thrilled with the support at the premiere but to have also won Best Feature Film is unreal”.
The award winning documentary film will now be entered into a select number of film festivals nationally and internationally and the filmmakers plan to secure a television broadcast in the coming months.
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