AN exhibition that will offer an opportunity for the creative Mieke Vanmechelen to present a collection of work produced during her term as Kerry Filmmaker-in-Residence will run in the Garden Room of Muckross House in Killarney from Saturday next until June 21.
The Kerry Youth Film Projects exhibition will include film installation and a series of behind the scenes photographic works, encompassing the work of over 16 groups of young people from all over Kerry. The work will range from mini-documentaries to crime dramas and the exhibition showcases the creativity, enthusiasm and imagination of each group.
Mieke Vanmechelen is an artist, filmmaker and farmer from Kenmare who has been Kerry Filmmaker-in-Residence since 2017. Her main objective in the position was to work with schools and youth groups, enabling creativity and empowering young people to express themselves through the medium of film.
Mieke worked with diverse groups of students from around the county and built up a particularly strong relationship with Killarney Community College. The school has had many successes with film productions and screenings, being selected for the Kerry Film Festival in 2018 and reaching the finals of this year’s Fresh Film Festival with well attended screenings at Triskel Arts Centre, Cork and the Odeon Cinema, Limerick.
Two inspired students, Karolina Gunia and Brian Kelleher, are in the process of producing their own short films.
A recent collaborative film called It’s OK not to be OK was also produced under the direction of teacher Brian O’Reilly to accompany the school’s participation in the Cycle Against Suicide, a national charity event. The film was made as a collaborative project by students and teachers at the school and highlights the importance of issues surrounding mental health. It reflected the ethos of inclusion and togetherness that Killarney Community College seeks to provide and encourage.
Mieke is also working closely with Kenmare Youth Café which was set up by local woman Orla O Sullivan of Kenmare Youth Mental Wellbeing Action Group. This group also had a recent success as they were shortlisted for the Donal Walsh Live Life Film Competition which was held at Tralee Omniplex.
The Filmmaker-in-Residence residency is funded by Kerry County Council and The Arts Council.
© KillarneyToday.com is the 24/7 online news service provided by O’Mahony Media
Advertise to boost your business: Over 300,000 views every month. Over 20,000 followers on Facebook. Call 087-2229761
