Lights, camera, action… success

The Kerry International Film Festival celebrated its 24th edition at the weekend with 46 screenings and events across several venues in Killarney.

It was the first year that they introduced live acts, along with traditional film screenings and industry events, which proved to be a phenomenal success.

Th 2023 Maureen O’Hara Award recipient Eileen Walsh.
Pictures:Domnick Walsh

The attendance included comedian Deirdre O’Kane, actors Eileen Walsh, Aoife Duffin and Geraldine McAlinden, world renowned cinematographer PJ Dillon, and journalist and editor of Empire Magazine, Helen O’Hara.

This year’s festival received more submissions than ever, which resulted in a dynamic and diverse programme that attracted audiences, filmmakers and film enthusiasts. The festival hosted a selection of sold-out screenings, including the compelling screening of the opening film Hungry Hill which was co-directed by Mieke Vanmechelen and researcher Michael Holly.

Director of Programming, Declan Lynch said the festival proved that Kerry has a vibrant dedicated, and growing film audience.

“As a team we have delighted inand learnt so much from our many conversations with local film fans and visiting filmmakers, all of which can be applied to next year’s very special 25th anniversary edition,” he said.

Mags Campbell, Colette Casey, Irene Cronin O’Reilly and Roselyn Randles

A highlight was the presentation of the Maureen O’Hara Award to actress Eileen Walsh at the Randles Hotel in Killarney followed by a very special event In Conversation with Eileen Walsh which was hosted by RTÉ Culture editor Derek O’Connor.

Eileen was a worthy recipient of the award, having starred in a series of roles including The Magdalene Sisters, Pure Mule, Eden and Catastrophe.

She is also a revered stage actor, having recently starred in the Lyndsey Turner directed play The Crucible (winner of Best Revival nomination in the Olivier Awards 2023) and Girl on an Alter directed by Annabelle Comyn.

Another important highlight of was the IFTA networking event which took place at the Killarney Plaza Hotel and it was hosted by IFTA CEO and KIFF board member, Áine Moriarty work.

The festival awards ceremony took place at the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney and the winners were:

TAKING FLIGHT, RISING TALENT AWARD: Hannah Mamalis.
MAUREEN O’HARA AWARD: Eileen Walsh
BEST OF KERRY: Two for the Road
BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT: Spoor
BEST ANIMATION: Pinokidoki
BEST STUDENT SHORT: Harvest
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: Paddy Mulcahy for Songs of Blood and Destiny
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Secrets From Putomayo
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: Echo
BEST IRISH NARRATIVE SHORT: Jill And Lill Do Knick Knacks
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE: Verdigria
SCREENWRITING AWARD: Cathriona Slammon Eyes to Listen, Hands to Speak
TRUA AWARD: Myles O’Reilly The Streets Where You Live

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