Picture: Michael Kelly
Talented screenwriter Ailbhe Keogan has taken over as chairperson of the Kerry International Film Festival.
She succeeds Grace O’Donnell who has spent 15 years on the board, the last eight as chairperson, and she will remain a valued member going forward.
“It was an honour and a privilege to serve as chair for one of the most successful and unique festivals in Kerry. I will always be proud of the team that got the festival to its 25th year,” Grace said.
“I know the festival is in good hands with my beautiful friend, Ailbhe and I look forward to working with her into the next chapter of the festival’s narrative,” she added.
Picture: Amanda Guerin
Ailbhe, a member of the board for nearly a decade, said the organisation is blessed with board members, past and present, who are genuinely passionate about supporting emerging talent during the early stages of their careers.
“Everyone gives their time and expertise so readily. We care deeply about film and the filmmakers. We plan to consolidate our vision and grow with our ever-expanding filmmaking community and audience,” she said
Tralee woman Ailbhe’s first feature film, the IFTA-nominated Run & Jump, partly shot in Kerry, was selected as part of the Berlin Talent Campus Script Station and the Sundance Institute’s Lab.
Her second script, the IFTA-nominated Joyride, released in 2022, was directed by Emmy award-winning Emer Reynolds with Olivia Coleman in the lead role. It was wholly shot in Kerry.
Ailbhe’s third feature, Sunlight, had its world premiere at Glasgow International Film Festival and it won the jury award at the Austin Film Festival.
She is also a writer on both seasons of the BAFTA-winning and Emmy-nominated Bad Sisters, Sharon Horgan’s dark comedy TV show, which streams on Apple.
Ailbhe also adapted Louise Kennedy’s critically acclaimed debut novel Trespasses for Channel 4, with Oscar-nominated Wildgaze Films producing and she is currently adapting Úna Mannion’s multi-award-winning Tell me what I am for Sid Gentle films.
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