A young Killarney filmmaker has won the First Cut Film Festival award for best music video as part of the open call programmes.
Rachel Griffin composed the song Two Fools, One Lie as well as performing in and directing the video.
Featuring a group of her friends it stars the talented Sinead Marie and Dylan Shortt in lead roles.
Made in Killarney last spring, it involved significant collaboration and organisation but it was great fun to make, according to Rachel.
Patrick O’Connor-Mason from Kenmare filmed and edited the video and his film Dyslexia and Me was also screened at First Cut.
Rachel and many of her friends are members of Killarney based youth film group SONAR (Scannánóirí Óga Na Ríochta) which is directed by Kerry County Council’s filmmaker in residence Mieke Vanmechelen and based at Anam, the Arts and Cultural Centre.
Many of the group were also part of Prom Queen, a jukebox musical which was staged at the INEC and both groups are ambitious and garnering attention nationally, highlighting the positive impact of creative youth engagement and the benefits of mentorship.
Mieke Vanmechelen remarked: “Rachel is a major driving force within our group SONAR. She is so talented and radiates positivity and generosity so this is a well-deserved win”.
Rachel’s award was presented to her by festival director Mary McGrath at the Regal Cinema in Youghal at the weekend and she expressed her gratitude and delight in the company of her friends and family.
SONAR members will see their films on the big screen at Fresh International Film Festival taking place from March 27 to April 1at the Belltable Arts Centre in Limerick. They have big plans and enthusiasm for the next project.
The filmmaker in residence project is funded by Kerry County Council, Arts Council and Creative Ireland Kerry.
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