Tag Archives: Kerry International Film Festival

Kerry International Film Festival Held In Killarney

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PHOTO CREDIT: Amanda Guerin

KERRYInternational Film Festival (KIFF) celebrated its 25th Anniversary Edition this past weekend  across various venues in Killarney.

Now in its 25th year, KIFF delivered a packed programme of features and short films from Ireland and abroad,

This year, KIFF received more submissions than ever, resulting in a diverse selection of Irish and International shorts, including an expanded family-friendly shorts selection, documentaries, narrative, animation and the ever-popular Kerry Connection programme, which celebrates the creativity and vision of Kerry filmmakers.

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Each year, one of the highlights of KIFF is the presentation of the Maureen O’Hara Award. This year’s recipient was producer Rebecca O’Flanagan, who was honoured at a special presentation and ‘in conversation’ event in Randles Hotel Killarney on the opening night of the festival.

The presentation was followed by a sold-out Opening Night screening, which kicked off with the world premiere of Dance to Remember, directed by Dónal Dineen and winner of the 2023 Kerry Short Film Bursary, funded by Kerry County Council Arts Service and the Arts Council of Ireland and supported by Screen Kerry and Kerry ETB.

PHOTO CREDIT: Amanda Guerin

Another highlight of the festival was KIFF’s 25th Birthday Celebration, sponsored by Killarney Plaza Hotel and Killarney Brewing and Distilling Co, which celebrated the journey of KIFF up until this point, and featured speeches from Grace O’Donnell, Chairperson of the Board, Ailbhe Keogan, KIFF Board Member, and Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer & Creative Ireland Coordinator for Kerry County Council. The event was followed by a sold-out Special Presentation of Small Things Like These, with lead Eileen Walsh in attendance.

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The KIFF 2024 Awards Ceremony took place in Great Southern Hotel Killarney on Sunday October 20th.

Hosted by Jessica Courtney Leen, Filmmaker and Artistic Director of West End House School of Arts, the ceremony celebrated the outstanding talent and creativity displayed throughout the weekend and awarded shorts and features in a range of categories.

The Taking Flight, Rising Talent award, sponsored by Kerry Airport, was presented to Siobhan Aislinn, who co-wrote, produced and starred in the closing film, Blurred Lines.

Another staple of the festival is the Screenwriting Award, which was awarded to Eoin Joseph Duncum for the script Gentlemen, By Way of Jupiter.

The Trua Award, which recognises brave filmmakers who compassionately explore and highlight social issues, was awarded to The Building and Burning of a Refugee Camp, directed by Dennis Harvey. It was noted for giving a voice  to immigrants Sami, Simon and Hasiballah, who have experienced far-right violence in Dublin.

Speaking at this year’s festival, Festival Programming Director Amy Louise O’Callaghan said “We’ve been privileged to screen an amazing variety of shorts and features this year, and to see such strong support and attendance across the events (despite multiple weather warnings) has made KIFF 2024 feel truly special. We couldn’t have done it without our brilliant team of staff and volunteers who kept everything running on the ground.”

FULL LIST OF KIFF 2024 AWARD WINNERS

MAUREEN O’HARA AWARD: Rebecca O’Flanagan
BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE: We Were Dangerous
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Conor Walsh: Selected Piano Works
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: Sponsored by Randles Hotel Ogham
BEST OF KERRY: Medicinal
TRUA AWARD: The Building and Burning of a Refugee Camp
TAKING FLIGHT, RISING TALENT AWARD Sponsored by Kerry Airport: Siobhan Aislinn, Blurred Lines
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT: We Beg to Differ
BEST ANIMATION: Tennis, Oranges
BEST STUDENT SHORT: A Fairytale Romance
BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT Sponsored by the Killarney Plaza Hotel: Red Sky At Night
BEST IRISH NARRATIVE SHORT Sponsored by the Great Southern Hotel Killarney: All That’s Carried
SCREENWRITING AWARD WINNER: Gentlemen, By Way of Jupiter by Eoin Joseph Duncum. Honorable Mentions: Ashes (Andrew Thomas) and You’ll Never Walk Again (Jake John McKone)

Kerry International Film Festival Appoints New Programming Director

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Amy-Louise O’Callaghan.

KERRY International Film Festival (KIFF) has announced that Amy-Louise O’Callaghan has been appointed Programming Director for KIFF 2024.

She will curate a special programme to celebrate 25 years of the festival, which takes place from October 17 – 20, 2024, across a variety of venues in Killarney.

KIFF also hosts county-wide film events throughout the year. In this capacity, Amy-Louise  presented a selection of award-winning KIFF films to a full house in Dingle as part of the brilliant Féile Na Bealtaine festival.

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Amy Louise is a film programmer and illustrator who has spent the last few years working in the Irish Film Institute on its annual schools programme, delivering an extensive selection of Irish and international films to young people throughout Ireland.

On her appointment, Amy Louise said; “I’m delighted to be appointed the Festival Programming Director for 2024. Coming from North Cork, access to arts and culture in rural areas has always been very important to me. Local film festivals like KIFF offer the opportunity to experience a huge variety of cultures and experiences, and everyone of all ages should feel welcome to come in and enjoy what’s on offer. I’m very excited to join such a great team to deliver a dynamic programme next October.’

Speaking about the appointment, KIFF chair, Grace O’ Donnell, said: “We are so delighted to welcome Amy-Louise to our KIFF 2024 team. Her passion and enthusiasm for the arts are exactly what KIFF celebrates. She is a perfect fit to head up our silver jubilee year.”

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Winners Announced At Kerry International Film Festival

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Pictured at the opening of the Kerry International Film Festival on Thursday were Aileen Randles, Aine Moriarty, Grace O’Donnell, Marie Lenihan, Irene Cronin O’Reilly and Nicola O’Sullivan.  Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

KERRY International Film Festival (KIFF) celebrated its 24th Edition this past weekend and culminated in the awards ceremony on Sunday evening.

KIFF presented 46 screenings and events across several venues in Killarneyand 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.

There were a huge number of attendees across all  KIFF screenings, live events, and film industry talks, and the engagement and support received by the local community was outstanding.

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Speaking about the success of KIFF 2023, Director of Programming, Declan Lynch said: ‘It’s been an amazing experience proving that Co. Kerry has a vibrant, dedicated, and growing film audience. As a team we have delighted in, and 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.’

This year’s KIFF 2023 Maureen O’Hara Award recipient was actress Eileen Walsh. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

A highlight of KIFF 2023 was the presentation of the Maureen O’Hara Award to actress Eileen Walsh. The award ceremony took place at Randles Hotel Killarney on Friday and was followed by a very special event ‘In Conversation with Eileen Walsh’ which was hosted by Derek O’Connor, editor, RTÉ Culture.

The KIFF 2023 Awards Ceremony took place on Sunday at The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.  The ceremony celebrated all aspects of film making and the awards were presented to outstanding film makers, directors, script writers and producers.

Basil Sheerin, Chief Financial Officer, at Kerry Airport Ireland, presented the KIFF 2023 Taking Flight Award, celebrating emerging talent in film.

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Sponsored by Kerry Airport, this year’s recipient was Hannah Manalis. The Best of Kerry Award, sponsored by Virgin Media, went to ‘Two for the Road’. This year’s Trua Award went to Miles O’Reilly for the short film The Street Where You Live.

FULL LIST OF KIFF 2023 AWARD WINNERS

1. TAKING FLIGHT, RISING TALENT AWARD, sponsored by KIFF’S headline sponsor, Kerry Airport Ireland – presented by Basil Sheerin, CFO, Kerry Airport Ireland. WINNER – Hannah Mamalis.

2. KIFF 2023 Maureen O’ Hara Award – WINNER – Eileen Walsh.
3. BEST OF KERRY, Sponsored by Virgin Media – WINNER – Two for the Road
4. BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT – Sponsored by The Plaza Hotel – WINNER – Spoor
5. BEST ANIMATION – WINNER – Pinokidoki

6. BEST STUDENT SHORT – WINNER – Harvest

7. BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – sponsored by Randles Hotel – WINNER – Paddy Mulcahy for Songs of Blood and Destiny.
8. BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE – WINNER – Secrets From Putomayo.
9. BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT – WINNER – Echo.
10. BEST IRISH NARRATIVE SHORT – sponsored by the Great Southern Hotel – WINNER – Jill And Lill Do Knick Knacks.
11. BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE – Sponsored by Screen Ireland – WINNER – Verdigris.

12. SCREENWRITING AWARD – WINNER – Eyes to Listen, Hands to Speak (Cathriona Slammon), Honourable Mentions: Toucan (Eoin Joseph Duncum), Noa’s Place (Maria Romanova-Hynes)
13. TRUA AWARD – WINNER – Myles O’Reilly (The Streets Where You Live)

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PHOTOS: Kerry International Film Festival 2023 Officially Opened

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At the opening night of Kerry International FilM Festival in Randles Court Hotel Killarney on Thursday night,Nicola O’Sullivan(PRO KIFF) Declan Lynch (Festival Programmer) Aileen Garvey (KIFF) Marie Linehan (Festival Manager). Photo by Michael Kenny

KERRY International Film Festival (KIFF) 2023 was officially opened on Thursday evening at Randles Hotel, Killarney.

Celebrating its 24th edition, KIFF 2023 takes place until Sunday across a variety of venues in Killarney and they are also hosting an event in Siamsa Tire, Tralee.

The opening night of the festival was celebrated with a reception  at the hotel which was followed by a screening of KIFF’s opening film for 2023, Michael Holly and Mieke Vanmechelen’s Hungry Hill – in the IMC Killarney.

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Speaking at the opening of KIFF 2023, festival Manager, Marie Linehan said: ‘We are thrilled to open this year’s festival at Randles Hotel Killarney and KIFF programmer, Declan Lynch, has put together an exciting programme of screenings and live events that has something for all ages and tastes.”

KIFF are excited to hosting a variety of talent over the coming days, including comedian Deirdre O’Kane, actors Eileen Walsh and Geraldine McAlinden, cinematographer P.J. Dillon, and journalist and editor at large at Empire Magazine, Helen O’Hara.

The festival will present 46 screenings and events across a variety of venues in Killarney, delivering a programme that is as diverse as it is compelling, and there is no doubt that audiences will be spoilt for choice.

This year’s KIFF 2023 Maureen O’ Hara Award recipient is Actress Eileen Walsh. The award ceremony will take place in Randles Hotel on Friday and will be followed by a special event ‘In Conversation with Eileen Walsh’ which will be hosted by Derek O’ Connor, Editor of RTÉ Culture.

Information on all the events, tickets and more can be found on KIFF’s website www.kerryfilmfestival.com. Scroll down for photos…

Ben Richardson and Nick Rutter at the screening of Hungry Hill in Killarney Cinema on the opening night of Kerry international Film Festival. Photo by Michael Kenny
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Helping out at the Killarney Cinema for the opening night of Kerry international Film Festival Charlotte Bunworth and Helen Cahill. Photo by Michael Kenny
Lorraine Neeson,Francis Neeson-Lyne and Breda Neeson-Lyne at thenopening screening of Hungry Hill at Killarney Cinema on Thursday night. Photo by Michael Kenny
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Helen Cahill (KIFF) and Anne Elizabeth Rohan at the opening night of Kerry International Film Festival at Killarney Cinema. Photo by Michael Kenny
Declan Lynch (Festival Programmer)Jessica Courtney Leen(West End House School of Arts in Killarney) at The opening night of Kerry International Film Festival. Photo by Michael Kenny
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Nicola O’Sullivan (PRO KIFF), Declan Lynch (Festival Programmer), Ailbhe Keogan (KIFF), Aileen Garvey (KIFF), Declan McSteen (KIFF), Marie Lenihan (Festival Manager) and Anrew Power (KIFF) at the opening night of Kerry International Film Festival in Randles Court Hotel in Killarney. Photo by Michael Kenny
Aileen Garvey and Declan McSteen at the opening night of The Kerry International Film Festival in Randles Court Hotel on Thursday night. Photo by Michael Kenny
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Nicola O’Sullivan(PRO KIFF)Ailbhe Keogan (KIFF) and filmmaker Mieke Vanmechelen attending the opening night of The Kerry International Film Festival. Photo by Michael Kenny
Ailbhe Keogan,Trish McAdam, Sinitta Solira and Statten Roeg attending the opening night of Kerry International Film Festival in Randles Court Hotel. Photo by Michael Kenny
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Aileen Garvey and Ailbhe Keogan both board members of Kerry international Film Festival pictured at Randles Court Hotel at the opening night on Thursday night. Photo by Michael Kenny
At the first night of The Kerry International Film Festival in Killarney on Thursday night, Declan Lynch (Festival Programmer) Michael Jacobi (MD Great Southern Hotel) and Aileen Garvey (KIFF). Photo by Michael Kenny
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Attnding the opening night of The Kerry International Film Festival in Randles Court Hotel Isolde Daly and Dolores Cronin-Daly. Photo by Michael Kenny
At the opening night of The Kerry International Film Festival at Randles Court Hotel Killarney, Jane Foley, Deirdre Barry, Siobhan O’Sullivan (Screen Art Kerry) Rachael Power (National Talent Academy) Photo by Michael Kenny
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Attending the opening night of Kerry International Film Festival Declan O’Shea and Damien O’Callaghan. Photo by Michael Kenny
At the opening night of The Kerry International Film Festival in Killarney Thursday night Nicola O’Sullivan (PRO KIFF) Namejs Boldis and Marie Linehan Festival Manager. Photo by Michael Kenny

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Eileen Walsh To Receive Maureen O’Hara Award From KIFF

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Eileen Walsh.

KERRY International Film Festival (KIFF) has announced actress Eileen Walsh as this year’s recipient of the Maureen O’Hara Award.

KIFF also officially launched their 2023 film festival programme today. Celebrating its 24th edition, this year’s festival will take place October 19 – 22.

In 2008 KIFF established the Maureen O’Hara Award in celebration of women who have excelled in film, TV and/or media. Eileen Walsh’s notable roles include The Van, The Last Bus Home, When Brendan Met Trudy, The Magdalene Sisters, Pure Mule, Eden, and Catastrophe, to name a few.

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

She will be presented with the award on Friday, October at Randles Hotel Killarney, via their ‘In Conversation with Eileen Walsh’ event.

KIFF Programme Director, Declan Lynch, said; “Eileen is one of Ireland’s finest actors, her inclusion as a Maureen O’Hara award recipient is an opportunity for us to reflect on her unique and singular career to date. We look forward to welcoming Eileen to Killarney in October.”

Speaking about receiving the Maureen O’Hara Award Eileen Walsh said; “There’s a photo of me and my sister Bernadette sitting on a picnic bench. I had taken a chunk of my communion money and bought a beige t-shirt and matching skirt.

“I pulled my knee socks up and smiled for the camera. My parents had brought us for a day trip to see The Quiet Man house. I thought I was as beautiful as she was as I sat on the picnic table. My dad insisted he’d try the healthy water spring which smelt awful and tasted worse, although through his twisted face and appalled eyes he squeezed the words ‘Ah it’s not that bad’.”

“I’m so delighted to receive this Maureen O’Hara award, her films are one thing, but her lasting friendships and continued collaborations with directors and actors is a thing to admire and aspire to. As a proud Cork woman, I’m only sorry it’s the Kingdom of Kerry that got there first to give me such an award. Míle Buíochas,” she said.

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Kerry International Film Festival Appoints New Manager And Programmer

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Marie Linehan.

KERRY International Film Festival (KIFF) has announced that Marie Linehan has been appointed as the new festival manager for 2023.

Additionally, Declan Lynch has been appointed as the new festival programmer for the festival, which will take place in a variety of venues across Killarney from October 19 – 22.

Marie joined the KIFF team in 2021 and has worked in a variety of positions within the organisation which has led her to overseeing the running of this year’s festival.

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The London-Irish woman, raised in West Kerry and now residing in Kerry, Marie brings a wealth of experience and passion to KIFF from her background in recruitment and administration.

Upon her appointment Marie said: “I am privileged to be appointed as the manager of KIFF 2023, and I look forward to working closely with the KIFF board of management and the festival team. The closing date for all submissions is 22 July this year, and we are delighted to have received submissions from over 60 countries so far.”

Along with Marie’s appointment as KIFF manager, Declan Lynch has recently been appointed as the new festival programmer for KIFF 2023.

Declan Lynch.

Declan has a wealth of film industry knowledge and has a long career as a film and television professional.

He is a writer, director, and an award-winning producer (Big Bird, Nymphet) and has programmed Scéal Eile: Irish Film Festival since 2018. Upon commencing his new role as KIFF programmer, Declan said: “I am honoured to be offered this great opportunity and excited to be working with such a strong and experienced festival team. My predecessors Maeve McGrath and Eibh O’ Brien-Collins have delivered outstanding work in this role, and I hope to match their great accomplishments.  We are already hard at work to deliver a full and compelling programme and we look forward to bringing some very talented people to Kerry in 2023.”

Speaking about the recent appointments, Chair of KIFF, Grace O’Donnell, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Marie Linehan as the new festival manager, and Declan Lynch as the new programmer for KIFF 2023. We are very excited to collaborate with them and the KIFF team, to deliver what we believe will be a unique and inspiring festival, and we look forward to presenting a dynamic and engaging programme again this year.”

KIFF is currently accepting film submissions for KIFF 2023 and the closing deadline for all submissions is 22 July 2023. All applications will be accepted up to that date on: https://filmfreeway.com/KerryIntFilmFestival.

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PHOTOS: Biggest Kerry International Film Festival Yet Takes Place Over Weekend

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Sarah Connellan, Joanne Hagerty, Grace O’Donnell at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher

KERRY International Film Festival (KIFF) celebrated its 23rd edition over this past weekend presenting over 30 events in Killarney and Dingle.

KIFF 2022 received the largest number of film submissions to date which resulted in a dynamic programme that attracted audiences, filmmakers, industry talent and film enthusiasts from near and far.  The festival hosted a selection of sold-out screenings across the four days of the festival.

Speaking about the success of KIFF 2022, Programme Director Eibh Collins said: “This was by far our biggest festival to date, and we are so grateful to the Kerry and Irish film community for coming out in droves to support the festival. We look forward to seeing everyone back next year for KIFF 2023, from October 19 – 22.”

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A highlight of KIFF 2022 was the presentation of the Maureen O’Hara Award to this year’s recipient, actress and writer, Amy Huberman which took place at Randles Hotel Killarney on 22 October.

The presentation of the award was followed by a very special event ‘In Conversation with Amy Huberman’ which was hosted by the CEO of the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA), Áine Moriarty.

Amy Huberman winner of the KIFF 2022 Maureen O’ Hara Award . Amy was presented with her award by Áine Moriarty Chief Executive of the Irish Film & Television Academy and Eibh Collins (KIFF Programmer).

The KIFF 2022 Awards Ceremony place on Sunday, October 23 in The Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.

The ceremony celebrated all aspects of film making and the awards were presented to a number of outstanding film makers, directors, script writers and producers.

LIST OF KIFF 2022 AWARD WINNERS
1. KIFF 2022 Maureen O’ Hara Award – Amy Huberman
2. BEST OF KERRY – Not My Sister. Director, Jessica Courtney Leen
3. BEST INTERNATIONAL NARRATIVE SHORT – WanderLand, Director, Nicole Pott
4. BEST ANIMATION – Before Her Body Left, Director Yuxin Yang
5. BEST STUDENT SHORT – Sucking Diesel, Director Sam McGrath

6. BEST ORIGINAL SCORE – Don’t Go Where I Can’t Find You, Score by, Benedict Schlepper-Connolly and Garett Sholdice, known as Ergodos
7. BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE – And Still I Sing, Director Fazila Amiri
8. BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT – My Name Is Joseph, Director Sean Murray
9. BEST IRISH NARRATIVE SHORT – Burn It All, Director, Jack Hickey
10. BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE – Lakelands. Directors, Robert Higgins and Patrick McGiveny
11. SCREENWRITING AWARD – At the Foot of a Mountain, At the Edge of the World – Eoin Joseph Duncum. Special Recommendation, Sleeper by Gavin McClenaghan
12. TRUA AWARD – Film Producer and Programmer, Mira Oyetoro
13. TAKING FLIGHT, RISING TALENT AWARD, supported by Kerry Airport. – Laura O’Shea

 

Malcolm Willis, Grace O’Donnell and Ben Kavanagh at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
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Nicola O’Sullivan, Michael Healy Rae, Aine Moriarty and Marie Linehan at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
Tim O’Connor, Freddy O’Donoghue, Paddy Osbourne, Sam McGrath at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
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Alicia Gerard and Jessica Courtney Leen at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
Tom Randles and Aileen Garvey at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
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Eibh Collins, Andrew Power, Nicola O’Sullivan at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
Joanne Creedon, Elena Fleming at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
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Grace O’Donnell, Amy Huberman at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
Aine Moriarty and Amy Huberman on stage. Photo by James Maher
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Aine Morarty, Amy Huberman, Sophie Shrestha at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
Andrew Power, Jessica Courtney Leen at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
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Donal Maroney, Aine Moriarty at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
Fiona O’Donoghue, Kate Kennelly, Becky Hargrove, Ailbhe Keogan, Siobhan O’Sullivan
at a KIFF event. Photo by James Maher
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Aileen Garvey, Aine Moriarty, Grace O’Donnell, Andrew Power, Irene Cronin at the KIFF awards. Photo by James Maher
Michael Jacobi, Sean Cooney at the KIFF awards. Photo by James Maher
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Thomas Maguire, Jessica Courtney Leen at the KIFF awards. Photo by James Maher
Nicole Pott at the KIFF awards. Photo by James Maher
Jack Hickey at the KIFF awards. Photo by James Maher
Basil Sheerin, Laura O’Shea at the KIFF awards. Photo by James Maher
Andrew Power, Nicola O’Sullivan at the KIFF awards. Photo by James Maher
Irene Cronin, Marie Linehan at the KIFF awards. Photo by James Maher
Pat Short, Lee Crowley, Jessica Courtney Leen on stage at Q&A event. Photo by James Maher

PHOTOS: Kerry International Film Festival Opens In Killarney

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Jessica Courtney Leen and Jennifer Courtney Leen. Photo by James Maher

THE official opening of the Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) took place on Thursday evening at Randles Hotel, Killarney.

Celebrating its 23rd edition, this year’s festival is taking place until Sunday across a series of venues throughout Killarney, as well as showcasing a bespoke KIFF screening in Dingle on Sunday, October 23.

KIFF is returning to its roots by presenting a fully physical, in person, film festival that promotes and showcases film and filmmaking talent across over 30 events.

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Speaking at the opening celebration for KIFF 2022, Eibh Collins, Programme Director said: “As we have such an exciting few days of films and events ahead, it only feels right to start with a bang and open the festival with a sold out screening of Tarrac. KIFF have worked hard to curate an exciting variety of films and events across this year’s festival, there is something for everyone and we hope that the public enjoys it.”

KIFF recently announced Actress and Writer Amy Huberman as the KIFF 2022 Maureen O’Hara Award recipient.

For tickets, event registration, festival passes and the full list of events at this year’s festival, check out KIFF’s website www.kerryfilmfestival.com Scroll down for photos from the opening of the Festival by James Maher…

Marie Linehan and Marie Ni Choistín. Photo by James Maher
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Thomas Maguire and Peter Maguire. Photo by James Maher
Ailbhe Keoghan, Irene Cronin-O Riley, Aine Moriarty, Aileen Garvey, and Grace O Donnell. Photo by James Maher
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Marie Ruiséal, Eibh Collins, and Deirdre Ní Choistín. Photo by James Maher
Nicola O’Gorman, Marie Linehan and Peter Maguire. Photo by James Maher
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Denise Buckley and Ben Ryan. Photo by James Maher
Lorcan Cranitch and Declan Reeks. Photo by James Maher
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Grace O’Donnell, Eibh Collins, Bridget Fitzgerald,  Siobhan O’Sullivan and Kate Kennelly. Photo by James Maher
Darina Galloba and Siobhan Flannigan. Photo by James Maher
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Damian O Callaghan, Declan O’Shea and Tim O’Connor. Photo by James Maher
Barney Scholes and Tom O’Meara. Photo by James Maher
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Amy Huberman To Receive Maureen O’Hara Award At Kerry Film Festival

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Amy Huberman. Photo: RTE

KERRY International Film Festival (KIFF)  officially launched their 2022 film festival programme this morning.

Celebrating its 23rd edition, this year’s festival will take place from October 20 – 23 across a series of venues throughout Killarney, as well as showcasing a bespoke KIFF screening in Dingle on Sunday, October 23.

One of the yearly highlights of KIFF is the Maureen O’Hara Award, established in celebration of women who have excelled in film, TV and/or media and this year, KIFF  has announced that the KIFF 2022 Maureen O’ Hara Award recipient is actress and writer Amy Huberman.

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Amy’s notable roles include Derry Girls, Striking Out, Finding Joy, Your Bad Self, The Clinic, The Stag, Stella Days, Rewind, and Handsome Devil, to name a few.

Speaking about receiving the Award Amy Huberman said; “It is such an honour to receive the eponymous Maureen O’Hara award! When I think of Maureen O’ Hara I think of a trailblazer brimming with talent, grit, ambition, courage, and captivating charm. She was such a fabulous ambassador for Ireland and for women in our industry. I’m so honoured to be the recipient of the award this year and a huge thank you to the Kerry International Film Festival. I shall keep the award on the mantelpiece for whenever I need some inspiration, seeing as the woman herself has, and continues to, inspire so many.”

The festival will present Amy Huberman with the KIFF 2022 Maureen O’ Hara Award on Saturday,  October 23 via their ‘In Conversation with Amy Huberman’ event and the festival will share the details of this presentation in the lead into the festival.

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KIFF Programme Director, Eibh Collins, said; “As a prolific performer, a writer, and a public figure, Amy’s humour and clever insights are matched only by how fantastically talented she is. KIFF are delighted to welcome her to Killarney in October as the recipient of this year’s Maureen O’Hara Award.”

This year’s festival will see KIFF returning to its roots by presenting a fully physical, in person, film festival that promotes and showcases film and filmmaking talent across 30+ events.

The opening night of the festival will be celebrated with a reception hosted by Randles Hotel Killarney on Thursday, October 20, which will be followed by a screening of KIFF’s opening film for 2022, Declan Reck’s Tarrac in the INEC Killarney.

Other Irish highlights across KIFF 2022 include, Million Dollar Pigeons, by Gavin Fitzgerald and  Galway Film Fleadh Award-Winner Lakelands.

At the heart of KIFF programming is short films, and this year’s selection continues that tradition with the festivals Irish Short Film Programmes One to Three, featuring new work from KIFF’s alumni such as, Katie McNeice, Gregory Burrowes and Lara Hickey.

The Festival also features short films, music documentaries, family friendly films and a selection of industry events and talks. Tickets, event registration and festival passes will be available to purchase now  www.kerryfilmfestival.com

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Kerry Film Festival Launches Online Programme Of Events

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KERRY International Film Festival has launched their 2020 online programme today with a host of unique feature films, documentaries, animation, short film programmes and online industry events not to be missed.

In keeping with current Government guidelines surrounding Coivd19 and to maintain the safety of KIFF audiences everywhere, the festival recently opted to present an exclusively online event in 2020.

Movie enthusiasts everywhere can log on to www.kerryfilmfestival.com from October 9 and pre book tickets for KIFF 2020 which will take place from October 15 – 18.

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Some of the highlights in this year’s programme include three low-budget directorial debuts from independent Irish filmmakers; Chris Aylmer (Go Get Davey), Allan El Atrash (Thursday’s Child) and Adam William Cahill (Follow the Dead).

Alongside a selection of new work, they also look back and celebrate the 15 year anniversary of Perry Ogden’s ‘Pavee Lackeen’, paired with Ciara Nic Chormaic’s ‘Skin + Soul’, which covers the work of Perry as a filmmaker and photographer.

They also have a host of exciting Irish and International Documentaries, including Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound, Directed by veteran Hollywood sound editor Midge Costin.

This documentary will be followed by a Making Waves in Irish Sound Design Panel and discussion.

In other workshops they are excited to work with Kerry’s Filmmaker in Residence Mieke Vanmechelen on a tailored screening of Un Film Dramatique and workshop specifically for young film enthusiasts in Kerry.

Speaking at the launch today, festival programmer Eibh Collins said; “We are clearly gutted that we are not able to meet all the filmmakers in the foyer of Cinema Killarney this year to share in the excitement of showcasing their work or to see the return of the loyal faces who have supported the festival over the past 21 years.

“However, I am extremely proud of the robust KIFF team for assembling such a strong event and grateful to the people of Kerry for their ongoing support during these challenging times. I am also so indebted to all the filmmakers, artists and creatives for having the guts to jump into the deep end of the unknown online festival world, just to be able to keep our film industry moving forward and our audiences entertained.”

The KIFF 2020 programme includes a vast selection of other panels aimed at new and established short filmmakers, covering the “How To’ of marketing and promoting a short film online.

This will also include a talk from one of Hollywood’s leading Public Relations agencies, Joshua Jason PR, who will present a case study on the ‘Path to the Academy Awards’.

In other short film content, we are excited to share a selection of over eighty shorts during the festival. While we are delighted to welcome returning work from KIFF veteran filmmakers and familiar faces, we also have an extremely exciting selection of skilled directing debuts from the future of Irish filmmaking. One of the most exciting elements of an online festival is our NON-geo blocked programme of short films, that will be shared with KIFF partnering festivals and International Irish Festivals, making sure the wealth of Irish talent and culture can continue to travel far and wide, even if we, the people, cannot. Lastly, our short films selection also sees the return of the Kerry Connection Best Short Film Competition and the Shorts for Shorties: Kids Animation Selection, among other highlights.

They will also pair up with Dublin Feminist Film Festival by screening a selection of six short films, including new work from Megan K Fox as well as three exciting features, Nia DaCosta’s Crossing the Line, Áine Stapleton’s Horrible Creatures & Vivienne Dick’s New York Our Time.

In the lead up to the festival, they will be sharing their Jessie Buckley Interview: The Maureen O’Hara Award recipient 2020 – In conversation with Esther McCarthy.

This will be free to view anytime from Friday, 9th October. Meanwhile, a selection of our 2019 Irish Winning films will be available to view on their  platform from Friday 2nd – 9th October, including last year’s hit Documentary Kilimanjaro Mama about Kerry teacher Louise Quill.

Upon pre-booking tickets from Friday 9th of October, screening will not be available to watch until the scheduled time and date.

Once rented audiences will have from the scheduled screening time until Monday 19th of October to watch their selected title(s), with the playback window of 36 hours. Prices start at €5 and competitively priced ticket bundles and season tickets are available.

For details on these screenings and more, please go to W: www.kerryfilmfestival.com E: press@kerryfilmfestival.com T: 086 4466305

Jessie Buckley To Receive Kerry Film Festival’s Maureen O’Hara Award

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Jessie Buckley

THE Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) has announced that Jessie Buckley is the recipient of this year’s Maureen O’Hara award.

The Killarney native will be accepting the accolade in October in celebration of her exceptional work in both film and the arts.

The much-coveted award is offered exclusively to women who have excelled in film and KIFF are privileged to be presenting the award to Jessie Buckley on what would have been Maureen O’Hara’s centenary year.

Jessie Buckley is a highly acclaimed actor featuring as the lead in movies such as ‘Beast’, ‘Wild Rose’ and most recently the acclaimed ‘I’m Thinking Of Ending Things’ on Netflix, as well featuring in a number of BBC TV series over the years and in ‘Chernobyl’ on Sky.

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Upon receiving the KIFF 2020 Maureen O’ Hara award, Jessie Buckley said: “It means so much, when your own people and own country get behind you like this and say you’re doing alright kid, that means a lot.”

In keeping with their new format, KIFF will be presenting the Maureen O’ Hara award to Jessie Buckley via an online interview which will be available on the website and additional social media platforms throughout the festival. There are also plans to host a physical presentation in the future.

Taking place from October 15-18, KIFF is a well-established festival that celebrates shorts, features, live film scores, emerging film talent and industry events.

The core event of the festival will be held online in partnership with streaming platform Shift72 and, depending on Government guidelines, the festival also aims to host a physical element the event in partnership with the newly re-opened Cinema Killarney.

For more on the Kerry International Film Festival check out their website on www.kerryfilmfestival.com

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