From Brooklyn to Kerry for film festival’s new artistic director
FORMER FAIR CITY STAR MAEVE MCGRATH HANDED KEY ROLE FOR 17TH KERRY FILM FESTIVAL IN OCTOBER
EXPERIENCED actress and producer Maeve McGrath has been appointed as the new Artistic Director of the Kerry Film Festival.
Ms McGrath, who starred in Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn and played Lorraine Molloy in Fair City during the 1990’s, has expressed delight at being involved with the 17th staging of the festival, and is greatly anticipating her work.
The Kerry Film Festival has always prided itself on the unique experience it offers its audiences, but in order to achieve the exact feel that’s wanted, it’s crucial to have a fine Artistic Director on board.
Chairman Phillip Doyle is certain Ms McGrath’s the perfect selection:
“She has a vast body of work behind her, and she’s very well connected, which is what we need for this role.”
“She’s worked on the Bram Stoker Film Festival, the Richard Harris Film Festival, and arts festivals, so she’s got plenty experience for sure!”
Her role will entail ordering the many hundreds of films to perfection, as well as assigning them different award categories.
Her ability to contact artists, film musicians, experts in the creation of film, and sponsorship will also be tested, but Mr Doyle is sure she’ll be well able to take on the task:
“Her contemporary knowledge of the festival landscape is exceptional. This isn’t an easy role, so it’s great to have someone as learned as her in this position.”
“She’s acted in Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn, has a list of producer credits in short films, and has since transitioned into feature length formats, so she knows the industry.”
The festival runs from October 19-23, and though its hub is in Killarney, Mr Doyle emphasises that it’s very much a countywide event:
“Last year we had satellite events in Tralee and Killorglin, and we plan to have satellite events outside of Killarney as well this year.”
“I’d encourage anyone to come along, because this is an event that’s very different to any other.” Mr Doyle explains: “We put a big emphasis on promoting short film, and we screen films in unique settings and environments to provide a different feel. We’ve tried different things like combining food with film, so we’ve a real focus on the experience as well as the film.”
“Our emphasis on the score is an example of this. Last year we had a silent film screened, but a DJ was playing the tracks to accompany it. We’ll do something in a similar vein again this year, and much more besides.”