The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Clapperboards at the ready for Charlie Chaplin Comedy and Film Festival
WHEN Charlie Chaplin said, ‘I am for people; I can’t help it’ you’d have to wonder whether or not the great man of comedy had some premonition about Waterville for no other place in the world has taken to remembering Charlie quite like the famous South Kerry village. Chaplin would be proud to know that a place, once so dear to him in life, would one day set about dedicating a festival to him and to everything he loved. Now in its sixth year, the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival (CCCFF) has attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world since its inception and there’s everything to suggest this figure is only going one way – upwards. “It’s all about the village; it’s their festival and they enjoy and support it,” said Barry O’Donovan, festival committee member. Great comedy acts, film, music, street entertainment, Fossetts Circus, screenings and lectures - you name it, the festival guarantees it and it all takes place from August 25 to 28 where four days of laughter and ‘taking life a little easy’ is a requirement. The festival will also try to go one better than last year in reaching the Guinness Book of Records for the most ‘Charlie Chaplins’ in one place; so be sure to get yourself kitted out in ‘Charlie-style attire’ and head to Waterville. “We’re going to do this every year as a team building exercise and a bit of fun for the village and if the record comes, we’ll welcome it,” Barry added. The Film Competitions are also a hugely talented affair with some competitive categories down for decision again this year ensuring judges will have plenty of head scratching to do over the weekend. Festivals are a dime a dozen these days but earning a reputation as a festival of merit is sometimes harder to achieve. But not for the Charlie Chaplin Festival it isn’t; for here the emphasis is firmly on combining quality with entertainment and one of its core strengths is its ability to put on a show that caters for all tastes, age levels and interests. Just take a look at some of the following acts lined up for this year: Deirdre O’Kane, Patrick Bergin, Diego Andres Spano, Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, Rory Fellowes, Cass Sunstein, Bagatelle. And you’ll be delighted to know that outside of the major headline acts there’s a plethora of comedy, short film, street entertainment, local history talks and much more besides. Summer 2016 has so far been a pretty black and white affair given the poor weather. But a trip to Waterville for the Charlie Chaplin Festival is one place where all things ‘black and white’ are given colour as the village pays homage to its comedy icon. So here’s what to do: mark August 25 to 28 in your diary and be sure to check out www.chaplinfilmfestival.com for a full list of events, dates, venues and times.