19 years in, Kerry Film Festival shows no sign of slowing down

EVER the hub of activity, the atmosphere in Killarney was just that little bit more electric this past week as the town celebrated all things film as part of the 19th annual Kerry Film Festival.

Filmmakers from Kerry and all over the country descended on the town to witness the Irish and European film premieres, screenings and events that make Irish filmmaking so special.

Among these was Killarney’s own jarvey turned director Damian O’Callaghan who had the honour of officially opening this year’s Kerry Film Festival with his locally made courtroom drama and comedy feaure film entitled ‘Tradition’.

The premiere night was a sell-out success as eagle-eyed locals spent the night laughing, applauding and, most importantly, marvelling at the dazzling local sights that feature in the film.

For Damian and his hardworking talented cast and crew, it was the fitting conclusion that their film deserved as they received a standing ovation as the credits began to roll.

Mayor of Kerry Norma Foley was full of praise for the film and said that we here in Kerry are natural born storytellers.

“With film and culture in Kerry we are always seeking to be better and to do better and why would we not given that we are a county of story makers and story tellers,” she said.

Artistic Director of the Kerry Film Festival Maeve McGrath, informed a full house: “The Kerry Film Festival presents films that challenge and inspire, that win awards and begin new journeys for the film makers involved.

“In 2018 the festival saw a significant increase in films directed by women and the festival hopes to build on that as the festival moves into the 20th edition in 2019,” she continued.

With 20 years next year, only more great nights like the ‘Tradition’ premiere awaits and it’s safe to say that Kerry filmmaking is in good hands.

Photographed at the locally made film ‘Tradition’ after-party in Reidys Bar were crew members and supporters Tim O’Connor actor, Owen Roberts actor, Kerry Film Festival director Maeve McGrath, actor Pascal Scott, Shona Guerin, actor Barry Keoghan, director Damian O’Callaghan, assistant director Claire Corrigan and comedian/ actor Bernard Casey.

RIGHT: Kerry Film Festival director Maeve McGrath and legendary commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh photographed at the after party in Reidys.