It’s the reel capital
A record number of entries from Cork will be showing at this year’s IndieCork film festival.
Details of the 12th edition of the festival were announced yesterday, Wednesday, with organisers revealing that 27 countries will be represented from across the world including Albania, Columbia, Thailand, Finland, South Korea and Haiti.
The opening night film of IndieCork has been announced as ‘Juliette In Spring,’ a French comedy/drama which has charmed festival audiences recently. Directed by Blandine Lenoir, it will screen on 6 October at The Arc Cinema.
Of the short, feature and documentary films represented this year, 30 are from filmmakers with Cork connections. Among this selection is the premiere of new documentary directed by Emma Bowell of Framework Films on the Meitheal Mara project - a community boatyard in the heart of the city; as well as a world premiere of a new Cork feature film, ‘A Hell of a Difference,’ a horror/comedy set in Cork and made by two previous IndieCork winners Steven Broekhuizen and Emmet O’Brien.
Úna Feely, co-director of IndieCork said the level of interest from filmmakers has been phenomenal.
She explained: “Every year, IndieCork continues to go from strength to strength but this year’s festival programme is a great development. We screen more films than ever in the beautiful Arc Cinema, our venue partner, with an additional strand of international films each evening, giving choice to the audience.
“It’s amazing to see so many countries represented, and the breadth of genres means there’s literally something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming many filmmakers here for their world and Irish premieres.”
Chairperson of IndieCork Eileen Hogan said it’s very encouraging to see the wealth of films being produced locally. “A huge portion of our entries this year are created by people in Cork, or by Cork people living in other countries. It goes to show what an artistic and culturally rich county it is.
“In recognition of this, the 2024 festival will have a panel discussion on filmmaking in Cork, that I have no doubt will be very well attended. It’s one of a number of networking events that take place as part of IndieCork that offer opportunities for filmmakers the world over.”
IndieCork also presents a music and sound programme highlighting music talent from Cork and beyond; and partners with Contemporary Music Centre and Screen Guild Composers of Ireland with events taking place at The Pavilion and Civic Trust House. In addition there are talks, workshops and networking events in partnership with National Talent Academies and Culture Ireland.
Independent Irish web hosting company Blacknight Solutions has returned as festival sponsors, with an additional award, the Blacknight Best Irish Short Film category. IndieCork organisers said this comes with a generous cash award for the winning director.