Press Release……………………………Press Release
Cork Film Festival to pay homage to short films
The countdown is on to the 51st Cork Film Festival.
This annual extravaganza of films kicks off on the 8th of October and will offer film lovers an exciting weeklong programme of events which include big budget films, world cinema, innovative independent films, international documentaries, an Irish showcase and short films from all over the world.
The 2006 Festival programme is very comprehensive and members of the public will be treated to an eclectic range of Irish and international cinematic treats. A must for all football fans is the film Sixty Six which is set in England in 1966. This film tells the humorous story of how the biggest day in 12 year old Bernie’s life is set to become a complete disaster when his Bar Mitzvah is scheduled for the same day that England play in the World Cup Final.
Lovers of contemporary thrillers will enjoy the film Gone in which a young British couple travelling through the Australian outback become involved with a mysterious and charismatic American whose motive for imposing his friendship upon them becomes increasingly suspect and sinister. This year will also see the screening of The Host, a Korean monster Sci Fi film. Since its release in Korea, it has smashed the country’s all time box office admissions record and is taking the world by storm.
The Cork Film Festival has long been a passionate supporter of films which are produced in Ireland. This year, the Festival will screen Middleton, a fascinating film which deals with the issues which arise when an overzealous priest who believes that his purpose in life is to rid the world from evil, returns to a small Irish town and forces his flock to cleanse their souls.
In 2006 the Cork Film Festival will screen a diverse selection of Irish and International documentaries. This year will see the premiere of the historical documentary The Girl from Auschwitz which portrays the fascinating life story of author Cordelia Edvardson who at the age of 14 was sent alone to the infamous concentration camp Auschwitz Against all odds she survived.
Of particular interest to those interested in environmental issues is the documentary An Inconvenient Truth which offers a passionate and inspirational look at Al Gore’s fervent crusade to halt global warming's deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it.
An exciting element of the Festival is the Drive In where film lovers will have the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane and enjoy the unique experience of drive in cinema. Members of the public will be able to sit outside, gaze up at the stars in the sky and watch classic movies such as Rocky, The Pink Panther and The Silence of the Lambs from the comfort of their cars.
Last years very successful Slow Food Evening will take place again this year. This endeavour brings together food and film in a unique way. Observing the tenets of the Slow Food Movement, slow food producers from Cork city and county will serve up their rare and tasty delights in combination with a series of interesting short films that deal with the joy of food.
Since its inception in 1956 the short film has been an integral component of the festival. In 2006 the festival continues its love affair with the short by offering short filmmakers the opportunity to compete for several prestigious awards including the award for the Best Irish Short, the award for Best International Short Film, the Prix UIP for Best European Short Film and the Irish Examiner Made in Cork Award.
The Cork Film Festival will pay tribute to Jen Jonnson, an award winning short film maker from Sweden. A collection of his unique films will be screened throughout the Festival and members of the public will gain a valuable insight into the work of this prolific filmmaker.
The Festival continues to make film making accessible to young people and will bring Irish and International Shorts to schools all around Cork City and County. The Shorts in Classroom Programme gives students a memorable insight into the world of filmmaking and the art of the short film. The Programme is directed towards the transition year film course and introduces a critical analysis to film as a medium.
The Festival once again honours Irish language films through its Oscailt programme which allows promising Irish language filmmakers to screen their work at the Festival. Lovers of the Irish language will be treated to the world premiere of exciting and innovative new Irish language shorts as they compete for the prestigious Gradam Gaelinn Prize.
Tickets for all events and the festival catalogue can be purchased from the end of September at the Cork Film Festival Box Office which is situated at 15 Grand Parade, Cork. The Festival Programme will also be available online at www.corkfilmfest.org
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