Not Just A Cultural Event!

Cork Film Festival is not just a cultural event, though that is our raison d’être – to champion creative filmmaking in all its forms. We believe that the festival plays a supportive role within the Irish film industry, particularly in the nascent careers of young directors, producers and the many others involved in a film production. Repeatedly we hear that a Cork screening of their short has provided encouragement to a young filmmaker and it is gratifying to see our short film ‘alumni’ coming back to Cork each year with feature films.

We have deepened our commitment to young Irish filmmakers by expanding our Accreditation scheme – giving access to all screenings, workshops and events in the belief that a productive experience in Cork will help their emerging careers. We have a Filmmakers Development Programme, including on Saturday 12th, an Industry Fair in Christchurch. This is aimed at both emerging filmmakers but also those who are interested in making films and don’t know where to start.

Of particular interest to us is the growing filmmaking scene in Cork. Because of the great quality of the work submitted, our ‘Made In Cork’ section has had to be expanded to three screenings. And, as last year, three feature films shot in Cork City and County are in the programme. We congratulate the makers of The Pier, Tree Keeper and Steamin’ And Dreamin’ 2, the latter two receiving their World Premiers at the festival. We are delighted that during the festival Cork Screen Commission will be launched by Minister Jimmy Deenihan, TD. This is an initiative of Cork City and County Councils and we wish it well. Already on the back of this we have seen the emergence of Southern Screen Professionals, an indication of the strength of the local filmmaking scene. We should also pay tribute to the continued important work of Cork Film Centre in providing support, training and equipment to local filmmakers.

After a two-year hiatus we are delighted to be back in the Triskel Arts Centre and in particular in Christchurch where there is a full programme of screenings and performances including by Cork based VJs and electronic musicians. We are fortunate to have the support of Cork Opera House and the Gate Multiplex as venues. But the festival programme is not confined to cinemas – we have a partnership with the National Sculpture Factory, who this year host an installation by Jenny Jones. There will be screenings in the Tactic Gallery (in the old FÁS building), in the Firkin Crane, The Guesthouse and in The Pavilion who, in addition to screening Steamin’ And Dreamin’ 2 have established themselves this year as the venue for a Festival Fringe. We welcome that.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Festival team for their tireless work during the past months. Putting the festival together is a complex process requiring the input of many people and we are very lucky to have such a dedicated team. I especially wish to thank my full-time colleagues Úna Feely and Seán Kelly. Also the Festival Board who in the face of cutbacks in our funding – public and private – have been exemplary in their support of the festival team. I thank our many supporters, the funders – primarily the Arts Council – sponsors – primarily Barry Fitzwilliam, our advertisers and the ‘Friends of the Festival’. We salute the very many filmmakers who have provided the content of the festival, many of whom travel to Cork to present their films. And it is the audience who I finally thank. Without your support the festival would have no meaning. With your support, across the eight days and nights, it is a most enjoyable and memorable experience.

Thank you.

Mick Hannigan
Festival Director