The first film to screen at the festival is Muide Éire/We Are Ireland. The film documents the rich history of Ireland on screen. What is remarkable is the sheer number of films used to illustrate the film, evidence of the strength of Irish filmmaking, particularly in the past decade. An important obligation of the festival is to represent that strength, that diversity. Our programme each year reflects contemporary Irish filmmaking but, we hope, also provides support and encouragement to Irish filmmaking talent.
Corona Cork Film Festival shows more Irish films to more people than any other festival. An average of five hours of Irish film will be screened on each of the eight days, 27 programmes in all. That eight of the programmes originate from Cork is a cause for satisfaction. Local filmmaking is vibrant right now and we look forward to the impact that Cork Screen Commission– to be launched during the festival – will make.
We have had to expand the “Made In Cork” screenings to three – not just because of the numbers of films submitted but because of the impressive quality. And while these programmes showcase new talent, it is significant that a number of filmmakers are back with their third or fourth film, illustrating a sustained commitment to filmmaking in the region.
The festival is particularly geared to supporting new and emerging Irish filmmakers and we have introduced a Filmmaker Development Programme. This includes masterclasses and panel-discussions, which we hope will be of value to Irish short-filmmakers.
And it’s not just contemporary film; The Irish Film Archive is screening Come On Over (1922) and we are delighted to present, with the support of the Cooper family, an anniversary screening of Tom Cooper’s classic The Dawn, filmed in Kerry in 1936 with an entirely amateur cast and crew. This is a big film and an extraordinary achievement.
What are especially gratifying about the Irish showcase are the consistently large audiences who support and enjoy these screenings.
Sat 12 Nov | 9:00pm | Triskel Christchurch
Come On Over
Sun 13 Nov | 2:30pm | Gate Multiplex
The Dawn
