KERRY FILM FESTIVAL’S CLASSIC SCREENINGS TO CONTINUE WITH ARSENIC & OLD LACE (1944)

An afternoon of classic cinema on a big screen and refreshments beforehand, all for two Euro? Where would you get it? At the monthly Kerry Film Festival Active Retired Screenings, that’s where.

Kerry Film Festival has delved deep into its archive to continue the series at Siamsa Tire on Wednesday 3^rd August at 2pm, with ARSENIC AND OLD LACE.

Starring Cary Grant and Priscilla Lane, ARSENIC AND OLD LACE tells the story of drama critic who learns on his wedding day that his beloved maiden aunts are actually homicidal maniacs and that insanity runs in the family. Although the film was released in 1944 it was actually filmed in 1941 making it seventy years old this September! Described as ‘good macabre fun’ in contemporary rewiews, Frank Capra’s hilarious production certainly stands the test of time.

Last month the KFF Active Retired screening featured Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Michael Curtiz’s, 1944 Oscar-winning masterpiece CASABLANCA. A must-see for all film lovers, the screening attracted a great number of afternoon film-goers leading to a wonderful atmosphere in Siamsa Tire.

Kerry Film Festival holds active retired screenings on the first Wednesday of each month in Siamsa Tire, Tralee. Aimed at the seasoned film enthusiast, admission to the screenings is just €2 for anyone over the age of sixty-five, and refreshments are provided free of charge by Kerry Film Festival. Recent screenings have included, NATIONAL VELVET starring a young Elizabeth Taylor, and the previously mentioned 1944 Oscar winner CASABLANCA.

“The selection of films for this year’s series of Active Retired Screenings has been truly outstanding, and they just seem to get better and better”, said KFF Coordinator Niall Burman-Roy. “In this age of computer generated special effects it is astonishing to see the innovative techniques which film-makers were employing long before the days of the micro-chip and the blue screen. While for many patrons the screenings offer a chance to take a walk down memory lane, for others it is a great opportunity to see true classics for the first time.”

Screenings will continue throughout the summer, taking place on the first Wednesday of each month, and all are welcome to attend.

Upcoming KFF Active Retired Screenings:

August 3^rd ARSENIC & OLD LACE (1944)

September 7^th ROMAN HOLIDAY (1953)

October 5^th GILDA (1946)

For more information on the Kerry Film Festival Active Retired Screenings contact 066 7129934 or email info@kerryfilmfestival.com

Kerry Film Festival Children's Workshops

Listowel Presentation Primary Schools 4th Class enjoying the recent KFF workshops

Kerry Film Festival has been on the road in recent months bringing a series of film appreciation workshops to primary schools across the county. The workshops gave pupils an opportunity to view a selection of the winning short films from last year's Kerry Film Festival and award stars to their favourites. They were also encouraged to think about various aspects of film-making and have a go at designing their own movie characters.

The free workshops have been tailored to suit primary school children from first to sixth class and are designed to encourage an enthusiasm for film. It's hoped that instilling a love of film as young as possible will inspire the next generation of Irish film makers and maintain Ireland's and Kerry's reputation as a hub of creativity and imagination.

"Ireland has always been known for its literary output and Kerry has produced more than its fair share. If Ireland can produce would class writers then there's no reason on earth it can't produce world class film makers," said Kerry Film Festival Director, Jason O' Mahony.

"If you listen to directors like Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg they always say that their love of film making started when they were kids, and that's exactly what we're trying to engender - a love of film making in children. We want the next generation's Spielberg to come from Kerry!"

Kerry Film Festival's Education Coordinator Edwina Neilan, says she has been very impressed with the enthusiasm and creativity of the students especially when designing their characters. "It's very inspiring to witness the students' imaginations at work and we hope to include as many of their designs as possible in this years festival programme."

Due to the overwhelming interest from primary schools all over County Kerry the workshops are due to resume after the summer break and Edwina is encouraging interested primary schools to get involved.

For more information on Kerry Film Festival's education programme please contact 066 7129934 or email Edwina on edwina@kerryfilmfestival.com