KFF Issues Call for Entries for 12th Edition

Juliette Binoche pictured with Maureen O'Hara after receiving the Maureen O' Hara Award at last year's KFF

KFF offers thousands of Euro in cash prizes and a prestigious showcase for new film makers

Kerry Film Festival (KFF), the biggest little film festival in the world, has issued a call for entries for the 2011 edition of its prestigious festival. KFF will run from October 29th to November 5th, and is offering thousands of euro in cash prizes to up and coming film makers.

The main feature of Kerry Film Festival is a short film competition that focuses on young film makers and awards prizes in a number of different categories including Best Irish Film, Best International Film, Best Documentary Film and Best Animated Film. Winning films are selected by a world class panel of adjudicators, with KFF adjudicators including such leading lights as Jeremy Irons, Noel Pearson, Liam Neeson and Gabriel Byrne. KFF also presents the Maureen O' Hara award to a lady that has excelled in film, with Oscar winning actress Juliette Binoche picking up the award in 2010, which was presented by Maureen O' Hara herself.

KFF has, over the last four years, increased audience numbers from 1,500 in 2006 to close to 10,000 in 2010, making it one of the premiere film festivals in Ireland. KFF is celebrating its 12th birthday this year and will bring films and film makers to the most beautiful location. There has been particularly strong international interest in KFF over the past few years, with film makers from all over the globe submitting work. In fact entries for the 2011 edition have already come flooding in from as far away as Brazil and Korea and from as close to home as Ballina and Killarney. KFF director, Jason O' Mahony, is delighted with the response so far and is hopeful that 2011 will be another bumper year for entries. "Last year we received 548 entries, which was fantastic for us. We've had a wonderfully strong response so far this year with close to 200 movies already received and we're still months away from the deadline. I'd love to see an increase in the number of films submitted and would encourage all film makers to send in their work. KFF is a special little festival, we've screenings all over the Kingdom with films showing in Tralee, Killarney, Dingle, Listowel, Kenmare, Waterville and Caherciveen, which makes us one of the most geographically dispersed festivals, not only in Ireland, but in the whole world, but we're still an intimate little festival and all the filmmakers that come have a wonderful time."

The focus of Kerry Film Festival is, as always, on young, up-and-coming filmmakers, giving the KFF audience an opportunity to see and love the work of directors before they become widely known. "Because the film making process is such an expensive one, and because the money for film making is so tightly controlled, most directors cut their teeth on the short film format," said O' Mahony. "In 2009, for example we screened The Crush – it was the world premier of a film which went on to garner awards and accolades from festivals all over the globe – including being short listed for an Oscar. Our audience had a chance to see the film before anyone else and the response to the film was phenomenal."

While KFF is an intimate little festival, the quality of both the films and the panel of adjudicators consistently punch above the festival's weight. Having such well respected adjudicators view and select the winning films is a huge advantage to winning filmmakers. "It's one of the unique strengths of KFF," added O' Mahony, "We offer young filmmakers a chance to have their work seen by respected pros and, if their film is selected, then the kudos which goes along with having their film selected will hopefully help them take the next step in their careers."

KFF also has an extensive partnership with festivals around the globe with festivals in the US, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Finland and the UK all screening the winning shorts from Kerry. As winning film maker Declan Cassidy explains, "Kerry Film Festival is the film festival which just keeps on giving! It was a wonderfully warm experience. The staff and organisers are genuinely concerned about ensuring that we, the film makers, had a wonderful time."

"The award I won there has commanded a lot of respect in promoting the film to industry and other festivals. But it didn't stop there. Festival Director, Jason O' Mahony, has forged an extremely impressive network with other festivals and he worked tirelessly to promote my film to them. As a result my film played in a number of festivals it would not have otherwise reached and, to my surprise and delight, the film picked up another award at one of these in Italy. Kerry Film Festival is the kind of festival you want to go back to again and again."

For more information and to download an application form please click here. The closing date for submissions is August 1st.

Thoroughly civilised afternoon at the pictures enjoyed by seniors at Siamsa Tíre

Marie Duffy and Cathy Kelliher get ready to take their seats at Siamsa Tíre

When we get a bit older we're probably not too pushed about going to see a computer-generated vision of the apocalypse, or a teenage flesh-fest, or to take a three-dimensional trip to the intergalactic jungle home of extra-terrestrial smurf-like creatures. Our appetite for hot-dogs, nachos, titanic sized portions of popcorn and buckets of fizz will perhaps diminish somewhat as we advance in our years, and we may wish for a more elegant and demure way to enjoy a great movie on a big screen in the company of our peers.

If that does happen to me someday, I hope that Kerry Film Festival's active retired screenings are still being held at Siamsa Tire.

In spite of my tender years I was lucky enough to be present Wednesday afternoon’s screening of The Night of the Hunter, a classic dating back to 1955 starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters and Lillian Gish. There was a great atmosphere as film lovers gathered for tea, coffee and biscuits, chatting to friends and admiring some of the artwork on display around Siamsa Tire, prior to the film.

The monthly active retired screenings will continue at 2pm on June 1st with 1944 classic National Velvet starring Mickey Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor. All films cost just €2 to anyone over the age of sixty-five and refreshments are provided by Kerry Film Festival.

It’s a great social occasion as well as a unique opportunity for seasoned film enthusiasts to see some fantastic films on the big screen, and without a smurf in sight.

For more information, please call Kerry Film Festival on 066 712 9934.

KERRY FILM FESTIVAL BRINGING FILM APPRECIATION WORKSHOPS TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Kerry Film Festival bringing film appreciation workshops to primary schools

Kerry Film Festival is on the road, bringing a series of film appreciation workshops to primary schools across the county. The workshops which will run until the end of the school term, will give 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 will also be encouraged to consider various aspects of film-making and have the chance to design their own 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 world 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 already had a great response from primary schools across the county. "It's been terrific to get such a good reaction to the education programme and I'd encourage all Kerry primary schools to get involved", she said.

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

Indian Film Festival comes to Siamsa

A unique and exciting collaboration between Siamsa Tire and the Indian Film Festival of Ireland will bring an Indian film to Tralee on Friday, May 13!

RAJNEETI, which literally means "politics", is a film by Prakash Jha and it will be the center piece of an exotic evening of events.

The evening kicks off with a delicious tasting of Indian food, which will be followed by an inspirational Indian classical dance performance by the well known artist Ashwani Kalsekar.

Then renowned Indian Directors, Vishal Bhardwaj, Anusha Rizvi, Rekha Bhardwaj and Atul Tiwari will introduce the film. They'll be joined on stage by Siraj Zaidi, the Director of the Indian Film Festival of Ireland.

Tickets for the whole evening are available from the box office at Siamsa Tire on 066 712 3055 and are reasonably priced at just €6 to €11 per person. Fantastic offers and deals are also available for families and group packages.

FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS HELD AT ST BRENDAN’S COLLEGE, KILLARNEY

Budding paparazzi from St Brendan's College, Killarney enjoyed a lesson with a difference on their return to school this week when Kerry Film Festival and the Irish Film Institute presented a morning of workshops on the history and basic principles of photography and film appreciation.

Mike Foley, of Kerry Film Festival and Foghlú Foto, first explained the development of photography, displaying an array of cameras ranging from one of the earliest models to modern digital equipment. Students learned about the influences of early cameras on 16th century art and were invited to compare the merits of digital Vs traditional film. They learned more about composing a photograph and some of the tricks of the trade from seasoned snapper Mike.

Baz Al-Rawi of the Irish Film Institute then gave the students a fascinating presentation into just how much work and thought is involved in film-making, focussing on the ways in which various aspects add meaning and symbolism which extend far beyond the dialogue. The reaction of the students to Baz and Mike’s workshops revealed fascinating insights into the technological environment in which today’s students are learning. This was particularly evident when it emerged that only one of the students who attended the history of photography workshop had used a traditional ‘film’ camera, and that the most familiar clips shown to students at the film appreciation workshop were made using computer generated imagery (CGI), highlighting the convergence of cinematography and video-game development.

Teacher Simon Moore said the students had really enjoyed the workshops, which were a very pleasant way to return to school after the Easter break.

Kerry Film Festival and Kerry Bicycle Festival to join forces for 'Race Across America'

Kerry Film Festival is teaming up with Kerry Bicycle Festival to present the feature length cycling documentary film Race Across America at 8pm on Friday 6th May at Siamsa Tire, Tralee. The screening will mark the start of a week of bicycle themed festivities which will be launched at Siamsa Tire at 6:30pm the same evening.

Race across America tells the story of one of the world's toughest sporting events where competitors pedal three-thousand miles across America. Often cycling for twenty-two hours a day with one hour of sleep, the brave souls who accept the challenge must find and crush their physical, emotional and spiritual limits or risk being left humbled somewhere on the roads of America.

"We're delighted to be bringing this fascinating documentary to the Kerry Bicycle Festival. The Bicycle Festival organisers have put together a great programme and the launch will be a fantastic evening." said Jason O'Mahony, Kerry Film Festival Director. "Thankfully, I understand that the events planned for the Bicycle Festival will be considerably more leisurely and family friendly, and will not require anyone to challenge their physical or emotional endurance," he added.

New Courses at Galway Film Centre

The good folks at Galway Film Centre have come up with another couple wonderful courses for all you budding filmmakers out there!

Visual Screenwriting- Limited to 8 places
This workshop, tutored by Mark McIlrath, is aimed at writers with treatments or screenplays. It's an excellent opportunity to look at your story from a completely new perspective. The tutor will work with you by email prior to the course to develop your ideas!

The first step will be to look at your story in terms of Sequences. Next, the Dramatic Structure and the key images in your story will be examined. This will include looking at the motifs, symbols and metaphors and asking why they are necessary, how you’re using them, and how you can develop a coherent Image System which layers the themes of your film. Participants will be asked to take basic digital photos, and present the story through stills using Power Point (similar to Chris Marker’s La Jetée). Help will be given, if needed, in the use of Power Point.

Date: 3 Days, May 14, 15, 16
Fee: €295 unwaged/€315 waged. Prices include membership for year.
Members who have done a course within the last year: €225 unwaged/€234 waged. Members who haven't done a course with us in the last year: €250 unwaged/€260 waged

What are Treatments & Step Outlines?- Limited to 8 places
What are they? Why are they necessary? What they are not? The workshop will look at how the Industry uses Treatments and Step Outlines and what producers and funders expect. Is there an Industry standard or is it about what works? What about length? This workshop is aimed at scriptwriters who feel they’d like to understand these formats better. This workshop will involve in class exercises.

Date: 4 hours, Friday May 13 (11am – 3pm)
Fee: €65 unwaged/€75 waged.
Those that have done a course with us within the last year: €58.50 unwaged/€67.50 waged

To apply or for more info, contact Mary at education@galwayfilmcentre.ie or phone 091-770748.

Dance Films at New Kerry Dance Festival

nMotion Dance Festival will take place at Siamsa Tire, Tralee, Tuesday April 19th and Wednesday 20th April. The nMotion Dance Festival is curated and created by Catherine Young and Siamsa Tire as part of the Dancer in Residence Programme - a partnership between artist Catherine Young, Siamsa Tire, Kerry County Council, Kerry Local Sports Partnership and supported by the Arts Council.

"Siamsa Tire will be buzzing with dance classes, talks on dance, dance films and performances," said Catherine Young, "there will truly be something for everyone."

nMotion promises something interesting for all, with open classes in a whole myriad of styles including Irish dance, Tango, African, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dancing. There will also be classes for teens, adults and for the over 50's.

The festival also has a jam packed calendar of talks and discussions while also screening a number of dance related films. Each day will culminate in an evening of performances, taking place at 8pm, and featuring a mixed bill with performers from as far off as Argentina and West Africa and from as close to home as local companies, Kerry Youth Dance Theatre and YoCo Dance Company.

"This Festival is a great opportunity to see the very best of many dance styles, it invites everyone to come and see or participate in dance," said Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer. "We are delighted with the support received for this event from all partners, in particular for the funding of Catherine's time, mainly through the Arts Council."

"After each night's show there will be a chance to meet and talk with the performers, ask questions and get involved," stated Karl Wallace, Artistic Director, Siamsa Tire. "We want people to see the quality of dance that exists today as well as enjoying the fact that dance can be for everybody".

For full time table & schedule see Get Involved section of www.siamsatire.com.

To book tickets classes, workshops and performances, contact Siamsa Tire Box office: 066 712 3055

KFF to screen French Film in Kenmare

Comme Une Image, to screen in The Carnegie, Kenmare, at 2:00 pm, Wednesday April 13th

Kerry Film Festival (KFF) is delighted to announce a screening of COMME UNE IMAGE, a wonderful French Film which picked up the Best Screenplay Award at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. Working in close collaboration with the Irish Film Institute (IFI) and Kerry County Council the film will screen in The Carnegie in Kenmare on Wednesday, April 13th at 2:00 pm.

"We're thrilled to be in a position to screen a film for French students and it's an amazing film," said Kerry Film Festival Director, Jason O' Mahony. "The education screenings that take place during the Kerry Film Festival are always a success and we're delighted to be able to extend those screenings throughout the year. We're also indebted to the support we receive from the IFI and Kerry County Council, which makes the screening possible."

The winner of the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004, COMME UNE IMAGE is director, writer and actress Agnes Jaoui's second feature film. Co-written by Jaoui and her longtime partner Jean-Paul Bacri, the film was warmly received by audiences in France and both Jaoui and Bacri play characters in the film: Jaoui plays Sylvia who is the main character's (Lolita) singing teacher and Bacri plays Etienne Cassard.

It's a clever, dark comedy with the title coming from a French expression, 'sage comme une image'. This 'good as gold' ideal is one that Lolita rebels against in the film, which Jaoui describes as the 'tyranny of beauty'. Jaoui and Bacri offer a critique of a society obsessed by celebrity and image, yet they are themselves household names in France, which perhaps gives them some inside knowledge of the dangers of fame.

The film is part of the IFI's back catalogue and comes with study guides to help students and teachers reach a deeper understanding of the film, while providing the opportunity for appreciation and critical interaction with the film.

"We're doing an Arts week in Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine in Kenmare and wanted to screen high quality French films," said Majella Gafney-Murphy, a teacher at the school. "We attended the Kerry Film Festival last year and really enjoyed the screening so decided to get in touch to see if they could help out and we're delighted that they did - we're really looking forward to the screening of COMME UNE IMAGE in The Carnegie on Wednesday, April 13th."

Interested teachers are encouraged to contact Kerry Film Festival on 066 712 9934 to book places for students. Tickets are available at €5 per student.

News from Galway Film Centre

Adsell Productions
Are looking for Camera Ops & Editors
www.wfi.ie
www.iftn.ie/jobs and Send Message
Deadline 29 March 2011

Mind the Gap Films
Are looking for a Director
www.mindthegapfilms.com
www.iftn.ie/jobs and Send Message
Deadlien 31 March 2011

Tailored Films
Are looking for Freelance Editors
www.tailoredfilms.ie
www.iftn.ie/jobs and Send Message

7 Weekend Film Foundation Course (€75 early bird discount)
Learn about the steps involved in making a short film and then make a short film over 7 weekends, under the guidance of experienced film tutors. Use the finished DVD as part of a portfolio for work or college.
Course Dates: 7 weekends; April 9-10, 16-17, May 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, June 11-12 (10am-5pm) (includes a 2 weekend break for Easter)
Course Cost: € 655 unwaged/€ 725 waged (Payment can be spread over the first few weeks and these fees include membership to the Centre for the year). To see films made on this course and for more info, go to: http://www.galwayfilmcentre.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid

Stop-Motion Animation Workshop
Make your own animation through drawings, claymation and photos using i-stop motion. Learn how to use this software and how to shoot your animation film on a movie camera, camcorder, pocket camera or even a mobile phone. This course is very practical and by the end, you should hopefully be able to go and make your own animations at home. Materials will be provided. Suitable for beginners or those with a little knowledge and class sizes are very limited.
About the Tutor: Aideen Barry is a Visual Artist, working in animation, film, drawing, performance, sculpture, photography and sound installation. Her films and video have been shown widely both nationally and internationally including at Moderna Museet, Sweden, The Other Gallery and the Walter Phillps Gallery, Banff, Canada.
Dates: 6 Tuesday evenings, 7pm - 9pm, March 29, April 5, 12, 19, May 3, 10, 2011
Fee: €225 unwaged/ €255 waged* (Includes membership. 10% discount if you have done a course with us in the last year.)
Link to animations created on a recent workshop:
http://www.galwayfilmcentre.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=90&Itemid > =

ID PROJECTS – IDENTIFYING YOUR COMMUNITY
Do you belong to a community, social or voluntary group in Galway City or County?
Do you have a unique voice which encapsulates your community, tradition, lifestyle, views or culture?
ID Projects offer groups an exciting opportunity to make their own documentary based on the theme of identity with the help of a professional documentary maker.
Galway Film Centre, the Arts Council, Galway City and County Councils would like to offer you this great opportunity to participate in ID Projects at no cost to your group.
If you would like to learn more, join us at our free information evening in:
Westside Library, Wednesday March 30th at 6.00pm
Ballinasloe Library, Thursday March 31st at 6.00pm
For more information and application forms please contact Nuala at the Galway Film Centre at 091 770748 or email: projects@galwayfilmcentre.ie
Closing date for application is April 15th 2011


RTÉ Storyland episodes two- two Galway entries

Look out for
http://www.rte.ie/storyland/episodes-the-outlaw-concy-ryan.html

http://www.rte.ie/storyland/episodes-lucky-run.html


The Kelly's Movie Table Quiz takes place on the 4th of April from 8.00pm. Once again all film fans, from the devoted to the casual, are invited to test their knowledge in the gladiatorial like arena that is Upstairs at Kelly's. Twenty euro per table of four, it was a sell out last month and it will sell out this month so get your tickets early. With audio/visual rounds, spot prizes and much much more!


‘Éalú’ Production Wraps
Magamedia are currently in production with the third series of drama-documentary series, ‘Éalú’. The new installment is at the end of its shoot and production is to wrap on Sunday, March 27th. Directed by Paddy Hayes (Corp + Anam), this series will examine the Irish republican prisoners who escaped from Irish jail
http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4283730&tpl=archnews&force=1

Human Rights Film Awards Deadline Approaches

The submissions deadline for the 2011 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards is fast approaching, those wishing to enter their projects have until Friday, April 15th to do so. Individual film students, filmmakers, and/ or those with a strong interest in human rights are invited to submit their original short film focusing on a particular human rights issue in or related to Ireland.
http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4283723&tpl=archnews&force=1

Celtic Media Festival 13-15 April
www.celticmediafestival.co.uk

Belfast Film Festival 31st March-14 April
http://www.belfastfilmfestival.org/


Cartoon Saloon goes solo with jobs boost for city
http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/local/cartoon_saloon_goes_solo_with_jobs_boost_for_city_1_2528085


Arizona Festival Selects Irish Projects

Irish feature film ‘Man Made Men’ will have its U.S. premiere at the 20th Anniversary Arizona International Film Festival. Other Irish projects being shown as part of the festival include Sean Garland’s feature doc, ‘NokotaHeart’, Risteard O’Domhnaill’s ‘The Pipe’ and Mary Redmond’s short, ‘Cured’
http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4283725&tpl=archnews&force=1

Irish Selection at Budapest's Titanic Film Fest
Organisers of Budapest’s 18th Titanic International Film Festival have introduced a new section to this year’s event entitled Irish Selection. The new section of the festival looks to celebrate the Irish film industry and will include screenings of ‘Savage’, ‘One Hundred Mornings’, ‘Perrier’s Bounty’ and ‘Essential Killing’.
http://www.iftn.ie/news/?act1=record&only=1&aid=73&rid=4283727&tpl=archnews&force=1

Blinder Films See A Host of Festival Selections for ‘One Hundred Mornings’ and ‘Sensation’
Conor Horgan's apocalyptic ONE HUNDRED MORNINGS and Tom Hall's smart and sexy SENSATION are proving extremely popular on an international level with numerous festival screenings lined up in the coming weeks. Both of these features were produced by Irish production company Blinder Films.
http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/irish_film_industry/news/Blinder_Films_See_A_Host_of_Festival_Selections_for_lsquoOne_Hundred_Morningsrsquo_and_lsquoSensationrsquo/1609

Irish Documentary COLONY on DVD and Digital Release in the US from March 29th
Award-winning Colony, the Irish debut feature documentary co-directed by Ross McDonnell and Carter Gunn, is set for DVD and digital release in the US from March 29th.

This beautifully photographed film follows several American beekeepers over the course of two years, investigating the unexplainable phenomenon Colony Collapse Disorder which has seen a drop in almost a quarter of the number of bees in the United States, threatening the beekeeping industry and because agriculture depends on pollination, therefore threatening our food supplies.
http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/irish_film_industry/news/Irish_Documentary_COLONY_on_DVD_and_Digital_Release_in_the_US_from_March_29th/1608


Virtual Cinema Short ‘The Monk & The Fly’ Becomes YouTube Hit
The short animation THE MONK & THE FLY has become a YouTube hit after being selected as one of the websites ‘featured' clips on its home page and receiving over 64,000 hits overnight.
http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/irish_film_industry/news/Virtual_Cinema_Short_lsquoThe_Monk_amp_The_Flyrsquo_Becomes_YouTube_Hit/1610

Horror film WAKE WOOD goes on release today
David Keating's new horror WAKE WOOD goes on limited theatrical, digital and DVD release in Ireland and the UK from today 25th March.
http://www.irishfilmboard.ie/irish_film_industry/news/Horror_film_WAKE_WOOD_goes_on_release_today/1611

Animation Hotline

Kerry Film Festival alum, Dusty Grella, whose PRAYERS FOR PEACE played in the 2010 Festival has launched a wonderfully interesting little animation project.

"Animation Hotline is a series of daily animations where I use messages left on my voicemail for content," explains Dusty. "Anyone can leave me a message about anything and I'll turn that voice message into an animation piece!"

There are no limits on the number of messages and Dusty will post a new animation, with a detailed description of each animated piece on his blog, dirty hands, every day at 11:11am. He's even set up a Skype account so international callers can call for free!

For more information please log onto The Animation Hotline

March Active Retired Screening on 2nd Wednesday of Month

It's Oscar season and to celebrate Kerry Film Festival and Siamsa Tire have partnered to bring some fabulous films from the distant past and the not so distant past to a big screen in Tralee. The screenings will take place in Siamsa Tire and are for active-retired groups and all retired individuals.

"We screen films for active retired groups as part of the Kerry Film Festival," said Jason O' Mahony, Festival Director, "and, for almost a year now, we've screened films for them on a monthly basis in Siamsa Tire, which is a wonderful venue. The screenings generally take place on the first Wednesday of the month but we've had to push the March screening back a little bit."

"We're terribly sorry that we had to change from the first Wednesday of the month to the second but, I'm afraid, it's something that we simply couldn't avoid," added O' Mahony. "On the upside we do have a fantastic film in Elia Kazan's ON THE WATERFRONT, the film which won Brando his first Oscar. It won 8 Oscars all together so I think it's a brilliant film to screen so close to the Oscars, I'm really looking forward to seeing in on the big screen!"



The Kerry Film Festival Active Retired Screening will revert to its usual first Wednesday slot in April when John Huston's Classic KEY LARGO screens in Siamsa on April 6th. The 1948 film sees Bogart and Bacall threatened by a gangster and his henchmen in a hotel in the Florida Keys.

Then on the first Wednesday of May, May 4th, Robert Mitchum stars in THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER, a noir classic about a religious fanatic that marries a gullible widow whose young children are reluctant to tell him where their real daddy hid $10,000 that he'd stolen in a robbery. It's such a wonderful film that, in 1992, it was deemed "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in its National Film Registry.

All films cost just 2 euro to anyone over the age of 65 and Kerry Film Festival will serve teas and coffees before the film to all attendees. The active retired screenings are a nice social occasion, as well as giving attendees the opportunity to see some fantastic films on the big screen.

All films will screen in Siamsa Tire at 2:00 pm. For more information please call Kerry Film Festival on 066 712 9934.

Active Retired Screenings

ALL ABOUT EVE
February 2nd Wednesday
Dir: Joseph L Mankiewicz, USA, 1950, 138 min
Starring: Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Gary Merrill, Celeste Holm

Bette Davis is superb as Margo Channing in this jet-black 1950's comedy which won 6 Oscar's including best picture, best director and best writing. ALL ABOUT EVE is invariably listed as one of the best movies ever made and stars the legendary Bette Davis in one of her most memorable roles. Margo Channing, elegant leading lady of the theatre, has just turned 40 and discovers Eve, a beautiful, star-struck young ingenue who yearns to be Margo's assistant, or her understudy, or perhaps more!

ON THE WATERFRONT
March 9th Wednesday
Dir: Elia Kazan, USA, 1954, 108 min
Starring: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger

Brando at his brilliant, moving, moody best as an ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman who must stand up to corrupt union officials and mob bosses if he is to have any future. Winner of 8 Oscars including best picture, best director and a best actor gong for Brando, ON THE WATERFRONT is quite simply one of the best movies ever made. You cannot miss this on the big screen!

KEY LARGO
April 6th Wednesday
Dir: John Huston, USA, 1948, 100 min
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Edward G. Robinson, Lauren Bacall, Lionel Barrymore

Bogart and Bacall team up in John Houston's Oscar Winning classic from 1948. A gangster holes up in a hotel with his henchmen, holding Bogie at gunpoint. Brilliant film with a whole slew of stars at the very top of their careers!

THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER
May 4th Wednesday
Dir: Charles Laughton, USA, 1955, 93 min
Starring: Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters

Robert Mitchum stars in this film noir classic about a religious fanatic that marries a gullible widow whose young children are reluctant to tell him where their real daddy hid 10,000 dollars that he'd stolen in a robbery! Not only is it a brilliant film but, in 1992, it was deemed "culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant" by the United States Library of Congress and was selected for preservation in its National Film Registry. Now that's some compliment for a film!

The Pipe to Screen in Kerry

Director Richie O' Domhnaill to attend Siamsa Tire Screening for Questions and Answers.

THE PIPE is a fascinating documentary that tells the story of the Corrib Gas Pipeline and its effect on Broadhaven Bay, Glengad beach and the tiny village of Rossport. The unique nature of the coastline has sustained generations of farmers and fishermen but is also, to Shell Oil, the perfect place for the Corrib Gas Pipeline.

The film follows three members of the small community and details what became of their quiet rural life after Shell Oil arrived and the resultant fear and anxiety which followed. Not only are the residents flung into a tumultuous struggle with Shell and the state, but they are also forced to battle with elements within their own campaign who seek to divide and control, as their community is torn apart by the stresses of choosing to support or oppose the oil company. Yet, despite the seriousness of the events surrounding them, their resilience and humanity never wane and, even in their darkest moments, their wit and humour shine through.

"It's a fascinating subject," says Richie O' Domhnaill, director of the film, "and probably one of the most dramatic culture clashes in modern Ireland. The rights of the local farmers to their own fields and of local fishermen to their traditional fishing grounds have come into direct conflict with one of the world’s biggest and most powerful oil companies and when the citizens looked to the state to protect their rights, they found that the state put Shell’s rights above those of its own citizens."

Richie will attend the Siamsa Tire screening of the film, which takes place on Tuesday, February 1st at 8:00 pm. The film also screens in St. John's in Listowel on Thursday, February 3rd and in The Carnegie in Kenmare on Thursday, February 17th.

THE PIPE is a story of a community which has been tragically divided and how the members of that community have dealt with a situation that could, if handled properly, bring economic prosperity for generations. Against that it will destroy the traditional way of life which has been for generations.

"And while the story is completely modern it echoes themes that have been discussed for generations," adds Richie. "For example The Field, by Kerry writer John B. Keane, plays with many of the same themes. Who really owns the fields? The farmers who work them? Or can those with the money simply buy off the state?"

And while those are very topical questions in Ireland, the film has had huge success outside the country with THE PIPE playing at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival in September 2010, while it was recently selected for the equally as prestigious Berlin Film Festival, where it will screen in February 2011. THE PIPE has been nominated for an Irish Film and Television Award in the Best Documentary Category and has also been selected for the upcoming Palm Springs Film Festival in California.

Kerry Film Festival Announces Winning Films

The 2010 Kerry Film Festival Award Winners are:
Children’s Audience Award, THE END IS NIGHT, James Cotter
Audience Award, CHRISTMAS SWIM, Keith Mannix
Best Animated Short, THE POLISH LANGUAGE, Alice Lyons & Orla McHardy
Best Documentary Short, IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK, Anna Rodgers
Best Irish Short, RUNNERS, Rob & Ronan Burke
Best International Short, DROP DEAD, Arne Toonen
Best Short Film / Best Director, PASSING, David Freyne

The Kerry Film Festival, which is celebrating eleven years of bringing film to Kerry, announced the winning films from the 2010 edition of the festival. Dave Fanning was MC at the Awards Ceremony, which took place at 2:00 pm in Siamsa Tire in Tralee on Saturday, November 6th.

The Award Ceremony was the culmination of a week of films at Kerry Film Festival, which began on Saturday, October 30th. The winning films were selected by Kerry Film Festival's adjudication panel which included Noel Pearson, Jane Seymour, Tomm Moore and James Marsh and by the audience at the festival.

The adjudicators and audience had the unenviable task of selecting the best films from the festival. Over five hundred and fifty films were submitted to the 2010 Kerry Film Festival, up significantly on the total number of films submitted in 2009 and more than double the number of films submitted in previous years. 92 short films screened in total at the 2010 Kerry Film Festival.

"This was the best selection of short films I've ever seen screened together, let alone had to adjudicate," said Noel Pearson. "It was very tough to choose a single winner."

The Best Animated Short Film, as adjudicated by Tomm Moore, was Alice Lyon's and Orla McHardy's THE POLISH LANGUAGE.

Tomm is one of Ireland’s leading filmmakers and he was Oscar nominated earlier this year for his debut feature, THE SECRET OF KELLS. Tomm was a guest at Kerry Film Festival in 2009 and, in a move that built on an ever-increasing collaboration with the Institute of Technology, Tralee, he delivered a guest lecture to more than 150 students in the I.T. These were joined by students from local secondary schools who wanted to learn a little more about animation from an Oscar nominated director!

Tomm chose THE POLISH LANGUAGE for, "Its always surprising, inventive and technically virtuoso use of a wide array of animation techniques that added a dimension of visual poetry to the written poem. It also expands our understanding of the Polish culture and its people's history as much as the language itself. It's a beautiful short and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did."

The Best International Film category was adjudicated by Jane Seymour. Jane is a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, recipient of the Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the year 2000, which was bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. She has proven her talents in virtually all media, the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television while her love of art and colour has led to her great success as a painter in watercolours and oils and also as a designer.

The Best International Short, as chosen by Jane Seymour, was DROP DEAD and Jane had this to say about the film, "I chose DROP DEAD because it was original and perfectly fit the short story format. The characters, acting, directing and script were all excellent. It was unique and told its story with a refreshing sense of humour!"

The Best Documentary Short, which was selected by James Marsh, who won the Oscar for Best Documentary this year for the brilliant film MAN ON WIRE. James had this to say about the documentary short films, "All the films submitted were diverting and enjoyable. Special mention should go to two films. BYE BYE NOW was a charming, playful and poignant evocation of a bygone era and a much loved and sadly obsolete piece of street furniture. THE HERD was one of the shortest films on offer but it managed to quickly and sharply evoke the relationship between mother and son alongside the relationship of a confused deer with a herd of cows.

My favourite, however, and thus the winner, was IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK.

Of all the films submitted, this short film was the most inventive in its use of the documentary form and showed a real sense of cinema in its camera movement and compositions. It also maintained an intense and unsettling atmosphere. Its content was simple and powerful. We listened to the fragmented recollections of troubled minds as we beheld the crumbling ruins of an institution which, mercifully, belongs to a different era and a different way of thinking."

The next film to be honoured was Rob and Ronan Burke's RUNNERS which was selected as the Best Irish Narrative Short. The winning film was selected by Noel Pearson.

Noel has been a film and theatre producer in Europe and the US for more than 25 years. His theatre productions of DANCING AT LUGHNASA (1991–1992) and AN INSPECTOR CALLS (1993–1994) collectively won eight Tony Awards.

In 1989 Noel produced his first feature film, MY LEFT FOOT, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker and Ray McAnally, directed by Jim Sheridan. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two Oscars ®. THE FIELD in 1990 was his next production, it was nominated for an Oscar and two Bafta Awards.

1998 saw Noel produce the film version of DANCING AT LUGHNASA and, more recently, in 2007 he produced HOW ABOUT YOU. He has also produced four successful documentaries. During this year and next, Noel intends to produce Sebastian Barry’s critically-acclaimed THE SECRET SCRIPTURES with a screenplay by Johnny Ferguson.

The Kerry Film Festival Audience also had its part to play at the Awards ceremony, with CHRISTMAS SWIM, by Keith Mannix, picking up the Audience Award. The Award came with a prize of 1,000 euro, sponsored by the John Moore foundation. There was also a Children's Audience Award which went to THE END IS NIGHT, by James Cotter.

The final prize of the evening and the most prestigious going to a short film was The Kerry Film Festival Best Short Film / Best Director Award and this was also adjudicated by Noel Pearson. It came with a cash prize of 500 euro and was kindly sponsored by Cork Film Centre.

The Kerry Film Festival Best Short Film / Best Director Award, as adjudicated by Noel Pearson went to David Freyne, PASSING. Noel had this to say about the winning film, "I think PASSING is a beautifully simple story, it's wonderfully shot and acted and, while it was difficult to decide, I think it's the best film in a very good collection. I wish David Freyne the very best of luck. In fact, I want to wish all of the directors the very best of luck. And, who knows, maybe one day soon we may work with one or two of them!"

The Maureen O' Hara Award, which acknowledges women that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their respective fields in film, was presented to Juliette Binoche at the ceremony. The Award was made by Killarney Crystal.

All awards were presented at the Kerry Film Festival Awards Ceremony, which took place in Siamsa Tíre on Saturday, November 6th at 2:00 pm.

For more information on the Kerry Film Festival, please log onto www.kerryfilmfestival.com or call 066 712 9934.

Kerry Film Festival is supported through grant aid from The Arts Council, Kerry County Council, Failte Ireland and by the generous support of more that 70 small businesses in Kerry.

Maureen O' Hara to Personally Present Juliette Binoche with Award

Maureen O' Hara

The Kerry Film Festival, which is celebrating eleven years of bringing films to Kerry, today announced that Maureen O’ Hara will personally present Juliette Binoche with The Maureen O’ Hara Award at the Kerry Film Festival, which runs from October 30^th to November 6^th.

"We're absolutely delighted to award this year's Maureen O' Hara Award to Juliette Binoche. Juliette is an amazing actress whose talent has been recognised on the global stage. She has won a myriad of awards for acting all around the world, including the Venice Film Festival and this year's Cannes Film Festival. Juliette was also presented with an Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences," said Maureen O' Hara. "Juliette is, however, more than simply a stunningly beautiful woman and a brilliant actress; she has also displayed a devotion to a variety of good causes. I am absolutely delighted that Juliette will accept this award and I wish her the very best in her future career and, more especially, in life."

“The Kerry Film Festival is thrilled to present Juliette Binoche with the Maureen O’ Hara Award,” said Jason O’ Mahony, Kerry Film Festival Director. “She is a wonderful actress and is a true leading light. In addition to her work in film she has worked tirelessly to overcome human rights abuses and is an active supporter of many worthy causes. Her role, in particular, in securing acclaimed Iranian director, Jafar Panahi’s, release from prison earlier this year is worthy of mention. We’re delighted that Juliette will be on hand to pick up the award at this year’s Kerry Film Festival and we’re absolutely delighted that Maureen will be on hand to present the award personally. Maureen celebrated her 90^th birthday this year and to have her present the award this year shows the fortitude, resolve and determination that make her one of Hollywood’s true greats!”

The Maureen O’ Hara Award acknowledges women that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their respective fields and Juliette Binoche is a most worthy recipient. The award giving will take place at the Kerry Film Festival Awards Ceremony in Siamsa Tíre in Tralee on Saturday, November 6^th at 2:00 pm.

The Award Ceremony is the culmination of a week of films at Kerry Film Festival. The Awards ceremony will also feature the screening of award winning short films as adjudicated by Kerry Film Festival’s panel of judges that include Oscar® nominated producer Noel Pearson, multiple Emmy® and Golden Globe ® winner Jane Seymour, Oscar® nominated director Tomm Moore and Oscar® winning director James Marsh.

KFF to host county-wide Photography Exhibition

Dún Chaoin by Lanka Haouche Perren

Kerry Film Festival (KFF) will be pretty as a picture during the month of November as it opens a new exhibition featuring the work of over 30 photographers. Photography is an integral part of filmmaking and KFF decided to hold the competition to highlight how fundamental photography is to filmmaking. The exhibition is the result of an open submission process with more than 30 photographers submitting more than 250 photographs. Submissions came in from all over Ireland and as far away as Alaska and Maine in the US.

In a new departure Kerry Film Festival has partnered with Bank of Ireland and will utilise its widespread branch network to display the selected photographs all over the kingdom.

"We're delighted to partner with Bank of Ireland," said Jason O' Mahony, director of Kerry Film Festival. "The bank has a wide network of branches which will allow us to reach into all corners of Kerry. KFF is one of the most geographically dispersed film festivals, not only in Ireland, but in the world with screenings in Tralee, Killarney, Listowel, Kenmare, Dingle and Waterville and it's great that we can have an equally broad reach with the photography competition."

Jim Maher, branch manager of Bank of Ireland, Tralee is also delighted to be involved. "I hold Kerry Film Festival in a high regard for all the work they do all over Kerry. As a bank we value the opportunity to get involved in community based organisations. We hope that by using our branch network this new venture will provide a platform for art across the county and, hopefully, across the whole country in future."

Mayor of Tralee Arthur Spring will officially open the competition on Wednesday, November 3rd at 2:00 pm in the Tralee branch of Bank of Ireland. The exhibition will run during the Kerry Film Festival in Tralee and will then tour selected Kerry branches of Bank of Ireland.

"The photography competition was a huge success," said Mike Foley, Kerry Film Festival coordinator. "The quality and variety of photographs received was simply astonishing. We were absolutely thrilled with the work submitted and pleasantly surprised that work came in from all over Ireland and abroad. We had two very broad themes, Portrait & Action and Landscape & Wildlife, to encourage people to take part. I'm looking forward to the opening on November 3rd."

Given the amount of work submitted, selecting the pieces for the exhibition was no easy task and Kerry Film Festival enlisted the skilful eye of Andre Corvin, a top fine-art photographer based in Dublin to help with the process.

"We've worked with Andre in the past," added Mike, "and always found him to be an amazing professional. His fine art photography is outstanding. Andre is known nationally and has wide critical acclaim."

All selected photographs will be professionally mounted and framed and the exhibition will open in the Tralee branch of the Bank of Ireland on Castle Street. The framing of winning photographs is kindly sponsored by O' Meara Fast Framing Service in Tralee Shopping Centre. The exhibition will open at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, November 3rd and runs until Wednesday, November 23rd. It will then begin its county-wide tour.

Christie Hennessy Documentary to play at KFF

The 11th annual Kerry Film Festival has a jam packed calendar of wonderful events, a mix of popular old venues and screenings that offer something for everyone!

One of the highlights is sure to be the screening of MESSENGER BOY: CHRISTIE HENNESSY, a wonderful documentary about one of Tralee’s favourite sons, Christie Hennessy.

The documentary was shot by Bill Hughes in late 2007. In December of that year Christie Hennessy lost his brave battle with the disease Asbestosis. He was only diagnosed with the illness in May 2007 and he worked tirelessly and relentlessly until his last breath, writing and recording with some of Ireland's leading artists including Christy Moore, Mary Black, Tommy Fleming, Moya Brennan and Finbar Furey.

In a series of deeply personal interviews with director Bill Hughes, shot in October and November in Dublin and London, Christie opened his heart and openly discussed his illness and the prospect of dying, while also revisiting his sometimes colourful and often challenging past, particularly his chronic dyslexia, his crippling nervous breakdown and his struggle to be accepted as an artist in his own right.

MESSENGER BOY: CHRISTIE HENNESSY will be preceded by a short on-stage interview that will see Christie’s daughter, Hermione, talking to Radio Kerry’s Weeshie Fogarty. Events will kick off in Siamsa Tíre on Saturday, October 30th, at 8:00 pm.

"The Christie Hennessy documentary is sure to be a real treat for all," said Jason O' Mahony, Director of Kerry Film Festival. "It's an intimate, touching and very personal little film and will appeal to all Christie's fans, while the human story transcends the music and will appeal to all. We're absolutely delighted that Christie's daughter Hermione has agreed to do an interview before the film and would like to express our thanks to Hermione and also to Weeshie Fogarty who will interview her."

Director Bill Hughes will also be on hand to introduce the documentary. Tickets are 10 euro and are available from Siamsa Tíre on 066 712 3055 or on www.siamsatire.com

KFF Announces 2010 Adjudication Panel

The Kerry Film Festival, which is celebrating eleven years of bringing film to the people of Kerry, today announced the adjudicators for the 2010 Kerry Film Festival, which runs from October 30^th to November 6^th.

The adjudicators that will judge this year’s Kerry Film Festival short film competitions are: Noel Pearson, Jane Seymour, Tomm Moore and James Marsh.

"The Kerry Film Festival is delighted to announce its line up of adjudicators," said Jason O' Mahony, Director, Kerry Film Festival. "From Noel Pearson, an Oscar nominated producer and arguably the finest Irish producer of all time; to James Marsh, an Oscar and BAFTA winning filmmaker, for his delightful documentary, MAN ON WIRE, to Tomm Moore who received an Oscar nomination for his directorial debut, THE SECRET OF KELLS, to multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour, each and every member of the adjudication panel is at the very forefront of their chosen profession and we're absolutely thrilled that they will adjudicate for the 2010 Kerry Film Festival."

"This will be the eleventh year of the Kerry Film Festival and both the quantity and quality of the films has risen year on year," continued O' Mahony. "This year we received over 540 submissions for the festival and we felt it was hugely important to have an adjudication panel of the very highest standing to adjudicate the short films. We're hugely grateful to all the adjudicators for giving so selflessly of their time and for agreeing to adjudicate at this year's Kerry Film Festival."

The adjudicators have the unenviable task of selecting the best films from this year's selection. Over 540 films were submitted to the 2010 Kerry Film Festival, up significantly on the total number of films submitted in 2009, and more than double the number of films submitted in previous years.

For a brief Bio on the Adjudicators please see below:

Noel Pearson

Noel Pearson has been a film and theatre producer in Europe and the US for more than 25 years. His theatre productions of DANCING AT LUGHNASA (1991–1992) and AN INSPECTOR CALLS (1993–1994) collectively won eight Tony Awards.

In 1989 Noel produced his first feature film, MY LEFT FOOT, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Brenda Fricker and Ray McAnally, directed by Jim Sheridan. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two Oscars ®. THE FIELD in 1990 was his next production, it was nominated for an Oscar and two Bafta Awards.

1998 saw Noel produce the film version of DANCING AT LUGHNASA and, more recently, in 2007 he produced HOW ABOUT YOU. He has also produced four successful documentaries. During this year and next, Noel intends to produce Sebastian Barry’s critically-acclaimed THE SECRET SCRIPTURES with a screenplay by Johnny Ferguson.

Jane Seymour

A multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner, recipient of the Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the year 2000, which was bestowed upon her by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, Jane Seymour has proven her talents in virtually all media, the Broadway stage, motion pictures and television while her love of art and colour has led to her great success as a painter in watercolours and oils and also as a designer.

Tomm Moore

Tomm founded Cartoon Saloon In 1999 with Paul Young and has worked as Director, Art Director and Animator. Tomm also illustrated several books for children and young people, including two award-winning graphic novels in the Irish language. The Oscar ® nominated THE SECRET OF KELLS (2009) was his debut as director of a feature film. He is currently developing his second feature film THE SONG OF THE SEAL. He prefers cartoons over real life!

James Marsh

James Marsh is an Oscar and BAFTA winning filmmaker of exhilarating and artistically intoxicating films. Probably best known for MAN ON WIRE (2008), a fascinating documentary telling the tale of Philippe Petit who, on August 7th 1974, stepped out on a wire illegally rigged between New York's twin towers, then the world's tallest buildings, Marsh's earlier films are held in equally high regard, particularly the cult classic WISCONSIN DEATH TRIP (1999), which starred Marcus Monroe and Sir Ian Holm, and THE KING (2005), which screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.

Juliette Binoche to Receive Maureen O' Hara Award

The Kerry Film Festival, which is celebrating eleven years of bringing film to Kerry, today announced that Juliette Binoche is to receive The Maureen O' Hara Award at the Kerry Film Festival, which runs from 30 October to 6 November. The award is named in honour of one of the most glamorous leading ladies of Hollywood’s golden era, Maureen O' Hara.

"We're absolutely delighted to award this year's Maureen O' Hara Award to Juliette Binoche. Juliette is an amazing actress whose talent has been recognised on the global stage. She has won a myriad of awards for acting all around the world, including the Venice Film Festival and this year's Cannes Film Festival. Juliette was also presented with an Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences," said Maureen O' Hara. "Juliette is, however, more than simply a stunningly beautiful woman and a brilliant actress; she has also displayed a devotion to a variety of good causes. I am absolutely delighted that Juliette will accept this award and I wish her the very best in her future career and, more especially, in life."

"The Kerry Film Festival is thrilled to present Juliette Binoche with the Maureen O' Hara Award," said Jason O' Mahony, Kerry Film Festival Director. "She is a wonderful actress and is a true leading light. In addition to her work in film she has worked tirelessly to overcome human rights abuses and is an active supporter of many worthy causes. Her role, in particular, in securing acclaimed Iranian director, Jafar Panahi's, release from prison earlier this year is worthy of mention. We're delighted that Juliette will be on hand to pick up the award at this year's Kerry Film Festival."

Juliette Binoche first attracted the attention of international film critics with THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING (1988). Roger Ebert, the world renowned film critic from The Chicago Sun-Times wrote that she was, "almost ethereal in her beauty and innocence."

Binoche, however, pushed the boundaries of her craft with an appearance in Louis Malle's DAMAGE (1992) and, a year later, in Krzysztof Kieslowski's THREE COLOURS: BLUE (1993), which was a massive critical success, garnering Binoche the César Award for Best Actress and the Venice Film Festival Award for Best Actress.

After a sabbatical from film-making to become a mother in 1994, Binoche was selected as the heroine of France's most expensive movie ever, THE HORSEMAN ON THE ROOF (1995). Following that she won an Oscar ® for her role in THE ENGLISH PATIENT (1996).

More recently she has starred in CACHÉ (2005), THE FLIGHT OF THE RED BALOON (2007) and CERTIFIED COPY (2010), for which she received the Best Actress Award at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, making her the first actress to win the three most prestigious European awards for acting.

While Maureen O' Hara was undoubtedly one of Hollywood's best loved actresses, she was much more than just a pretty face. When Maureen became an American citizen on January 25, 1946 she retained her Irish citizenship, which was the first time in history that the United States government recognized an Irish citizen as Irish and it led to a change in process for all Irish immigrants. Maureen was also the first female CEO of an American airline company. Whether in the movies, in politics or in business Maureen demonstrated a quality for leadership and a bravery that was extraordinary and Juliette Binoche displays many of the same characteristics.

The Maureen O' Hara Award acknowledges women that have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their respective fields and Juliette Binoche is a most worthy recipient. The award giving will take place at the Kerry Film Festival Awards Ceremony in Siamsa Tíre in Tralee on Saturday, November 6th at 2:00 pm.

The Award Ceremony is the culmination of a week of films at Kerry Film Festival. The Awards ceremony will also feature the screening of award winning short films as adjudicated by Kerry Film Festival's panel of judges that include Oscar ® nominated producer, Noel Pearson, Oscar ® nominated director, Tomm Moore, double Golden Globe ® winner, Jane Seymour, and Oscar ® winning director James Marsh.