Earlier, Ned Dowd began the day with a dynamic seminar on film production, absolutely everyone who attended were happy with the day. Following morning Brendan Foley, (Johnny Was) gave a talk on script structure using some great examples of famous films scenes.

A highlight of the festival had to be the sustained applause following the screening of ‘The Stand-In’, a silent 8mm film shot by local man Tom FitzGerald during his time as Robert Mitchum’s stand-in during ‘Ryan’s Daughter’. The screening began with the Dingle Fife & Drum Band playing as people arrived at 8am to St James’ Church and the film was accompanied by live music from Eílis Kennedy and Nico Brown. Everyone followed on mass to John Benny’s Bar for a full Irish breakfast.

A packed house got to see the world premiere of ‘Amy Winehouse: The Day She Came to Dingle’. The film was screened in the very same spot she performed when she played in the church for ‘Other Voices’. Following the screening director Maurice Linnane, executive producer Anthony Wall and producer Philip King came on stage and had a chat about the film. This was all followed with DJ Rob rocking and soothing our souls with some great sounds in our festival club in The Dingle Bay Hotel.

Casting director, Amy Hubbard (Hobbit, Lord of the Rings) and agent Jonathon Arun gave a great insight into the world of acting to a wonderful turn out for their casting summit. Amy has already confirmed to come back next year and editor-in-chief of Empire Magazine, Mark Dinning called the event “world-class”.

The festivals’ shorts programmes were very popular events this year with most of the filmmakers showing up to represent their films. Steph Green also gave an interview with the Irish Film Board following the screening of ‘Road to the Oscars’ which included eight short Irish films which have been nominated or won an Oscar. There was also a very poignant moment when director of the short ‘Stolen Children, Stolen Lives’, Gerry O Sullivan dedicated the screening to her partner David Chippendale. David was also a member of the festival board and he tragically passed away just before the festival.

Following the screening of the powerful documentary ‘Calvet’ its director, Dominic Allan was interviewed by Alison Poltock the director of East End Film Festival in London. There was some buzz following the screening as everyone there was simply blown away by the documentary.

JAM Media were in flying form when they delivered their discussion on their new app ‘Headhunter’ in association with Media Desk Ireland. CEO of Media Desk Siobhan O Donaghue introduced proceedings and Michael Garland chaired the event.

The most emotional event had to be the presentation to Michael O Sullivan’s family before the screening of ‘Stella Days’. Maurice Galway gave a eulogy on Michael before he presented a specially designed award by Brian De Staic to Francis, Kathleen, Sean, his wife Mary and sister Eileen. The applause to the family just seemed never to stop. Before ‘Stella Days’ there was a short screening on Michael directed by Maurice. There were many tears in the audience and the night was a perfect event and a perfect way to remember Michael.

The family screening was, as ever, sold out and ladies came on Mother’s Day to ‘Where Do We Go Now? in The Phoenix Cinema.

Before the closing film ‘This Must Be The Place’ Cathal Watters announced the winning Físín script which went to Paul Webster. His script is entitled ‘Stuama’.