Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) has announced that Marie Linehan has been appointed as the new festival manager for 2023. Additionally, Declan Lynch has been appointed as the new festival programmer for this year’s festival, which will take place in a variety of venues across Killarney, Co. Kerry from October 19th - 22nd, 2023.
Linehan joined the KIFF team in 2021 and has worked in a variety of positions within the organisation which has led her to overseeing the running of this year’s festival. She has a background in recruitment and administration.
“I am privileged to be appointed as the manager of KIFF 2023, and I look forward to working closely with the KIFF board of management and the festival team,” said Linehan. “The closing date for all submissions is 22 July this year, and we are delighted to have received submissions from over 60 countries so far. KIFF will be bringing a wide variety of screenings, events and industry talks suitable for all ages to Killarney this October, and we look forward to welcoming the public, film makers, screenwriters, producers, actors, and film enthusiasts alike for a weekend of film and fun.”
Lynch has a background in both film and television. He is a writer, director, and an award-winning producer (Big Bird, Nymphet) and has programmed Scéal Eile: Irish Film Festival since 2018.
“I am honoured to be offered this great opportunity and excited to be working with such a strong and experienced festival team,” said Lynch. “My predecessors Maeve McGrath and Eibh O’ Brien-Collins have delivered outstanding work in this role, and I hope to match their great accomplishments. We are already hard at work to deliver a full and compelling programme and we look forward to bringing some very talented people to Kerry in 2023.”
Speaking about the recent appointments, Chair of KIFF, Grace O’ Donnell, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Marie Linehan as the new festival manager, and Declan Lynch as the new programmer for KIFF 2023. We are very excited to collaborate with them and the KIFF team, to deliver what we believe will be a unique and inspiring festival, and we look forward to presenting a dynamic and engaging programme again this year.”
As part of KIFF’s remit, the festival showcases a variety of screenings and industry events throughout the year. KIFF supported a number of events last month, including Cruinniú na nÓg, and a preview screening of Claire Dix’s film Sunlight at Siamsa Tíre, Tralee. This film was written by Kerry screenwriter and KIFF Board member, Ailbhe Keogan (Joyride, Bad Sisters), and it has recently been released nationwide.
KIFF is currently accepting film submissions for KIFF 2023 and the closing deadline for all submissions is 22 July 2023. All applications will be accepted up to that date here.
KIFF is sponsored by Kerry Airport Ireland,The Arts Council, Kerry County Council, Screen Ireland, The Irish Film and Television Academy, Tower Records Ireland, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, Randles Hotel, the Plaza Hotel, the Great Southern Hotel Killarney, Fáilte Ireland, and Kerry Broadband, as well as a wealth of local businesses and stakeholders.
