The late Michael Dwyer will have his contribution to film in Ireland recognised at the RAAM Awards in London on February 9th. The RAAM awards which were established to celebrate excellence in the UK and Irish cinema and film industry and Michael’s posthumous award will feature amongst these.
The RAAM (Royal Arts Alliance Media) awards organisers have explained the reasons behind awarding the prize to the late film correspondent, stating: “The award is presented in recognition of his commitment to film in Ireland, as the founder of the Dublin Film Festival, as an advocate of nationwide access to world cinema and for his long-time support and recognition of Irish cinema exhibition and distribution through his work as film critic for the Irish Times.” The award will be accepted in London on February 9th by Brian Jennings, Michael’s partner of over 20 years.
Michael served as the film correspondent for the Irish Times for over 20 years. He was previously the film critic for several other publications including the Sunday Tribune, the Sunday Press and the In Dublin magazine. An established and admired cinematic advocate and commentator, Mr. Dwyer was also a driving force behind the promotion of Irish and international cinema. He became involved with the Film Society in his native town of Tralee, Co. Kerry in the early 1970s and went on then to establish and direct the Federation of Irish Film Societies where he organised the screenings of arthouse films across the country.
Following on from this Mr. Dwyer co-founded the Dublin Film Festival in 1985, an event he then managed and programmed for years before stepping down in the mid 1990s. The festival ultimately ran into financial difficulties which lead to Mr. Dwyer becoming active in the founding of its replacement, the Dublin International Film Festival in 2002. He was also a member of the board for the Irish Museum of Modern Art until very recently.
2011 is marks the seventh year of The RAAM awards which look to recognise and reward the efforts, achievements and successes of companies and individuals who work in the industry at every level. Previous recipients include; Richard Attenborough, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli (Bond Series), Danny Boyle, Peter Bart (Love Story, Godfather, China Town).
The RAAM awards will be held on February 9th 2011 at the Marriott Hotel in London’s Grosvenor Square. For more information visit www.raammanagement.com
