The announcement comes ahead of preparations for the 20th edition of the Festival.
Collins has been appointed to the newly created position, where she will take on the responsibilities of outgoing artistic director Maeve McGrath. The position involves curating the line-up for the upcoming Kerry Film Festival, taking place October 17th-20th.
Initially managing both the Irish Film London and IndieCork Festivals from 2013, Collins has programmed Short Film at the Galway Film Fleadh for several years. In addition, Collins joined the team at Encounters Festival and is currently the deputy director of Irish Screen America.
In 2016, Collins began touring a selection of Irish shorts, whilst programming short film internationally. She has since curated several international programmes and events for a number of festivals including Torino Film Market in Turin, Italy.
Speaking to ScreenDaily on the appointment, Grace O’Donnell, chair of the Kerry Film Festival said:
“We are excited to have such a strong voice for Irish cinema and one of the top young female professionals in the industry curating the festival for our 20th edition and beyond.”
On her appointment, Collins told IFTN:
“To say I am excited is an understatement. The festival grew bigger and better each year under the watchful eye of Maeve McGrath and I am so honoured to be taking the programming reins to see it into its 20th year.”
The Kerry Film Festival takes place in Killarney each year, with a programme of Irish and international features and shorts, as well as industry events and talks.