Boyne Valley International Film Festival is now open for entries for its second year.
The inaugural event was held in Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda in August 2022. Fully curated by filmmaker Frank W. Kelly, the event proved to be a huge success with audiences and filmmakers alike. The two day event focused on the best of National, International and Boyne Valley made short films. With filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, workshops and a €2500 Short Script Bursary.
Guests of the festival included actress Ged Ryan, writer and actor Mark O’Halloran, casting director Louise Kiely, producer Katie Holly, BAFTA-winning and Oscar-winning filmmakers Tom Berkeley and Ross White with An Irish Goodbye. With rising stars Laura O’Shea and Derek Ugochukwu in attendance, as well as many other talented writers, directors, producers and actors.
This year the festival will expand to a three day event and add an award ceremony, with awards for best national and international narrative short films, best documentary, best animated film and best film from the Boyne Valley region to the value of €1000 each. The festival will also run the script bursary again, won last year by Libby McCormack for her pitch of The Parting.
The festival will also continue its Filmmaker in Focus programme. An award that seeks to honour up and coming filmmakers who have created exemplary work, made a significant contribution to the film industry and shown a collaborative spirit. The recipient will be guest of honour at the festival and see a full programme dedicated to their work. Last year this honour went to Writer, Director, Producer Roisin Kearney.
Films have already started to arrive. Co-founder and Creative Director Frank W. Kelly said “The standard is extremely high already, and I’m excited to see what comes next,” he added, “we have such talent in this country, and it’s an honour to host these films and filmmakers alongside the best of international and local films.” Co-founder and Director Collette Farrell said “As director of the Droichead Arts Centre, we are delighted to open our doors once again to audiences and filmmakers, and invite them to enjoy these wonderful films in the heart of the Boyne Valley.”
The festival is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, Louth County Council, Meath County Council Arts Office and is made in partnership with Love Drogheda BIDS, with sponsorship this year from Boann Distillery and The D Hotel.
Entries are now open via FilmFreeway, available by clicking here.
