The scenic village of Ballyliffin will once again play host to the Disappear Here Film Festival, celebrating its seventh edition from October 4th to 7th, 2024.
This year’s festival promises to be the biggest yet, with a programme that highlights emerging and established talent across a diverse range of genres. The festival will present 15 world premieres, 80 short films, 5 feature films, 17 documentaries, alongside music videos and animations from both Irish and international filmmakers.
Founder and Creative Director Michael McLaughlin shared his excitement about the upcoming event: “Disappear Here Film Festival is not just about showcasing films; it's about creating a space for filmmakers and audiences to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the power of storytelling. This year, we are especially proud to provide a platform for so many world premieres and to continue our mission of bringing international stories to rural Donegal.”
The festival kicks off on Friday, October 4th, with the Donegal premiere of the eagerly awaited feature Dead Man's Money by Paul Kennedy, a gripping tale of family betrayal, greed, and deceit. Starring Ciaran McMenamin, Judith Roddy, Pat Shortt and Kathy Kiera Clarke (Derry Girls), the screening will be followed by a wine reception.
Other highlights of the weekend include:
Feature Films and Documentaries
The festival’s feature films and documentaries span a wide array of topics. Among the standouts are Lost Boys – Belfast's Missing Children, directed by Des Michael Henderson, a riveting investigation into a series of disappearances during Northern Ireland’s Troubles, and hit of the summer & Ireland’s 2025 Oscar entry KNEECAP, which tells the electrifying origin story of the trailblazing Irish-language rap trio, starring Michael Fassbender in a supporting role.
Another powerful feature, Where Olive Trees Weep, delves into the lives of Palestinians under Israeli occupation, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and justice.
Short Films Programme
The festival’s short film lineup showcases Irish and international shorts, including a range of genres such as drama, comedy, and experimental film. The Irish Shorts Programme includes a mix of compelling narratives, such as Le Chéile (Together) and Misread, while the International Shorts offer a diverse cinematic perspective from across the globe.
Short Documentaries
Audiences will have the opportunity to experience a curated selection of short documentaries, offering insight into stories of social change, personal journeys, and global challenges.
Workshops and Panel Discussions: Learning from Industry Leaders
In addition to its film programme, Disappear Here Film Festival will offer attendees a series of industry workshops and panel discussions designed to inspire filmmakers at every level of their careers.
On Saturday, October 5th, the festival presents the highly anticipated Directors' Panel, featuring two celebrated Irish directors: Paul Kennedy (Dead Man's Money) and Rich Peppiatt (KNEECAP). Moderated by Derek O'Connor from RTÉ Culture, this panel promises to offer invaluable insights into the art of directing, from storyboarding and casting to navigating the challenges of independent filmmaking.
A Casting Workshop with acclaimed casting director Shauna Griffith will also take place, providing actors with tips on making a lasting impression during auditions and how to succeed in self-taping.
Celebrating Local Talent: Northern Exposure Award and Bursary
The festival continues its tradition of supporting local filmmakers with the Northern Exposure Award and €500 Bursary, backed by the Donegal Film Office. This award recognises the most promising emerging talents from the region and provides crucial financial support to help filmmakers bring their visions to life. Local filmmakers will also be featured in the festival’s Northern Exposure Showcase, with standout works like Reclaiming Lives: The Next Steps and Goodnight Midnight.
McLaughlin emphasized the importance of nurturing local talent: “Donegal has always been a place of incredible creative energy, and it’s inspiring to see how many filmmakers from the region are being recognised on both national and international stages. We’re proud to support them through our Northern Exposure Award and continue fostering these important voices in Irish cinema.”
Partnership with ChangeMakers Donegal: Championing Films for Social Change
For another year, Disappear Here Film Festival partners with ChangeMakers Donegal and Concern Worldwide to host the Short Documentary Bursary and celebrate films that focus on social justice and global awareness. This collaboration highlights films such as I'm Grand, directed by Caroline Harvey, which explores the lives of social care workers in Ireland and their incredible resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Tickets and Venue Information:
Disappear Here Film Festival will take place in the Ballyliffin Hotel. Tickets can be purchased for individual screenings for €9, or attendees can opt for the Access All Films (AAF) Pass for €40, allowing unlimited access to screenings throughout the weekend.
Click here for further details on the programme and to book tickets.
