#Festival: Spotlight on Offaly as OFFline Film Festival kicks off from Wednesday

Lights! Camera! Action! Get yourself to Birr next week as the 2016 OFFline Offaly Film Festival runs from Wednesday 12th October until Sunday 16th October. Now in its seventh year, the 2016 programme is packed with great events again this year.

The special screening of the brand new film, The Flag, is one of the many highlights. Starring a stellar Irish cast led by beloved comedian Pat Shortt, it’s directed by Declan Recks and written by Eugene O’Brien, the team behind the cult RTÉ drama, Pure Mule. It will screen at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Thursday 13 October before going on general release around the country the following day.

Speaking ahead of the screening Eugene O’Brien said:

The Flag is a feel good comedy with heart and Irish soul and we are delighted to be giving OFFline a sneak preview before it goes on general release. OFFline is a small but very special film festival, growing every year and myself and Declan, as Offaly men, are delighted to be able to bring The Flag down for what should be a very special night and screening.

The documentary Against The Odds Racing with Gordon Lord Byron, is also set to capture plenty of local attention. Featuring local horse owners and trainers, it is the tale of the Irish sprinter horse Gordon Lord Byron who captured the heart and imaginations of many. It will screen at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Saturday 15 October, 8pm. Followed by Q & A with director Nicholas Ryan-Purcell.

42 Irish and International short films have also been selected to screen at this year’s festival, while there will also be the ever-popular 57 Hour Filmmaking Challenge, filmmaking for children, a Frozen sing-a-long as well as a very spooky Friday Fright Night at Kinnitty Castle and lots more to keep every type of film fan entertained!

For the full 2016 OFFline Film Festival Programme & to book your tickets visit www.offlinefilmfestival.com