The Irish Film Festival London has announced the festival award winners as part of its Launch Ceremony at the Irish Embassy.
In the presence of the Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall, the festival, launched its 2016 edition with a line-up of world class Irish feature films, shorts and documentaries. Features include the multi-award winning A Date for Mad Mary, the subtle and heartfelt Twice Shy, hilarious comedy The Young Offenders, the Christopher Lloyd-starring horror I Am Not a Serial Killer, Irish-American drama Emerald City, and the delightful Pat Shortt farce The Flag.
Documentaries include Fís na Fuiseoige, a stunning visual exploration of the diversity of local places in Ireland, as seen from a bird’s-eye view, The Queen of Ireland, which traces Ireland’s journey towards marriage equality via the life of drag queen and national treasure Panti Bliss, and Born & Reared, a touching documentary on the effects of ‘The Troubles’ on a diverse cross section of Northern Irish Men. Other highlights include a powerful Short Film Programme as well as the Irish Film Board’s selection of shorts, After 16, which celebrates the centenary of the Easter Rising and an audience with Oscar-nominated Director (and festival patron) Lenny Abrahamson.
As part of the launch ceremony the festival award winners were announced:
- The Best Feature Film Award, in association with A&L Goodbody, went to A Date For Mad Mary. The award was presented by Niamh Ryan and was accepted by actress Tara Lee.
- The Award for Best Short Film, sponsored by Scannain, and presented by IFL Chairwoman Angela Sammon went to Adulting and was accepted by Director Linda Bhreathnach.
- Best Documentary, in association with Tourism Ireland went to Fís na Fuiseoige and accepted by Director Aodh Ó Coileái.
- The Súil Eile Award, in association with O’Donovan Waste, went to the The Young Offenders and was accepted by lead actors Chris Walley and Alex Murphy.
- The Ros Hubbard Award for Acting was presented to Alex Murphy and Chris Walley for The Young Offenders and was presented by Ros Hubbard.
Speaking at the Launch, Irish Ambassador Dan Mulhall said of this year’s programme:
It is a fine example of the diversity, charm and power of Irish film making.
Festival Director Kelly O’Connor went on to say:
We thought that after last year’s huge releases Room and Brooklyn, this year would be tough to programme. But our Irish Film makers have not let us down. Huge respect goes to our award winners, who have really stood out this year. I’d like to also take this opportunity to thank our awards sponsors, who have made all this possible.
Returning to the capital’s cinemas for its 6th year, the Irish Film Festival London (IFFL) will bring an exciting line-up of the very best in contemporary Irish cinema to London audiences. The five-day festival, which counts Director Lenny Abrahamson (Room, Frank, Garage) and Casting Director Ros Hubbard (Lord of the Rings, The Bourne Ultimatum) among its patrons, brings together industry professionals, film fans and fans of Irish Arts & Culture alike. Focusing on Irish productions, scripts and casts, it provides a significant platform for Irish Film in London, and ensures that the best of Irish creative talent is promoted here in the UK. The festival gets support from the Emigrant’s Support Programme, Irish Film Board, the IFI, Film London and Culture Ireland. Irish Film London also runs events throughout the year, including the film section of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival with the GLA, children’s cinema programmes, networking and film industry talks/ workshops.
The Irish Film Festival London runs from 23rd to 27th November 2016. See www.irishfilmlondon.com for more details.