The IFI is inviting entries for the second annual Pete Walsh Critical Writing Award, which is dedicated to the late IFI programmer Pete Walsh. The award is given to an outstanding piece of critical writing on any one film that was theatrically screened in Ireland during the previous calendar year (in this case 2014). The winner will be selected by a judging panel consisting of five of Pete’s many friends from the film industry: Tony Tracy (Huston School of Film & Digital Media, NUI Galway), Kevin Coyne (Irish Film Institute), Gráinne Humphreys (Jameson Dublin International Film Festival), Tara Brady (The Irish Times) and Professor Neil Sinyard.
IFI Director Ross Keane said: “I’m delighted to announce this year’s call for entries for the Pete Walsh Critical Writing Award which celebrates our dear late colleague Pete Walsh, whose contribution to the IFI and film culture in Ireland was huge. This award is designed to reflect his passion for good film writing and film appreciation. Given the high quality of last year’s entries, it is a passion that many clearly share. I am delighted all members of our judging panel from last year have returned, alongside our new member, Irish Times film critic Tara Brady. I wish them luck in their deliberations to choose this year’s winning entry, and look forward to reading some high quality film writing.”
The winning entry will be published on the IFI website and the winner will be announced in the IFI programme. The winner will also receive a year’s free entry to films at the IFI.
The closing date for entries will be 5pm on Saturday 28th February 2015 and entry is open to anyone resident in Ireland. There is a maximum word count of 1250 words, though the IFI anticipates many entries will be more concise. The focus is on film appreciation and criticism rather than academic analysis. It is essential that entrants read the full competition rules and submission guidelines which are available on the IFI website at www.ifi.ie/writingaward