First film festival for Fingal

FINGAL is set to host its first ever film festival and
it’s got the backing of an impressive list of big industry names.

Fingal Film Festival (FFF) kicks off on March 21 in
UCI Blanchardstown and independent filmmakers from all over the world are
already submitting new films, documentaries, shorts and animations in the hope
of securing a screening.

Although the festival has international appeal, the
founders of FFF say its main aim is to create a platform for Fingal filmmakers.
The festival’s top award will go to the best new director from Fingal.

The festival’s main sponsor is UCI Blanchardstown
Centre and it also has the backing of Snap Blanchardstown, Fingal County
Council and Lispopple Studios.

“It has been their generosity that has brought this
festival to fruition,

? says Liz Kenny, managing director of the festival.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to put Fingal on the
international stage and showcase the amazing talent that resides in this
locality. There is so much talent in Fingal and this festival will become an
annual event for these emerging artists to showcase their work.

?

The festival will run for three days with a schedule
of screenings taking place both in UCI Blanchardstown and the Draíocht centre.
There will also be workshops in acting, directing, music composing and film
producing presented by some world leading names in the industry who will be
announced online at www.fingalfilmfest.com later this month.

Festival creative director, Dave Byrne, says he
passionately believes that Fingal needs to harness the emerging talent in the
area and give young filmmakers, actors, musicians and writers a voice.

“It’s important that this festival is not elitist and
the opportunity to showcase his or her work is afforded to everyone,

? he added.

“Although the festival will have strict criteria in
place for the standard of work that will be screened. People who do not succeed
in having their work screened will be able to learn and enhance their skills
through a series of workshops that will be taking place over the three-day
event.

?

The closing date for submissions for the festival is
5pm on Friday, February 10. Details of where to submit can be found at www.fingalfilmfest.com.
Details of the successful submissions will be published on the website and
through social networking sites on Friday, February 17. The selected filmmakers
will be contacted directly prior to the announcements being made public.