Film competition takes off  

ARE you an up and aspiring filmmaker who would like to see their career take off?

Well now you have the opportunity to land a big prize while showcasing your talent. 

Aer Lingus has partnered with Bord Scannán na hÉireann (Irish Film Board) to launch a new Irish Filmmaker Competition that will celebrate and support the talent of up-and-coming filmmakers in Ireland. 

This initiative is part of the Aer Lingus TakeOff Foundation which encompasses a range of charity and corporate social responsibility activity including support of Irish culture and the arts. 

The Aer Lingus Irish Filmmaker Competition is open to short-film makers throughout the country and will give three talented individuals the opportunity to showcase their work at an international level by screening their short films on Aer Lingus transatlantic flights. 

The competition prize package received by the three winning filmmakers will also include complimentary flights to attend film festivals in North America and around Europe and promote their work on an international stage.

The three winning short-film entries will be chosen across two categories, live action and animation, by a judging panel consisting of three renowned Irish film figures along with an Aer Lingus representative.

The judging panellists will include director and writer for film and television drama, Neasa Hardiman; Dearbhla Walsh, Emmy, IFTA and BAFTA award-winning director; and scriptwriter and actor Mark O’Halloran.  

Declan Kearney, Aer Lingus Director of Communications, said: “Supporting Culture and the Arts in Ireland is something we feel very passionate about and we are excited to provide up-and-coming filmmakers with the opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience and take their career to new heights. 

“We look forward to seeing the entries from Ireland’s rising filmmakers and to screening their works on board our transatlantic aircraft.”

James Hickey, chief executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board, added:

“As the development agency for the Irish film, animation and television industry we are very focused on the development and promotion of the next generation of Irish filmmakers. 

“There are a huge amount of young filmmakers producing great work out there and we are really pleased to work with Aer Lingus to highlight new talent and provide an opportunity for Irish and international audiences to enjoy their short films.”

The closing date for entries for the competition is July 27. 

The judging process will commence in July and the winning short films will be unveiled at a special screening event in September 2017.

Candidates interested in the competition can apply via aerlingus.com/about-us/takeoff-foundation/irish-film-maker-competition/