The 12th Annual Irish Film Festival, Boston came to a close on Monday, March 28th having screened a total of 38 Irish films between March 24th – 28th. The award-winning lineup of Irish films and shorts attracted sold out houses every night, and as part of Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland’s year of Irish arts in America, a total of sixteen Irish filmmakers were in attendance.
Opening night of the festival saw Darragh Byrne pick up the event’s Best Feature award for ‘Parked’ alongside his producers, Dominic Wright & Jacqueline Kerrin. The filmmaker commented on the festival, noting that “It's a credit to all involved that the festival is going from strength to strength and no doubt has become an un-missable event for all concerned with Irish film.” The Best Short Film gong went to Conor Horgan and David Bolger for ‘Deep End Dance’ who were both present to collect the award.
Friday night saw the festival move to the Somerville Theater, where it took up residence for the rest of the weekend. The Director’s Choice – Short Film winning project, ‘Noreen’ was represented by director Domhnall Gleeson and producers, Juliette Bonass and David Clarke whilst ‘The Runway’ Director’s Choice - Feature winners, Ian Power and Macdara Kelleher were also on hand to receive their award. The pair also announced that the film is to get distribution in the United States. “The festival truly deserves its reputation and is certainly one of the coolest I've been to. It's a brilliant way to debut an Irish film in the US and we've had some great feedback already” commented Ian Power.
Saturday, March 26th saw the screening of Best Documentary winner, ‘The Pipe’ complete with director, Risteard O’Domhnaill and producer, Rachel Lysaght to collect their award. The film brought a barrage of questions and support from the audience. Rachel voiced his delight at the response of the audience, saying: “We really enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the audience afterward - Q&A’s are always a great gauge. It was great to connect with other filmmakers and distributors.”
’Till the Tenth Generation’, Gerry Gregg’s film, about Tomi Reichental’s experiences in the Nazi DeToath Camp of Bergen-Belsen, premiered in at the Boston festival and had a total of three screenings in the Boston area before moving on to New York city. Both the director and protagonist were present for the screening, which was a co-presentation with the National Center for Jewish Film. Peter Flynn, co-director of the Irish Film Festival, Boston also premiered his film, ‘Blazing the Trail: The O’Kalems in Ireland’ an Irish Film Festival, Boston production, at the festival. Flynn was mid way through a Q&A session when it was announced that he was this years Irish Film Festival Honoree.
For a full list of festival winners please visit www.irishfilmfestival.com
