Moe Dunford – who has most recently starred in the award-winning ‘Patrick’s Day’ – is one of ten European actors to receive a Shooting Star award in Berlin on 7th February, as part of the Berlin International Film Festival.
Now in its 18th year, the annual talent platform seeks out the most talented young European actors who they believe will become important stars in the future. Past winners include current James Bond star Daniel Craig, Oscar nominated actress Carey Mulligan and Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson.
Moe Dunford has been receiving critical acclaim for his performance as the mentally ill Patrick in Terry Mc Mahon’s award winning ‘Patrick’s Day’ (which will be released by Wildcard Distribution in early 2015) and has also starred in television shows ‘Vikings’, ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘The Tudors’, all of which were filmed in Ireland.
The jury, which consists of actress Eva Röse (‘Maria Wern’), UK film magazine editor Damon Wise (Empire magazine), Polish film director Malgorzata Szumowska (‘Elles’), Slovenian film producer Danijel Hočevar (‘Circles’) and French casting director Nathalie Cheron (‘Lucy’), had this to say of Moe Dunford’s inclusion:
‘Moe's physicality and sly charm first drew us to him – the ingredients of a modern-day Hollywood hero – but his work in Patrick's Day sealed the deal. As schizophrenic Patrick, he shows compassion and subtlety always putting the character first, never letting Patrick's issues overwhelm the performance.’
Speaking about the award, Moe Dunford said: ‘I’m hugely honoured and proud to be chosen to represent Ireland as a Shooting Star in the forthcoming Berlinale in 2015. I would like to specially thank Terry McMahon the writer and director of Patricks Day. I am ferociously proud both on a personal and professional level of Patrick’s Day which has played no small part in winning me this honour. Terry was prepared to take a chance on me as a young actor in the leading role of his inspiring film and I hope he feels that the gamble has paid off for him as well as it has for me.’
British actress Maisie Williams, who starred in the Irish comedy ‘Gold’ (another Wildcard Distributions picture) which was released to cinemas in October this year and is a current cast member of ‘Game of Thrones’, is also set to receive a Shooting Star.
The ten winners will receive their awards on the opening weekend of the Berlin International Film Festival which is due to run from 5th-15th February, 2015.
Check out the full list of Shooting Stars on their website: http://www.shooting-stars.eu.