Kerry Film Festival 2013

On October 8th 2013 the annual Kerry Film Festival kicked off with a new approach and dynamic. Local businesses support this festival to a huge extent, and it’s obvious why.  5 days packed with showings to suit all age groups and knowledge of film is not a prerequisite!

Tralee is a hub of many highly regarded 3rd level film and production courses – more than the norm. I am only here a year and am already blown away by how many people are being turned out of the IT in Tralee and Fás Tralee with extremely high standards of ability, skills not to mention talent. Many of them got involved with the festival this year, which was great to see. I mentored some students from Tralee IT this year.  The 50hr Film project launched on Wednesday by Kerry Film maker in residence Michael Kelly, to challenge film-makers to create a short film to be completed by midday Saturday.  The prize for the best film was €500 so the race was on! I kept bumping into film crews throughout the week, which was great. I felt like I was back in Dublin, working the production route again. Great to see the local’s reaction to film crews working amongst them! The worthy winners were delighted with themselves and their film was a mini triumph in my opinion. Well done to the gang who won with “Fools After School” – worthy winners.

“Fools After School” 50hr Film Winners

Some other main category winners were,

Audience Award went to “Windows of Wonder” directed by Maurice O’Carroll

Best Animation “Mr. Hubolt – Director Laurent Witz.

Best Irish narrative “Alia” by Claire Dix

Best International Narrative went to “Un Pieu Plus” Directed by Conor Ferguson and Produced by Ailish Bracken

Best Documentary went to “Novena” by Director Anna Rodgers. This award was presented by the acclaimed Catherine Bray editor of Film4.com and Film 2013 presenter.

Awards Ceremony Kerry Film Festival 2013

The Irish film based on the tragedy of Ger McDonell’s adventure on K2 in 2008, was a highlight for me. A drama documentary shot with great care and attention to detail was moving and exhilarating all at the same time. A family’s pain was obvious in the heart wrenching talk by Ger’s brother JJ at the Q & A session after the film showed in Siamsa Tíre Theatre. A film worth seeking out when it goes on general release in November.

So, take a few minutes to look at all the festival photography throughout the week in this youtube clip, and I’ll write some more in a couple of weeks. All festival photography by my good self and available to buy directly through my contact form on my website. Many thanks filmgoers…

For more of my work please visit my website  on this link here at
Ciara O'Donnell Photography.Please share this on your Twitter or Facebook page,thanks.Follow me @CiaraPhotos.