Killarney filmmaker Ellen McSweeney has been named as one of just eight emerging talents selected for the prestigious Fresh Film HotHouse 2025/2026 programme.

The news comes as her experimental short film, ‘Watching the Washing Machine’, prepares for its world premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) on Friday, February 27.

The film is described as a meditation on memory and nostalgia. It follows a young woman traversing time through the repetitive lull of a washing machine, using the rhythmic nature of laundry as a portal into her character’s past. The production features local acting talent, including Kyla Shine-Leane.

Originally from Killarney and currently a film student in Dublin, McSweeney was chosen from a competitive pool of entrants in the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year competition. Her selection for the HotHouse programme, which is supported by Screen Ireland, RTÉ, and the Arts Council, provided her with €1,000 in funding and professional mentorship to bring the project to completion.

Following its premiere at DIFF, the film will reach a national audience immediately. It is scheduled for a digital release on the RTÉ Player on February 27, where it will be featured in the “Fresh Screens” section.

The 20th anniversary of Killarney BikeFest is set to be bigger than ever over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

As Ireland’s largest free open biker festivals, the milestone event is expected to draw record crowds to the town and the dedicated festival village.

Organisers are preparing an expanded programme of events to mark two decades of the festival, featuring a mix of live music, bike showcases, and the signature ride-outs through the scenic Kerry landscape.

The economic impact on the local region is already evident, with accommodation providers across Killarney reporting exceptionally strong demand and many hotels nearing full capacity months in advance.

The festival remains a highlight of the Killarney tourism calendar, attracting enthusiasts from across Europe.