News
Killarney to host Kerry International Film Festival
LAUNCH: Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Michael Gleeson was on hand to launch the Kerry International Film Festival in Killarney House and Gardens on Friday night last. Photo: Michael G Kenny
By Michelle Crean
There’ll be a unique film festival atmosphere in Killarney next week as the Kerry International Film Festival is ready to take to local screens.
Taking place from October 17 to 20 there’ll be screenings in Killarney Cinema and St Mary’s Church, with industry events in Killarney House and the Plaza Hotel.
And for its 20th anniversary, KIFF is debuting a brand-new look - having undergone an exciting rebrand by the festival’s creative partner Richard Dee Branding and Design.
Feature films, documentaries, animation, short film programmes and industry events, will all be part of the three-day event with the festival showcasing new work from Ireland and around the globe.
Some of the highlights include the Irish Premiere of ‘Rare Beasts’, the directing debut of actress Billie Piper.
KIFF will also feature the Irish premiere of ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’, a touching film with a modern-day spin on Mark Twain’s ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’. This heart-warming future-classic opens the festival on Thursday next at 6.30pm.
Closer to home KIFF will also present the world premiere of Terry McMahon's news film, ‘The Prize Fighter’, which promises to be a sell-out event as Gary ‘Spike’ O'Sullivan (the Irish professional boxer who has formerly held the WBO International and Irish middleweight titles), Paschal Collins (renowned coach and manager) and director Terry McMahon, will attend the screening and an extended Q&A afterwards on Friday night next, at 8.30pm.
The festival will also share the work from the many talented local filmmakers in ‘Kerry Focus’, including The Kerry Connections shorts programme on Friday, from 6.30pm.
On Saturday,’Kilimanjaro Mama’, the story of Kerry woman Louise Quill and her amazing work in her Tanzanian Orphanage will be screened, while Seanie Sugrue’s us screening of his laugh a minute feature film ‘Misty Buttons’ takes place on Sunday.
Festival Programmer, Eibh Collins, said that she’s delighted to present her first programme for the Kerry International Film Festival.
“It’s been an incredible effort from the dedicated team to get this selection of films ready for our wonderful audiences, and I can’t wait for them to see what we have put together for them. We have put together a programme that covers the diverse landscape of contemporary world cinema and are delighted to showcase it here in Killarney.”
To celebrate the festivals 20th birthday there will be a host of free films screening in St Marys church daily of fan-favourites from 1999, the year of the first Kerry Film Festival and including 20th anniversary screenings of classics like ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ and ‘The Matrix’.
For details on these screenings and more, check out www.kerryfilmfestival.com.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
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