Short films, family-friendly screenings, the best in new Irish cinema and a host of industry expert talks will be part of this years's Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF).

Killarney will host a number of venues next week from October 20 to 23 and there'll be plenty to do and see.

Celebrating its 23rd edition, this year's KIFF will be fully in-person with over 30 plus events across the weekend, alongside a bespoke KIFF screening in Dingle on October 23.

This year the KIFF 2022 Maureen O’Hara recipient is actress and writer Amy Huberman who will be presented with her award on Saturday next (October 22). Amy’s notable roles include Derry Girls, Striking Out, Finding Joy, Your Bad Self, The Clinic, The Stag, Stella Days, Rewind, and Handsome Devil, to name a few. She is also a talented author and has written three number one bestselling novels, Hello Heartbreak, I Wished for You, and her first book for younger people called The Day I Got Trapped in My Brain, which is currently number one in the Irish Children’s publishing charts. She also hosts the award-winning parenting podcast Mamia and Me.

"As a prolific performer, a writer, and a public figure, Amy's humour and clever insights are matched only by how fantastically talented she is," KIFF Programme Director, Eibh Collins, said.

"KIFF are delighted to welcome her to Killarney in October as the recipient of this year's Maureen O'Hara Award."

Speaking about receiving the award Amy Huberman said it is "such an honour".

"When I think of Maureen O’Hara I think of a trailblazer brimming with talent, grit, ambition, courage, and captivating charm," Amy said.

"She was such a fabulous ambassador for Ireland and for women in our industry. I’m so honoured to be the recipient of the award this year and a huge thank you to the Kerry International Film Festival. I shall keep the award on the mantelpiece for whenever I need some inspiration, seeing as the woman herself has, and continues to inspire so many."

OPENING NIGHT

The opening night of the festival will be celebrated with a reception hosted by Randles Hotel Killarney on Thursday (October 20), which will be followed by a screening of KIFF’s opening film for 2022, Declan Reck’s Tarrac in the INEC Killarney. This Irish language drama was shot on location in Kerry, and KIFF is delighted to welcome the cast and crew to the KIFF 2022 for a special opening night Gala.

HIGHLIGHTS

Other Irish highlights include Million Dollar Pigeons, by Gavin Fitzgerald. This documentary tells the must-see stories of pigeon masters from across the globe competing in the highest-stakes bird races on the planet.

Also featured in KIFF 2022 is Galway Film Fleadh Award-Winner Lakelands. Directed by KIFF alumni, Robert Higgins and Patrick McGiveny. Lakelands tells the story of Cian, a young Gaelic footballer who struggles to come to terms with a career-ending injury after an attack on a night out.

SHORT FILMS

At the heart of KIFF programming is short films, and this year's selection continues that tradition with the festivals Irish Short Film Programmes One to Three, featuring new work from KIFF’s alumni such as, Katie McNeice, Gregory Burrowes and Lara Hickey. And as always, a spotlight is shining on Kerry talent during KIFF’s dedicated programme of Kerry Connection short films, as they take to the big screen on the Friday night of the festival (October 21).

MUSIC DOCUMENTARIES

KIFF’s International Selection hosts music documentaries which are sponsored by Tower Records Ireland. And I Still Sing, features a controversial Afghan pop star and activist Aryana Sayeed who mentors young hopefuls as they prepare to appear on a hit TV singing competition show. As the show’s female contestants Zahra Elham and Sadiqa Madadgar are on the verge of their dreams becoming reality, the Taliban returns to power.

Among Our World shorts selection is a dedicated programme of Ukraine films titled ‘BE BRAVE LIKE UKRAINE’, curated by guest programmer Mira Oyetoro.

This year’s line-up also presents family friendly films for all ages with a free selection of animated shorts called Shorts for Shorties.

"It has been another great year for Kerry on screen with films such as the locally-shot Joyride lighting up screens around the country and across the world, and our opening film Tarrac's recent win at the Galway Film Fleadh," Chair of KIFF, Grace O’Donnell, said.

"These successes are indebted to the hard work of the local industry and its supporters. This industry and audience are at the core of KIFF's legacy.”

All of these films will be in competition for the prestigious KIFF 2022 Awards. The winners will be announced on Sunday (October 23) at the KIFF Awards brunch which is very generously hosted by the Great Southern Killarney.

Alongside this robust selection of screenings, KIFF will host a selection of industry events and talks. KIFF is delighted to welcome another familiar face, Pat Shortt, to the festival this year. Pat will be showcasing his debut short film ‘Warts & All’ on Sunday (October 23 ) at the Great Southern Killarney’s cinema screening room and he will be discussing the creative process involved from his movement from acting to directing via KIFF’s industry talk; 'Role Reversal with Pat Shortt and Lee Crowley’.

Other exciting events on the KIFF 2022 schedule include the ever-popular IFTA Business Networking Event which will be hosted by the CEO of IFTA, Áine Moriarty, on Friday October 21 at The Plaza Hotel, Killarney.

Additional events include the National Talent Academy’s Filmmakers Coffee Morning and an online Masterclass with renowned Producer Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly. The talented Kerry woman has been nominated for one Academy Award for her short film, 'Head Over Heels' as well as two BAFTA Awards. Fodhla will join KIFF for an online discussion, where we will get to hear a little more about her exciting career path to date.

KIFF is immensely grateful to their title sponsors, Kerry Airport Ireland, as well as for the invaluable support received from The Arts Council of Ireland and to their key partners including Kerry County Council, Screen Ireland, The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA), Tower Records Ireland, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, Randles Hotel, the Plaza Hotel, the Great Southern Killarney and Kerry Broadband as well as a wealth of local businesses, individuals, and supporters.

See www.kerryfilmfestival.com for more.