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Film fans will have plenty of variety this weekend

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IN ATTENDANCE: Mags Kissane with her son Thomas McGuire and Aileen Garvey (KIFF) pictured at the launch of this year's Kerry International Film Festival yesterday evening (Thursday). Photo: Grigoriy Geniyevskiy

22nd Kerry International Film Festival launched

 

Yesterday evening (Thursday) the official opening of the 22nd Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) took place at Randles Hotel, Killarney.

This year’s festival is taking place October 14 to 17 and presents a blended film festival that promotes and showcases film and filmmaking talent across 15 in-person physical events and 30 online screenings.

KIFF’s opening night screening featured 'Death of a Ladies’ Man', starring Gabriel Byrne, and this year, the festival will close with the Irish Language feature 'Foscadh' (Shelter), which recently won Best First Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh. 'Foscadh' was also recently selected by the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) as Ireland’s entry to the Oscars®’ Best International Feature Film category for the upcoming 94th annual Academy Awards.

"We are delighted to be able to bring KIFF back onto the big screen with Cinema Killarney as our main venue," Eibh Collins, Festival Director, said.

"We are also thrilled to be returning to Tralee for our closing night film, which will screen at Siamsa Tíre. Running parallel to the in-person programme, we have a robust and exciting online programme streamed from the KIFF website to audiences’ devices-of-choice."

Some of the online programme highlights include KIFF’s three new themed strands. The ‘Something's Not Quite Right’ Strand, KIFF’s Environmental strand presented by Irish actor Jack Reynor, and KIFF’s All Abilities strand.

KIFF will be presenting Something's Not Quite Right, a series of screenings showcasing this genre that includes a selection of horror and psychological thrillers, including Irish and Irish-US co-production 'The Yellow Wallpaper', 'Bring out the Fear', 'Save me from Everything' and 'Gateway'.

KIFF is excited to announce that Irish actor Jack Reynor is KIFF’s newly appointed Green Ambassador. He and the programming team have put together a daily online selection of international environmental documentaries that highlight the challenges our environment faces today, including 'Hell or Clean Water' (Canada), 'Uni Yama Aida' (Japan) and 'Walk the Tide Line' (Finland).

ALL ABILITIES

Amongst these highlights is a film programme to celebrate the festival's new All Abilities submission field, dedicated to promoting the lives, stories and artistic expression of people with different abilities and disabilities. This selection includes Irish and International fiction and documentary shorts and the feature documentary 'Only I Can Hear'.

KIFF recently announced esteemed producer, Kathleen Kennedy, as the 2021 Maureen O'Hara winner. She is an eight-time Academy Award-nominated film producer and president of Lucasfilm (ET: The Extra Terrestrial, Indiana Jones, Star Wars). Kennedy also oversaw the rebirth of the Star Wars Universe including the most recent trilogy which showcased Kerry to legions of film fans the world over. Audiences can now log online to view a special ‘In Conversation’ interview with Kennedy which his is hosted by producer Rebecca Flanagan (Smother, Handsome Devil) and is currently available on www.kerryfilmfestival.com.

As always, Kerry Talent is the star of the show, as they have two programmes of Kerry Connection short films and KIFF are honoured to support Kerry writer Katie McNiece’s feature 'Who We Love’, directed and co-written by Festival alumni Graham Cantwell.

These films and more will be in the running for the prestigious KIFF awards. The winners will be announced on Sunday at the KIFF Awards Brunch in JM Reidy’s.

KIFF was delighted to recently announce Kerry Airport as its title sponsor for 2021 and they are very grateful to be working with them alongside other key partners including The Arts Council, Kerry County Council, The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA), Randles Hotel Killarney, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, The Plaza Hotel Killarney, Tower Records, Kerry Broadband, JM Reidy’s as well as a wealth of local Kerry businesses.

Tickets, pre-booking and festival passes are now available to purchase at: www.kerryfilmfestival.com

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Diesel alternative now available in Killarney

A new, more environmentally friendly diesel alternative is now available in Killarney, with Certa’s site in the Woodlands Industrial Estate becoming the first in Kerry to dispense hydrotreated vegetable oil […]

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A new, more environmentally friendly diesel alternative is now available in Killarney, with Certa’s site in the Woodlands Industrial Estate becoming the first in Kerry to dispense hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The renewable fuel is already being used locally — including by Deros Coaches.
HVO is a low-carbon biofuel that serves as a direct replacement for traditional diesel.

Made by treating waste plant material with hydrogen, it does not release any additional carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Compared to regular diesel, HVO emits up to 90% less CO₂ and also offers benefits such as lower NOx emissions, biodegradability, longer shelf-life, and being completely fossil-free.

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St Brigid’s principal Róisín Moore to step down

After years at the helm of St Brigid’s Secondary School, Principal Róisín Moore has announced her decision to step down, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the school’s […]

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After years at the helm of St Brigid’s Secondary School, Principal Róisín Moore has announced her decision to step down, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the school’s history.

In a statement issued by the school community this week, Ms Moore described the decision as deeply personal.

“This has not been an easy decision,” she said.

“But I believe the time is right for me to explore other opportunities while also giving greater attention to family responsibilities. The role of principal is a demanding one, and I have always strived to give it my full commitment.”

Ms Moore’s tenure at St. Brigid’s has been defined by vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to the values of CEIST and Catholic education. A former student of the school , she returned years later to lead the institution she credits with shaping her both personally and professionally.

“Serving as Principal of St Brigid’s has been one of the great honours of my life,” she said. “I remain deeply committed to the values of CEIST and to the mission of Catholic education. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I leave the role with immense gratitude for the opportunity to lead the school community.”

Her leadership coincided with significant achievements, including a very positive WSE-MLL (Whole School Evaluation – Management, Leadership and Learning) report, the continued advancement of a major building project, and the fostering of what she described as “a caring and inclusive environment with high expectations at its core.”

“We have an outstanding teaching staff, a robust culture of leadership and management, and a clear sense of purpose and direction,” she added. “I have every confidence the board of management and staff will continue to bring the school forward.”

Teacher and school PRO Sheree Murphy paid tribute on behalf of staff and students.

‘It’s hard to put into words just how much Róisín has meant to St Brigid’s and to all of us who have had the privilege of working under her leadership” said Ms Murphy.

“She has been an exceptional leader, steadfast, visionary, and deeply committed to every student, staff member, and family in our school community. Her dedication has truly brought the school from strength to strength.”

“Through her guidance, I personally have grown immensely as a teacher. Her belief in professional development, collaborative leadership, and high expectations has helped shape the kind of educator I am today.”

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