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Kerry International Film Festival takes flight with Kerry Airport
Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) have a new headline sponsor partnership with Kerry Airport.
Running for its 22nd year, the festival will take place October 14 – 17 this year and this new partnership has provided a significant boost for the festival.
A common goal of both Kerry Airport and KIFF is the promotion of Kerry on a global scale, and this has played a significant role in the development of this collaboration.
"The Kerry International Film Festival is a highlight of any calendar," CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern, said.
"The benevolent and lasting relationship between the arts and County Kerry is one which is acclaimed all over the globe, in particular, the film industry. Remember when Jimmy Stewarts’ Charles Lindbergh finally spots land, Skellig Michael and the Iveragh Peninsula, a historic event in aviation and experienced by us all through the wonders of film. Thus, how could Kerry Airport resist the opportunity to partner with KIFF and with them celebrate both renowned and emerging talent in their craft. We look forward to October with much anticipation.”
To celebrate Kerry Airport's invaluable support, KIFF have introduced The Kerry Airport Take Flight Award. This award will recognise up and coming new talent in the film industry and is a welcome addition to the festival's coveted awards, which also includes The Maureen O’Hara Award, The Best of Kerry award, The Best Irish Narrative Feature award, amongst others.
“The team at KIFF are very excited about the collaboration with Kerry Airport," Board Chairperson, Grace O’Donnell, speaking about the new partnership, said.
"We see this as a natural progressive partnership. For most of our visitors to the festival, stepping off the plane at Kerry Airport is their first taste of Kerry. Kerry Airport is the gateway to Kerry and we feel KIFF is the gateway to film in the county. We look forward to working with CEO of Kerry Airport John Mulhern along with his team at the airport to make KIFF one of the most important film festivals in the world and to continuously support Kerry as a destination."
Script writer and Kerry native, Ailbhe Keogan is also a board member of KIFF. Her latest script 'Joyride', featuring Oscar winning actress Olivia Coleman was recently filmed in Kerry this summer with some scenes being filmed in Kerry Airport.
“Personally, as a film-maker, I've been grateful to Kerry Airport for many years now," Ailbhe said. "I've travelled abroad to make important connections and brought these collaborators home to Kerry. Partnering with Kerry Airport enables KIFF to do likewise; to make meaningful connections with an international film community so that we can offer the richest festival we can.”
STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
KIFF is going from strength to strength despite the challenges that came with COVID-19. Last year the festival went exclusively online due to the restrictions, and as a result KIFF gained over 17,000+ live streams throughout the four days of the festival. Additionally, KIFF is included in the top 100 film festivals in the world where it has gained a 5-star rating and they are Ireland’s fourth biggest festival. This year, KIFF 2021 were delighted to receive the highest number of submissions in the festival’s history.
Working hard alongside Cinema Killarney and several invaluable local businesses and sponsors, KIFF is hugely appreciative of the support and goodwill they receive from the people of Kerry and strive to deliver a state-of-the-art festival that supports and promotes both industry talent and local engagement.
KIFF’s new partnership with Kerry Airport has made a massive difference to the festival and they are looking forward to exciting times ahead. CEO of the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) and KIFF Board member said: “We have a wealth of creative talent here in Kerry and we want to ensure that they have every opportunity to grow and succeed internationally. The filmmaking industry in Ireland has become an important business for the Irish economy, KIFF and Kerry Airport can together showcase the filmmaking talent and stunning scenery our wonderful country has to offer."
Kilcummin man opens New Zealand pub
A Kilcummin native living in New Zealand is appealing to the Kerry community for genuine local memorabilia to decorate his new Irish pub and deli on the other side of the world.
Cian Curtin and his wife are currently fitting out The Snug, a new venture located in New Brighton, a seaside suburb of Christchurch. By day, the venue will operate as a deli serving Irish staples such as breakfast rolls, chicken fillet rolls, home-made soda bread, and fresh milk. In the evenings, it will transform into a traditional neighbourhood pub featuring Irish food, drink, and live music.
Determined to create an authentic atmosphere rather than relying on generic decorations, Cian is calling on Kerry locals, businesses, and sports clubs to send over items with a real story behind them.
“Being from Kilcummin, there’ll naturally be plenty of Kerry influence around the place. One thing that’s particularly important to me is that the pub doesn’t end up filled with generic, newly made ‘Irish pub’ decorations. I’d much rather fill the walls gradually with genuine pieces from home that have a bit of history and a story behind them. If any local pubs, clubs, businesses or readers had an old sign, photograph, jersey, bar piece or other bit of Kerry memorabilia gathering dust that they thought deserved a new home on the other side of the world, I’d absolutely love to hear from them.”
If you can help email: thesnugirishbar@gmail.com
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
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