The Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) ended in a fitting finale last Thursday as acclaimed Irish actress Fiona Shaw was presented with the Maureen O’Hara award.

The event, In Conversation with Fiona Shaw, was hosted by Susan Goodwille, director of the West End School of Arts.

The Maureen O’Hara award, originally established in 2008, was one of the first awards of its kind to celebrate women who excel in the film and television industry.

Shaw joins an esteemed list of previous recipients.

The Irish actress, internationally renowned for her extraordinary work on stage and screen productions such as Bad Sisters, Killing Eve, Fleabag, and Harry Potter, captivated the audience with her honesty, wit, and wisdom.

Shaw reflected on her remarkable career, her love of storytelling, and the transformative power of performance.

Shaw was deeply honoured to receive the award and described why the festival is so special.

She said: “What makes this festival so special is its heart. Its ability to bring people together through the magic of storytelling.
KIFF gives audiences the chance to experience cinema as it’s meant to be, in conversation, in community, and with genuine curiosity.”
The sold-out event drew a diverse audience of filmmakers, students, and arts lovers, marking an inspiring conclusion to KIFF 2025. Ailbhe Keogan, festival chairperson, said that KIFF continues to connect diverse audiences with a wide variety of films and they are looking forward to what their 27th edition will bring next year. Kerry International Film Festival is supported by its principal funders The Arts Council of Ireland, Kerry County Council, and Fáilte Ireland, with headline sponsorship from Kerry Airport. The festival is also supported by RTÉ Supporting the Arts and a wide range of local partners and hospitality sponsors.