The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is always a good opportunity to cast eyes over some of the latest talents making a name for themselves in Irish film. The Discovery Award at DIFF identifies, supports and encourages new and emerging talent in the Irish film industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Thirteen exciting emerging talents have been nominated for this year’s Award, sponsored this year by Aer Lingus, with the announcement of the winner taking place at a special event in Café En Seine, Dawson Street on the closing day of the festival on Sunday 8 March, 2020. Aer Lingus have also been announced as the “Official Airline Sponsor” of the Festival. Hey somebody has to fly those international guests in, right?
As part of Aer Lingus’ sponsorship of the Discovery Awards, they will offer all of the nominees the opportunity to have their work featured in Cara Magazine, as well as having their films screened on board its transatlantic flights, offering a wide spotlight on their work.
Speaking about the sponsorship, Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Aer Lingus said
“We are delighted to sponsor the Discovery Awards, which is a continuation of the company’s support for emerging Irish filmmaking talent, having previously sponsored the Irish Filmmakers Competition in association with Screen Ireland. Ireland has always been famed for its storytelling, and Irish films and stories have continued to make a big impact on the world stage. We congratulate all of the nominees for the Aer Lingus Discovery Award and we look forward to viewing their work.”
Of the sponsorship, Grainne Humphreys, Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival Director said
“The Festival is very excited to welcome Aer Lingus as a sponsor of the Discovery Awards. I’m particularly proud of the sheer depth of talent and passion of this years Discovery Nominees, they range across all genres and film styles, bringing ambition and exceptional skill to their individual films. I look forward to rewatching their wonderful work during the busy festival and beyond as their careers continue to climb.”
This year’s list of nominees reflects a wealth of vibrant and exciting young talent in the Irish film industry, many of whom are destined for great success in Ireland and on the world stage. The nominees are:
Allyn Quigley, Writer/Director, Moth
Cara Holmes, Director, Welcome to a Bright White Limbo
Claire Byrne, Director, Sister This
Clare Dunne, Writer/Cast, Herself
Die Hexen, Composer, Welcome to a Bright White Limbo
Dónall Ó’Héalaí, Lead Actor, Arracht
Gwen Jeffares Hourie, Costume Designer, Broken Law and Sister This
Laragh McCann, Director, Hasta La Vista
Luke Morgan, Director, The Butterfly Love Song
Phil Blake, Cinematography, Break Us and Sister This
Shaun O’Connor, Director, A White Horse
Tristan Heanue, Writer/Director, Ciúnas
Paddy Slattery, Director, Broken Law
The Aer Lingus Discovery Award Jury is comprised of five leading figures from the Irish film industry; Claire Dix, Director, whose work includes Sunlight and We Are Moving; Rebecca O’Flanagan, Producer, Treasure Entertainment; Tony Cranstoun, Editor, whose work includes Vivarium and The Farthest, Jason Foran, Producer and Manager from Teach Solais and Ruth Coady producer, Parallel Films.