As we continue through lockdown, we continue at Film In Dublin to cast our net wider across the country, spotlighting some of the great festivals taking place outside our home county. Though this year they, as so many, have to go all-virtual, the Waterford Film Festival has a considerable pedigree. Now in its 14th year, the festival ought to be taking place in-person at the Central Arts Hall, but sadly the venue closed its doors permanently earlier this year, a sobering sign of what is at stake for arts and entertainment venues across the country.
Organisers of the Waterford Film Festival nevertheless have put together a highly impressive programme for their 2020 edition. A feast of short films and plenty of opportunities for film pros in Ireland to connect online is on offer at the festival, which is taking place from November 20 – 23rd.
For the 2020 Waterford Film Festival, 15 countries will be represented by the short films on offer, with 100 selected overall over the 3 days and 40 national and international writing finalists up for selection in the festival’s screenplay competition.
The festival’s virtual platform will offer 8 short programme altogether, each comprised of up to 14 short films. The shorts are set to be a mixture of different genres and themes, featuring debut filmmakers and award-winners alike. from debut filmmakers to award winning films. Tickets are available for €5.50 per programme, with a Season Pass Option available to access all 8 Short Programmes for only €16.
You can check out some trailers for the festival’s selection of shorts HERE. The festival’s online platform is available at www.waterfordfilmfestivalonline.com.
In Memoriam of filmmaker and co-founder of the Irish Film and Television Network Liam O’ Neill, the festival will offer a free viewing of his award-winning film Kathleen through the weekend. A long-time writer, producer and director at Paradox Pictures and lecturer in filmmaking across Ireland, O’Neill sadly passed away earlier this year.
A pair of networking events will also take place over the Saturday and Sunday. All in all it’s going to be a packed weekend of film, celebrating shorts from Ireland and abroad.