Second Boyne Valley International Film Festival shines a spotlight on local talent

Stars and filmmakers and film buffs from around Ireland and the world gather in Drogheda 

Film makers, film buffs and film actors from the Boyne Valley, Ireland and around the world gathered in Drogheda Last weekend for the second Boyne Valley International Film Festival with screenings at the Droichead Arts Centre and the Arc Cinema. 

Friday night opened with the Made in the Boyne Valley programme, which showcased talent from the area and it did not disappoint. The sold out show screened seven films from the region including “The Passenger” by Gerard Gormley and John Redmond, “An Irish Goodbye” by Cody Farren and “Irreverence” by Siun O’Connor.

The programme, sponsored by the Clinch Family, was followed by a Boann Distillery drinks reception where filmmakers and fans talked film late into the night. 

Saturday was packed with films, panel discussions, filmmaker Q and As and workshops, including one hosted by Academy Award nominee Naomi Sheridan. The panel “Dream Vs. Reality” spoke with industry professionals on the reality of making films.

The producers panel, called “Making it”, featured three production companies, including Copper Alley, whose film “Lamb” which was screened at the festival, has made it to the long-list for the 2024 Oscars. 

This is the first year the festival has ventured outside the Droichead Arts Centre, partnering with the Arc Cinema in Drogheda to screen the Animation Programme, which was free for families. Something the festival hopes to do more of in the future. 

This year the festival also added an extra day and an Award Ceremony, taking place on Sunday. The day continued with films and filmmaker discussion, but also featured a unique event centered around the Short Film Bursary. Firstly there was a live cast reading for last year’s winner, “The Parting” by Libby McCormick, and then a pitch competition for a total prize of €3,000. The winner of which will be invited back to a live reading at next year’s festival. 

Festival guests included “Walking Dead” star Pollyanna McIntosh, “Moone Boy” star Clare Monnelly and actor Aaron Monaghan, who was last seen in “The Banshees of Inisherin”. Among the filmmakers were IFTA winning director Frank Berry, BAFTA nominated director Alex Keyode-Kay and actress, and Boyne Valley native, Helen Behan. 

Festival directors Collette Farrell and Frank W. Kelly told Drogheda Life they are delighted with how the festival has gone. “It’s wonderful to see people enjoying themselves” said Frank, “Audience members got to see unique films and a have a peek behind the scenes, while filmmakers got to experience the audience’s reaction to their work.” 

Frank noted that one of the positive side effects of the festival is that guests all said how much they love Drogheda and many of them went on to explore the Boyne Valley.

“Many filmmakers have extended their stay to experience the town and the Boyne Valley. We have so much to offer here” said Frank adding that the Boyne Valley International Film Festival will return in 2024. 

The festival is Sponsored by The Arts Council of Ireland, Louth County Council, Meath County Council Arts Office, Love Drogheda BID, Boann Distillery, Anglo Printers, the D Hotel and the Clinch Family. With partners: The Arc Cinema and Film Network Ireland.

And the winners are:

Best Film Made in the Boyne Valley

WINNER – “The Passenger”.Written and produced by Gerard Anthony Gormley. Directed by John Redmond. 

Best Irish Narrative Short Film 

WINNER – “Sound & Colour Written and Directed by Emma Foley,Produced by Taryn Reinecke
Honorary Mention – “Headspace” Written and Directed by Aisling Byrne, Produced by Killian Coyle 

Best International Short Film

WINNER – “Off Side (Hors Jeu)” written and directed by Sophie Martin. Produced by Nicolas d’Autryve & Sandra Karim

Honorary Mention “Super Jesus”- Writer/Director – Vito Palumbo, Producer – Gaspare Rizzo.

Best Animated Short Film

WINNER – “Mum is Pouring Rain” – Written by Hugo de Faucompret & Lison D’Andréa. Director – Hugo de Faucompret, Producers – Antoine Liétout, Ivan Zuber & Emmanuèle Petry-Sirvin. 

Best Documentary Short Film

WINNER – “Nothing to Declare”- Writer/Director – Garret Daly, Producer – Martina McGlynn. 

Short Film Bursary Award

WINNER – Fionnuala Gygax for “The Island”

Honorary Mention – Conor McCormick for “Bunker Baby”.