Young filmmakers gathered at the Droichead Arts Centre in Drogheda last Friday night to take part in the new Jump Cuts Youth Film Festival.
Originally established by the young producer in 2023, Boyne Valley International Film Festival has added it to its roster as the new youth strand of the festival.
Co-Director Frank Kelly said: “Our hope is to encourage and celebrate the next generation of filmmakers in the area.”
The evening event consisted of a junior and senior programme, showing films by secondary school students throughout Louth and Meath. Sinead Brassil hosted a panel with local director and star of KIN, Baz Black, and award-winning director Laura O’Shea. They discussed the highs and lows of independent filmmaking and offered advice to the young filmmakers present.
Film Director Frank Kelly and Director of Droichead Arts Centre Collette Farrell with award winning film makers Laura O’Shea and Baz Black with Sinead Brassil and Niall O’Brien at the Jump Cuts Youth Film Festival 2024 at Droichead Arts Centre.
The film festival ended with an award ceremony. In the junior programme Gabriel Sica won for his animated film “The Mystery of Mr. Kalowski”. A Special Mention went to Conor O’Cuinn for his documentary “The Perfect Ring”.
In the senior programme Kamila Merfeldaite won for her film “Golden Time” and a special mention went to Reuben Armstrong for his films “Numb” and “The Doorway”.
Directors Collette Farrell and Frank Kelly plan to continue Jump Cuts Youth Film Festival on a yearly basis. They also hope to add a category for third-level students at future events. Congratulations to all the winners.
The festival was sponsored by The Arts Council of Ireland, Meath County Council Arts Office, Louth County Council and Love Drogheda BIDS.
