The Droichead Arts Centre was packed on Saturday night for the Irish Premiere screening of Ethan Hawke’s Wildcat as part of the Boyne Valley International Film Festival.
An unconventional biopic, “Wildcat” invites the audience to inhabit the mind of celebrated Southern Gothic writer Flannery O’Connor (played by Maya Hawke) and see the world through her eyes.
By collaging excerpts from her short fiction, personal letters, and prayer journals, the film attempts to build the genius of Flannery O’Connor piece by piece, bone by bone.
Showcasing a wonderful array of films both local, national and international films, the Boyne Valley International Film Festival took place from August 9-11. Presented by Droichead Arts Centre in partnership with LOVE Drogheda BIDS.
Curated by acclaimed filmmaker and Boyne Valley native Frank W. Kelly and Director of Droichead Arts Centre Collette Farrell, the festival featured an extended programme of short film screenings from The Boyne Valley, Ireland and beyond, alongside workshops and events including a comedy writing workshop with Jonathan Hughes (The Office US); a documentary workshop with Alex Fegan (The Irish Pub) and Laura O’Shea (Wednesday’s Child), a TV panel discussion with Rob and Ronan Burke (Harry Wild), Audrey O’Reilly and Oonagh Kearney (Obituary) and a discussion on mental health in the film industry including Baz Black (Kin/Dublin Crust).
Alba Fernandez was the 2024 festival’s Filmmaker in Focus, sponsored by Osborne Recruitment, whilst the BVIFF Closing Film will this year be The Island by Fionnuala Gygax – winner of the BVIFF 2023 Short Film Bursary.
BVIFF 2024 would like to thank their main sponsor Love Drogheda BIDS, and additional sponsors Osborne Recruitment, Globe Travel, Gleesons Bar, Drogheda, Anglo Printers and the Clinch family. Funding from The Arts Council, Louth & Meath County Councils. Supported by Boann Distillery, The Marcy Hotel and Scholars Townhouse Hotel, Drogheda.
Festival Co-Directors Collette Farrell and Frank W.Kelly with Mayor of Drogheda Paddy McQuillan, Emma Ray (Director/Writer) and Baz Black (Producer) ahead of the Made in the Boyne Valley Programme 2 at the Boyne Valley International Film Festival 2024 at Droichead Arts Centre.
