Louth International Film Festival returns this year

The Louth International Film Festival recently announced its 4th edition which is set to take place at the IMC Cinema Dundalk and DkIT on September 29 and at the An Táin Arts Centre on September 30 and October 1.

Filmmakers from all corners of the globe are invited to submit their work and compete for prestigious awards. The festival will screen over 40 hours of short films, features and documentaries across the three days.

A major highlight of this year's festival is the continued support of esteemed patrons, including John Moore, a talented filmmaker with roots in Dundalk, who has made a name for himself in Hollywood.

Speaking about the fourth edition of this festival, John stated:

“Everyone is from somewhere: but we like to reach out to everywhere - local film festivals do this, they bring the wide world to us all and add their own special local magic.

Louth is a small county with a huge sense of magic, of history, of story; I wish them continued success with their world-class festival and continue to support them and cheer them to the rafters.”

Another distinguished patron, the renowned cinematographer Seamus McGarvey, ASC, BSC, ISC, will once again select the Best Cinematography Award. Seamus, known for his exceptional work in movies like "Atonement" and "Anna Karenina," has earned two Academy Award nominations for his cinematography.

Additionally, he has won the British Society of Cinematographers (B.S.C.) award for "Anna Karenina" and "Nocturnal Animals," and received nominations for "Atonement." 

Lorcan Dunne, Festival Co-Director and DkIT Lecturer, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event, saying:

"Through the Louth International Film Festival, we embrace diversity and welcome filmmakers from around the world to share their stories and creativity. Our goal is to nurture talent and provide a platform where the magic of cinema can unite us all.

"We are honoured to have the continued support of our esteemed patrons, director John Moore, and cinematographer Seamus McGarvey."

The Louth International Film Festival is not only a showcase of outstanding films but also recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for learning and professional development within the film industry.

Attendees can look forward to insightful panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses with industry experts, such as Diarmuid Goggins, Elaine Gallagher, Luke McManus, Mick Mahon, and Frankie Fenton, who have participated in previous editions.

Colm Mullen, the Artistic Director of the festival, emphasized the significance of these educational initiatives, stating:

"We believe in the power of sharing knowledge and lived experiences. By bringing together established filmmakers, aspiring talents, and students from DkIT, we create an environment where learning and growth thrive. Our industry panels serve as a platform for collaboration and dialogue, enabling filmmakers to expand their skills and vision."

The Louth International Film Festival presents a range of awards, including Best Short Fiction, Best Short Documentary, Seamus McGarvey Award for Best Cinematography, Best Student Film, Audience Choice, Best in Louth, Best Feature Documentary, Best Feature Fiction, Best Actor (gender-neutral), Best Director, Best International Short, and Best International Feature.

For filmmakers interested in submitting their work and for more information about the Louth International Film Festival, please visit: filmfreeway.com/LouthInternationalFilmFestival