Countdown begins to return of Louth International Film Festival

The countdown has begun to the fourth edition of the Louth International Film Festival (LIFF), which takes place in the IMC Cinema Dundalk, Dundalk Institute of Technology and the An Táin Arts Centre, from September 29 to October 1. 

With an expansive lineup encompassing over 50 hours of short films, features and documentaries, the festival guarantees a memorable experience for all attendees. 

Organisers of the the festival last week announced the appointment of the internationally renowned Irish film and television director, Dearbhla Walsh, as a festival patron.

She will attend the festival on October 1 to present the prestigious Dearbhla Walsh Award for Best Director.
Dearbhla Walsh's distinguished career includes critically acclaimed works such as 'The Handmaid's Tale,' 'Fargo,' 'Traitors,' 'Shameless,' and the multi-award-winning black comedy 'Bad Sisters.'

With an expansive lineup encompassing over 50 hours of short films, features and documentaries, the festival organisers believe this year's festival guarantees a memorable experience for all attendees. 

The festival schedule is as follows: 

Opening Film: "Dublin Crust"

Date: September 29, 4:00 PM - Location: IMC Cinema, Dundalk
The festival's opening film is the highly anticipated "Dublin Crust," directed by Baz Black. Starring Baz Black, Barry John Kinsella, William Morgan, and Johnny French, this production offers a glimpse into the lives of former members of the disbanded punk group Crust, a decade after its breakup. The film chronicles Drummer Bonehead's quest to reunite the band for a monumental final performance.

Director Frank Berry Q&A and "Aisha"

Date: September 29, 6:00PM - Location: IMC Cinema, Dundalk
On September 29, the festival is honoured to welcome back Frank Berry. His impactful film, "Aisha," will grace the screen at the IMC Cinema in Dundalk. Following the screening, an insightful Q&A session will be led by esteemed DkIT Lecturer, Dr. Ingrid Lewis.

Local Film: “The Troubles”

Date: September 30, 6:00PM - Location: An Táin Arts Centre
Dundalk local Colm Mullen serves as Director of Photography and Editor for “The Troubles”, Colm is the festival's artistic director. The story follows two Dublin brothers diving into the treacherous world of republicanism, fuelling the Northern war machine through any means necessary.

The film features Paul Cumiskey, festival fundraising director, and involved the Louth Filmmakers Society for a pivotal exterior scene in Dundalk. Local support poured in with houses, props and extras. Director Luke Hanlon also takes on writing and producing, while the cast includes Ray Malone, Adam Redmond, William Delaney, Sarah Hayden, and Sophia Adli. 

Endorsement from John Moore: A Local Perspective on Global Magic

Above: L-R Bruce Willis and John Moore

Hollywood writer/director John Moore, a native of Dundalk, continues to lend his unwavering support to the festival. Moore's endorsement of the 2023 edition encapsulates the festival's essence, celebrating the convergence of global perspectives and local charm. He had this to say about the fourth edition:

“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”.

The 4th edition of the Louth International Film Festival is a celebration of local and global cinema. Join LIFF from September 29 to October 1. The complete festival program will be launched on September 15th.