Ballincollig-born filmmaker Colin Hickey is set to showcase his first feature film at Cork Film Festival

TELL us about yourself;

My name is Colin Hickey. I am a wedding videographer based in Cork. I have just completed my first feature film, The Evening Redness in the South, which was filmed entirely in Co. Cork and premieres at the 64th Cork Film Festival.

I studied Film and Media in St John’s College in 2002 for one year before moving to London where I did a nine-month course in filmmaking.

I moved to Colombia in my mid-20s where I directed a short film called El Constructor (The Builder) about a young father who abandons his only child and goes on a journey of self-discovery. The film was accepted as part of a film seminar in America by acclaimed director Werner Herzog.

I moved back to Ireland in 2010 where I set up my own business filming and producing wedding videos. I have been in business nearly 10 years now and I love it.

I am currently directing my second feature film. Filmmaking is something I would like to make a career out of.

Where were you born?

Ballincollig.

Where do you live?

Baltimore.

Family?

My partner Monica and my two children Thomas and Clara.

Best friend?

My friend Eimhin O’Kelly who passed away only a few weeks ago yet it feels like a lifetime.

Grief is a strange thing. Every day feels like a week and every week feels like a month. He was a wonderful guy and is sadly missed by all who knew him.

I play a character in the film which is very much inspired by him.

He had a chance to see the film before he died which means a great deal to me.

Earliest childhood memory?

Standing in my cot crying out for my mother.

Nothing has changed really since then.

Person you most admire?

My father. His commitment to his work and family were second to none.

It made a huge impression on me. For that I will be forever grateful.

Person who most irritates you?

Trump or Netanyahu. Not sure who irritates me more. I think Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians is awful. Regarding Trump, I don’t think I’ll ever forgive America for electing him.

Who would you like to see as Minister for Finance and why?

I’ve given up on politics. I’ve come to the conclusion that no-one knows anything.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Visiting a remote island just off Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. I had never seen sea water or sand quite like it before, only in my dreams.

Favourite TV programme?

The Simpsons. I watch an episode every day at 6.30pm. It’s therapeutic.

Favourite radio show?

I never listen to the radio. Too many opinions.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I’m a terrible cook. No-one in my house eats anything I make.

Favourite restaurant?

Have you ever been to Pilgrims in Rosscarbery? If not, then you haven’t lived. Simply delicious.

Last book you read?

A biography on David Lynch called Room To Dream. Every filmmaker should read it.

Best book you read?

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. It’s insane but brilliant.

Last album/CD/download you bought?

Now That’s What I Call 90s Dance. I’m a sucker for ’90s music.

Favourite song?

Probably Bob Dylan’s A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall. I listen to it every time I go out to film. Everything Dylan does or says inspires me.

One person you would like to see in concert?

My friend Donagh Long. He’s a great singer and musician but I’ve never seen him perform on stage.

Do you have a pet?

I have two cats, Larry and Susie. They are a nightmare!

Morning person or night owl?

I’m both. I only sleep four to five hours a night.

Your proudest moment?

Completing my first feature film, The Evening Redness in the South. I spent four years filming it on a micro budget.

It’s been a long road, not just for me but for my family. Can’t wait to see it on the big screen at the 64th Cork Film Festival on November 13. If it is never seen nor heard of again, then so be it, but this is my proudest moment.

Spendthrift or saver?

Spendthrift. I’ve never saved a penny in my life and I’m terrible for spending other people’s money. Just ask my family.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

An Indian restaurant would be nice. You just can’t beat Chicken Korma.

What makes you happy?

My family, of course.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who was passionate and committed to their craft.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m shooting a new micro-budget feature film at the moment. Hopefully this one will take less time than the last film did.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The 64th Cork Film Festival runs from November 7 to 17. More than 300 films and events are included in the jam-packed 2019 programme with 90% of the features, documentaries, animations and shorts having their first screening in Cork.

Tickets are available at corkfilmfest.org.