27 countries to be represented at IndieCork film festival

Thu, 12 Sep, 2024 - 07:00

Rachel Lysaght

Ireland’s biggest celebration of independent film is returning to Cork for a week next month.

IndieCork will take place at the Arc Cinema from October 6 to 13, with 27 countries represented, including Albania, Columbia, Thailand, Finland, South Korea, and Haiti.

There is also a record number of entries from Cork City and county, with the programme of events to launch during Culture Night on September 20.

Of the short, feature, and documentary films, 30 are from filmmakers with Cork connections.

Among this selection is the premiere of a new documentary directed by Emma Bowell, of Framework Films, on the Meitheal Mara project, as well as a new comedic horror film set in Cork, made by two previous IndieCork winners, Steven Broekhuizen and Emmet O’Brien.

Blacknight Solutions will return as festival sponsors, bringing an additional award for entries, the Blacknight Best Irish Short Film category, which comes with a generous cash award for the winning director.

Co-director of IndieCork, Úna Feely, said: “Every year, IndieCork continues to go from strength to strength.

“It’s amazing to see so many countries represented, and the breadth of genres means there’s literally something for everyone.”

The chairperson of IndieCork, Eileen Hogan, said: “A huge portion of our entries this year are created by people in Cork, or by Cork people living in other countries.

“It goes to show what an artistic and culturally rich county it is.

“In recognition of this, the 2024 festival will have a panel discussion on filmmaking in Cork, that I have no doubt will be very well attended.”