Saoirse Ronan among guests for Schull's Fastnet Film Festival

THE Fastnet Film Festival, which will take place in Schull, West Cork from Wednesday to Sunday, May 22^nd to 26^th next, was launched last (Thursday) night at the Cinematographers' Party at The Crane Lane Theatre, Cork.

The most exciting news announced was the inclusion of actor Saoirse Ronan in the programme and that Roddy Doyle would host a scriptwriting workshop and take part in a Q&A.

Speakers at the event included chairperson of the festival John Kelleher, award-winning sirector Carmel Winters. Also, in attendance to celebrate the huge success of the festival were, director Billy Cummings and William Bean alongside over two hundred filmmakers.

Guests were also delighted to hear that Academy Award-winning film historian Kevin Brownlow, would screen his restored silent film, ‘Smouldering Fires,’ which will be accompanied by world famous composer and conductor Carl Davis on grand piano. This unique event is possible thanks to the support of Tomar Trust and UCC.

Other guests announced were Paddy Breathnach, Carmel Winters, Moe Dunford, Sarah Greene, Jim Sheridan, Ed Guiney, Hazel Doupe and many more. The line up this year is unprecedented with over 50 expert guests taking part.    

Also featured at the festival will be in excess of 13 feature-length films, 300 short film screenings and local interest films. This year’s World Cinema Programme will focus on Iceland to include three features and a short film programme curated by the Icelandic Film Institute.

The Fastnet Film Festival is a major showcase for Irish and International short film production, focusing on the craft of film and has been held in high regard on a local, national and international level for several years now. 

* For more see next week's 'Southern Star,' in the shops from Thursday morning, May 2nd.