The Fastnet Film Festival takes place in the picturesque fishing village of Schull in West Cork this weekend. Fastnet screens short films from all over the world, alongside the cream of new Irish shorts, with industry professionals from across the globe making the pilgrimage every year to share their knowledge with visiting filmmakers. It's a haven for filmmakers and film fans alike.
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Fastnet are pulling all the stops, with a guest list that includes Oscar winning producer David Puttnam (celebrating the 25th anniversary of War Of The Buttons, shot in Cork), Jim, Kirsten and Naomi Sheridan, Pat McCabe and Lenny Abrahamson, and a programme that sees films screening in cinemas, pop-up venues and on local walls - as well as the shorts programmes, feature presentations include the acclaimed Michael Inside and Oscar nominated animation The Breadwinner.
As part of their prize, the winners of the Fastnet Short Film Competition will have their films hosted on RTÉ Culture and the short film channel on RTÉ Player.
Watch one of last year's winners, Martin, below - this documentary examines friendship and how two people from two very different walks of life interpret happiness.
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"Fastnet Film Festival in Schull is where communities of makers and lovers of film come together to celebrate the stories we tell about ourselves," says film director and Fastnet patron Carmel Winters. "Films are screened all over the village. Shops, pubs and horse boxes are transformed into windows of the imagination, mirrors in which we see ourselves as we are and as we could be. First-time short filmmakers and leading international film mavericks break bread together and share a glass. The red carpet is rolled out for everyone here. The festival organisers have seen and remember every short film entry along with the flagship features. They are passionate about their favourites, curious which films will be awarded by the judges. As a film-maker myself, my passion for telling stories is refuelled by their passion. In workshops dedicated to all aspects of film-making I see the seeds of the films of tomorrow germinate and take shape. 'Our Village Is Our Screen' is the festival's exuberant claim. It reminds me it takes a village to make a film. At Fastnet, whoever you are and wherever you are from, you can be part of that village."
Find out more about the Fastnet programme here.
