Returning for a seventh consecutive year - which included online stints during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 - the Disappear Here festival returns to Ballyliffin, Co. Donegal with a line-up that mixes choice new Irish and international cinema.
The 2023 programme offers a mix of screenings, talks and special events, including 10 world premieres - 50 short films, 7 feature films, 15 documentaries and a selection of animated work and music videos.
Events include industry masterclasses in cinematography and film production, and a college graduate-focused panel discussion involving the two local universities, Magee in Derry and ATU in Letterkenny.
Opening on Friday 29th September, new Irish features include George Kane's anarchic comedy Apocalypse Clown, and Robert Higgins & Patrick McGivney acclaimed GAA drama Lakelands.
The new documentary Ballymanus tells the story of one of the worst tragedies in modern Irish history when 19 people, mostly children, were killed by a floating mine in rural Donegal in 1943.
The festival presents a number of prizes to participating films, including a new LGBTQ+ Film Award, as well as the Northern Exposure Award Award, for emerging filmmakers from Donegal & Derry, and a special bursary presented to a new emerging talent, offered in partnership with Donegal Film Office.
A new documentary film bursary for the county will also be unveiled, offering financial support to someone with a local story to tell, presented in partnership with Donegal Changemakers and Concern Worldwide.
Festival Director Michael McLaughlin says: "Our reputation as a festival that supports filmmakers, from student to seasoned, is bolstered by the sheer number of works we have programmed, and we are delighted to be getting many of their artistic endeavours up in front of a live audience for the first time. We’re excited to share our team’s hard work curating this wonderful selection of film, and the inclusion of new industry-led workshops will ensure a fantastic mix of audience."
The Disappear Here festival runs 29th September – 1st Oct in Ballyliffin, Co Donegal - find out more here.
