This year, for the first time, Guth Gafa has introduced a short form Irish documentary competition to create a new platform for emerging filmmakers, who were invited to submit new work exploring themes in the area of human rights, social and environmental issues.
An international jury of three industry experts and/or filmmakers will choose the winning film which will be announced following the screening of the shortlisted films on Monday 7th August at 12noon in the Hangar Cinema.
The Shortlist
‘Anima’
Colm Mullen, 2017, 24’
Through personal accounts and interviews with scholars and health care professionals, artist Marie Brett explores questions relating to our understanding of death and dying in contemporary Ireland. The conversations span medical, philosophical, folkloric and legal perspectives, offering an insight into the intimate and privileged moments of the artist/participant encounter.
‘Feats of Modest Valour’
Mia Mullarkey, Alice McDowell, 2016, 26’
Feats of Modest Valour is a short documentary that intimately observes three people with Parkinson’s disease, all longing for a remedy. Woven together with animation and personal accounts, the film offers a holistic insight into both the science and the emotional aspect of the disease.
‘Hum’
Nathan Fagan, 2017, 9’
Diagnosed at 19 years old with schizoaffective disorder – which has been described as the ‘unhappy marriage of bipolar and schizophrenia’ – Kevin Nolan began writing music to regain some of the freedom he’d lost due to his illness. Hum is an intimate and music-fueled tour of Kevin’s world.
Throwline
Mia Mullarkey, 2017, 14’
A group of taxi drivers in Kilkenny, Ireland, join together to form a suicide prevention group. Uniquely positioned to patrol the night, the drivers keep vigil over the city’s streets and bridges and offer help to those who feel desperate.
Monday 7th Aug, 12.00noon, The Hangar Cinema, Headfort House
Tickets can be purchased online. However, tickets will still be available at the box office in Headfort House. Please note the closest ATM to Headfort House is in Kells Town (approx. 2kms) & there are no card facilities at the box office.
The Competition Prize:
The winner will receive mentorship on their next film project – from development to production, over the next 12 months, by filmmakers connected to the Guth Gafa.
[Featured Image Above from ‘Feats of Modest Valour’]