Last preparations underway for Clones Film Festival 2013
Once again the folks in Clones are gearing up for another October Bank Holiday and the return of Clones Film Festival from October 24-27.
This year's programme is packed full of fantastic international and Irish films which promise, as ever, plenty to whet the cinematic appetite of the young, the old and the in-between.
The festival is delighted to have the use of Clones Courthouse and the Old Post Office (now Clones Art Studios) for screenings, in addition to the Cinemobile which will make its annual pilgrimage to the town for the four day event. The Festival Club will also make a return in Adamson’s Bar on Analore Street; chat or boogie to such musical gems as Jinx Lennon, Attention Bebe, and of course Clones’ own Hacienda who have become something of a festival club institution with their own band of loyal fans!
Festival highlights are, as always, thick on the ground. These include 'Jump', starring Ciaran McMenamin and Charlene McKenna, in what the Belfast Telegraph described as 'a densely plotted, fantastically paced film which will entertain any cinema goer'. The film follows the lives of four 20-somethings whose worlds collide one New Year's Eve in Derry, and it will be introduced by Ciaran McMenamin who will also host a Q&A after the screening.
Strong interest is likely in Alex Fegan's 'The Irish Pub' which will be introduced by the director and screened on Saturday, October 26 in the Cinemobile at 8pm.This beautifully framed documentary explores the role of the traditional pub in Irish life and is a quirky portrait of some of the often very interesting characters behind the bar, including the late great Annie McGinn from Newbliss. This film will be preceded by the short film 'The Note 'which stars Ruth McCabe and Aiden Gillan in a mesmerising story of trauma and redemption.
International film offerings include the multi award winning 'Untouchable', the biggest grossing non-English language title of all time. Directed by Eric Toledano, the film charts the relationship between millionaire paraplegic Phillip and his carer Driss, a Senegalese émigré who only applies for the job to keep social welfare off his back. Younger film fans are catered for with the inclusion 'Adventures in Zambezia' and 'From up on Poppy Hill' as well as 'One Direction: This is us'.
The festival also sees the return of the 48-hour short film challenge which sees shortlisted teams compete to bring a film from script to screen in forty eight hours for a chance to win a Clones gong - a “Francie” award, which will also be given for best short documentary and experimental film at the festival.
An editing masterclass will take place with Sean Mackenzie, double BAFTA winning editor, and Fergal McGrath who has also edited episodes of Dispatches, Cutting Edge and Unreported World.
All told, a pretty impressive line-up, for what promises to be a brilliant bank holiday weekend of entertainment!
All details available on our Facebook page or on clonesfilmfestival.com. Please note that the CFF Box Office is located in the Old Post Office on the Diamond. Opening Night, featuring short horror ‘The Gloaming’ and short drama ‘Volkswagen Joe’, both Cavan productions, takes place on Thursday, October 24 at 8pm in Clones Courthouse and all are welcome to attend this free event to partake in free food, wine and film.