Ennistymon Debuts Exciting New Community Film Event

A Pot of Films Festival will offer a morning of engaging workshops delivered by film industry professionals followed by an evening of diverse short films, culminating in the screening of award-winning feature film North Circular and an insightful Director’s Q&A. The success of last year’s ‘A Pot of Films from North Clare’ short film screening event at Pot Duggans demonstrated a strong local passion for films and filmmaking, prompting event organisers Aoibheann Boyle and Jo Barker to create an extended community festival. Last year’s event showcased four short films from local filmmakers, a trailer for a local feature film and live music from musicians featured in one of the films, leaving the audience eager for more such events.

“There is a wealth of talented filmmakers in North Clare,” says Jo Barker, filmmaker and co-founder of Black Bark Films and A Pot of Films Festival. “We want to nurture this talent, inspire a new generation of filmmakers, and create a space for film industry professionals to connect.”

Aoibheann Boyle adds, “The Burren and North Clare have always been recognised as hubs of creativity, with stunning landscapes rich in heritage and history. It feels right to ignite the local community’s creativity and offer a festival where everyone can come together.”

Boyle also expresses gratitude for the local support received: “We are so grateful for the help of Liam Grant and Clare County Council who have generously funded this year’s festival. We’ve also received support from local businesses such as Fitzpatrick’s SuperValu Ennistymon, The Falls Hotel & Spa, The Aloe Tree, Jimi’s Barber Shop, The Milk Step, Pot Duggans, Cooley’s

House, Airmid, The Courthouse Gallery and Studios, Teach Ceoil and The Salmon Bookshop. It is heartwarming to see so many representatives from the community backing the festival”.

Festival Schedule for A Pot of Films Festival Saturday, August 24th

Workshops:

1. DIY Filmmaking Workshop for Young People (11-18 years)
   Location: The Courthouse Gallery & Studios
   This will be delivered by filmmaker Jo Barker, co-founder of Black Bark Films as she guides participants in making their own 60 second short in 2 hours which will be screened during the evening screening.
2. Acting Workshop from a Director’s Lens
   A fun and lighthearted hands-on acting workshop focusing on the director’s perspective, run by local actress Jacinta Sheerin and local filmmaker and co-founder of Cracking Light Productions, Maeve Stone.
3. Film Production and Pitching Workshop
   Insights into film production and pitching from industry professionals with focus on access to funding. This practical masterclass is delivered by local writer and creative producer Aisling Magill and script editor and development executive Norma Howard, who combined have an in-depth knowledge of the film industry.

Evening Events

Short Film Screenings

The evening will consist of a selection of 11 short films including creations from Clare local filmmakers Lisa O’Connor, Dermott Petty, Ger Ryan, and Thomas O’Donoghue. One successful short film, ‘Yellow Belt’ by Allyn Quigley who recently was awarded with the Boyne Valley Film Festival Best Short Narrative, features familiar Clare faces such as local actor Cobhan O’Brien and music composed by Ballyvaughan musician and producer Daithí.

• Feature Film Screening of award winning ‘North Circular’ and Q&AThe evening will close with a screening of the award-winning feature film ‘North Circular’, a documentary musical travelling the length of Dublin’s North Circular Road, from the Phoenix Park to Dublin Port, exploring the history, music and streetscapes of a street that links some of the country’s most beloved and infamous places. Followed by a Q&A with respected director Luke McManus.

Sunday, August 25th

• Special Screening at Salmon Bookshop
  The festival closes on Sunday with a screening at the newly-launched Salmon Bookshop in Ennistymon of ‘A Song of Granite’, an Irish language feature film by acclaimed filmmaker Pat Collins celebrating the life of legendary seannós singer, Joe Heaney.

A Pot Films Festival is dedicated to promoting the art of filmmaking and providing a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work. Our mission is to support and celebrate the creative spirit of our community through film, fostering an environment of collaboration, inspiration, and cultural enrichment. We want to bring communities together to watch, discuss and feel inspired by their local storytelling talent.

More information can be found here, by emailing apotoffilmsfestival@gmail.com and through online social pages.