FilmOffaly
The winner of the FilmOffaly/Filmbase award 2011 was Toy Soldiers written by Matthew Roche and produced by Rhoda's Chaos.
The short film, which was shot in Tullamore in November, is a powerful coming of age drama that focuses on the polar relationship between two brothers while exploring such themes as family responsibility, teenage angst and rebellion. The film will premiere in Tullamore in spring 2012.
The Crew : Mike Hayes (credits include, The Guard, Ondine, The Eclipse, When Harvy Met Bob, Raw and Pure Mule), Ciara Gillen (Producer of IFTA nominated award winning short film Hasan Everywhere).
The Cast: Robert Donnelly, Una Kavanagh, Darragh O'Toole, Jack Quinn, Aran Lockharte, Molly McCann.
FilmOffaly, Offaly's Film Commission in association with Filmbase initiate an annual funding initiative; the FilmOffaly Award
The aim of the award is to foster creative, resourceful filmmaking in the county. There is one award to one successful applicant. The winning applicant will receive €8,000 towards the cost of their production; 1-year's Filmbase membership, 50% discount on production equipment and/or editing facilities from Filmbase for the project and Filmbase's production insurance to cover the shoot. The only stipulation of the award is that the filming must take place in Offaly!
The 2012 award will be opened in February/March
For a review of films and productions in 2011 please see our FilmOffaly Review 2011.
Offaly Films Commission launched www.filmoffaly.ie in 2008, the website is a resource for film production companies and offers information on suitable locations, accomodation, film awards and useful contacts.
Offaly's first film festival was held in November 2010 for more details on this festival visit www.filmoffaly.ie or www.offlinefilmfestival.com Offaly County Council Arts Office funds and supports this initiative.