First Cut! Youth Film Festival marks its 10th edition this year and we are delighted to be partnering with them as festival sponsors of this inspirational four-day festival. The festival this year runs from March 6-9 in the beautiful historic seaside town of Youghal (only 20 minutes by car from Ballymaloe House). First Cut! is an international festival that screens work by young filmmakers ages 12-24, alongside panel discussions, workshops and presentations by leading industry professionals.
First Cut Press Release extract - dated 28th February 2019:
The First Cut! production team met with Fern, Rachel and Wendy Allen at Ballymaloe House to announce the sponsorship in February. Joined also by Cork Film Festival’s CEO and Producer Fiona Clark, the event marked 10th birthday new partnerships. Earlier in 2019 First Cut announced a new collaboration with Cork Film Festival, with a curated a screening event and special CFF award at the Regal Cinema, (Saturday March 9th at 4pm). The full 2019 Programme is available to view online http://www.firstcutfilmfestival.com, or in PDF format.
“ As we celebrate our 10th festival we are delighted to be partnering with Ballymaloe. They are a model of success, quality and creativity. First Cut is going from strength to strength, our focus is on providing a quality experience for talented young filmmakers and our audiences. We look forward greatly to next week’s exciting events in Youghal.” said festival director Mary Mc Grath. “This generous support from Ballymaloe allows this dynamic youth film festival to continue to successfully grow. We look forward to bringing more young filmmakers from all over Ireland and Europe to two great venues this year, the Mall Arts Centre and the Regal Cinema.”
Year ten yields many exciting new collaborations, including expansion of venue to include the newly impressively renovated Regal Cinema, in tandem with the festival’s usual stunning waterfront location at the Mall Arts Centre.
“Each year we celebrate outstanding films with a variety of awards that recognise different genres and aspects of filmmaking,” said festival director Mary Mc Grath. ‘ It is important to us that the award trophies are genuine works of art. This year, with the support of our sponsors, we have been able to engage local internationally renowned ceramicist Martha Cashman to design them. They are inspired by the Youghal Clock Gate Tower. The wheels on the trophy represent the momentum of the winners' creative progression’.
The first three days of First Cut! are dedicated to filmmaking in schools and youth organisations, and advance booking is required. A small number of seats are available at this point, so get in touch now if you or your group want to participate. On Saturday 9th film events take place all day at the Mall Arts and Regal Cinema. All events are free and open to the public thanks to the Arts Council, Cork County Council and all our dedicated supporters. The festival closes with YMVC, the Youth Music Video Competition and live music from talented local artist Willow Xena and LAOISE, Galway electro pop artist. RTÉ 2FM Radio named her a ‘Rising Artist of 2018’, which was followed this year with a nomination for ‘Song of the Year’ at the RTÉ Choice Music Prize.
http://www.firstcutfilmfestival.com for the full programme, special guests and events.
For more information on the First Cut Film Festival please contact Mary Mc Grath, Festival Director
firstcutfilm@gmail.com | 086–813-9019
