World renowned Irish Novelist Patrick McCabe has added his full support to the Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival and has committed to taking part. Author, Director and Patron of the Festival, Gerard Stembridge, has also committed to contributing as has Jack Gold, who famously filmed the feature film Catholics in and around Baltimore and Cape Clear in 1973. Young Irish Director, Ian Power will also contribute, showing a selection of his short films and exclusive clips from his upcoming feature film The Runway, recently shot in West Cork.  

 Patrick McCabe is a renowned Irish Novelist best known for his dark novels set in contemporary Ireland. His books include The Butcher Boy and Breakfast on Pluto, both shortlisted for the Booker Prize and filmed by Neil Jordan.  He has written a children’s book, The Adventures of Shay Mouse, and numerous radio plays broadcast by RTE and the BBC. His recent novel Emerald Germs of Ireland, originally a radio series for RTE, is a black comedy featuring matricide and his novel Winterwood was named the 2007 Hughes & Hughes, Irish Independent Irish Novel of the Year. Patrick McCabe is a renowned reader of his own work, and we can look forward to an entertaining evening in his company during the festival.

On 27th May 2010 for four days, Schull will go short film mad, screening short films at various venues, (including the 100 seater mobile cinema), running workshops for film makers of all ages, hosting interviews with various famous national and international film personnel and many more fringe events.

The Corona Fastnet Short Film Festival is an independent festival, dedicated to bringing together established and first-time filmmakers to celebrate the short film. The element of competition is not paramount and while the prizes are significant, the screening of as many as possible of the entrant’s films in a public arena is far more important. Participants will have the opportunity to meet established film makers and take part in workshops as well as viewing the work of established filmmakers.

This year there is a special prize of €2,500 for the best young filmmaker aged 22 years or younger. The Best of Festival Award is open to all filmmakers over 18 years of age and also carries a prize of €2,500. There will be additional cash prizes of €250 for Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Drama, Best Comedy, Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best Original Music, Best Cinematography and Best Experimental/ Dance.

This year’s festival promises to be even bigger and better than last year. We still have a few surprises up our sleeve! Keep an eye on our website for further information and announcements: www.fastnetshortfilmfestival.com

Or contact Hilary McCarthy on 085 1588 309

Click here for details.

A great night is guaranteed!

DEADLINE EXTENDED for submission entries to 5pm on Wednesday 31st March 2010.