The Kerry International Film Festival returns on October 17th - 20th. The KIFF programme for 2024 welcomes viewers of all ages with a range of screenings, Q&As, and events for all the family. While the festival has gained recognition internationally, it remains infused with a deep connection to Kerry’s local culture and heritage. It has been a springboard for the careers of local filmmakers such as Vincent Lambe and Jim Cummings. Many of the films which have premiered at the festival in years past have gone on to garner international acclaim.

KIFF partners with local events such as the Listowel Writers Week to ensure that the culture and love of film is spread all across the county.

Let's take a closer look at what they have in store for us this year: 

  1. “Housewife of the Year” – A Journey Through Irish History
  2. Exploring Kerrys History: IFI Local Films for Local People
  3. Showcasing Local: Kerry Connections Short Films:
  4. Family Fun at the Great Southern Hotel:
  5. “Blurred Lines” – A Powerful Drama on Consent

“Housewife of the Year” – A Journey Through Irish History

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To set things off, Killarney Cinema will screen “Housewife of the Year” on Thursday October 17th at 7:30PM. Directed by Ciaran Cassidy, this poignant documentary revisits the “Housewife of the Year” contest, which ran in Ireland from 1968 to 1995. Through interviews with past contestants, Cassidy captures the lives of Irish women during a period of great social change, shedding light on the trials and tribulations that these women faced. The screening will be followed by at Q&A session with some of the women featured in the film. Tickets begin at €9 with discounts for students and seniors.

Exploring Kerrys History: IFI Local Films for Local People

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St Mary’s Church will host a must-see event for fans of history. IFI Local Films for Local People will take place at 5PM on Friday October 18th at the church. Currated from the Irish Films Archive, this program will feature films made in and about Kerry, including a travelogue from 1934, as well as other rare footage of the county from the past. This free screening offers viewers some insight into Kerry’s past, and highlights the power that film has to preserve history. While entrance is free, donations are welcome to support the work of all involved.

Showcasing Local: Kerry Connections Short Films:

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Cinema Killarney will host screenings of work from local filmmakers on Sunday October 20th at 3:30PM. The Kerry Connections Short Films event will feature eight short films from Kerry-based creators. The programming of this event reflects the commitment of KIFF and the film industry in Kerry to offering a platform for local voices to be heard on an international stage. It’s expected to be one of the festivals most popular events and the crowds always leave contented. Tickets are also €9 here, with the same aforementioned discounts.

Family Fun at the Great Southern Hotel:

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The Shorts for Shorties event at Great Southern Hotel, Killarney on Sunday the 20th of October aims to introduce young children to the magic of cinema. The Family Friendly Shorts event is geared towards slightly older children. One notable inclusion of these programs is a screening of Puffin Rock and the New Friend in Ukrainian.

“Blurred Lines” – A Powerful Drama on Consent

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The festival will draw to a close on Sunday the 20th of October with a screening of “Blurred Lines” – A Powerful Drama on Consent. The film is based in Kerry’s coastal town of Cloghane, and it explores the complexities of consent and the impact it has on relationships by following a group of six friends through a News Years Eve celebration gone awry. This film will also be followed by a Q&A session with the filmmakers, where viewers will get the opportunity to delve deeper into the issues addressed in the film.

To find out more info on the festival, such as the full schedule - click here!