The Judges for the second edition of the prestigious Engine Short Film Scheme have been revealed.
Kate McCullough, cinematographer, on the OSCAR-nominated An Cailín Ciúin, joins Fionnuala Halligan, Screen International’s executive editor and Grainne Humphreys, Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, to decide the six-winning projects for 2023.
Run by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick, Engine Shorts is a partnership between the Local Authorities in Tipperary, Limerick and Clare, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. The new scheme aims to inspire and support up-and-coming writers, directors and producers to create inspiring, engaging world-class short films that resonate with a wide international audience.
Paul C. Ryan, the Regional Film manager at Film in Limerick said:
“After a hugely successful first edition of Engine Shorts, we are delighted to announce an amazing panel for Engine Shorts 2. The 12 shortlisted teams have been working hard over the past few months developing and preparing their projects. We can’t wait to hear their ideas pitched to the panel in-person and to announce the winning teams who will each receive €12,500 each to produce a short film in the region”.
This year’s panel of distinguished film professionals have a wealth of industry experience.
Director of photography, Kate McCullough, is a two time IFTA-winning cinematographer, and is known for her work on hit TV series Normal People, Emer Reynolds’ documentary The Farthest, Ken Wardrop’s His & Hers, and most recently for her work on the record breaking Irish language film, An Cailín Ciúin, the first ever Irish language film to be nominated for an Academy award.
Screen International’s Fionnuala Halligan is both chief film critic and reviews editor for the leading industry publication, while also compiling the annual Stars of Tomorrow new talent issue, highlighting young UK and Irish actors, directors, writers and producers. Trained as a journalist, Fionnuala has also worked as a festival programmer, written two books about cinema, and has taken part in many festival juries, from San Sebastian to Jerusalem, as well taking part in several mentorship and training schemes for young film writers and critics.
Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, Grainne Humphreys has worked in film programming and in supporting new talent for over twenty years. She was director of the Stranger Than Fiction Documentary Festival and the Dublin French Film Festival and contributes to a number of film shows as well as teaching.
Rachael Power, Project Manager for Engine shorts shared:
"The standard this year has really grown and all the teams have worked really hard to put their teams together and develop their ideas. The judges will have their work cut-out to decide on the winners with some great projects in the mix. Best of luck to all those involved."
The live pitch weekend takes place in-person in Limerick at the Engine building, with the 12-shortlisted teams presenting their projects to the industry judges and the winners announced. The winning projects will go into production this summer and will be screened locally and internationally in the Autumn.