National Film School at IADT wins overall best film at DIFF for fourth year in a row
The award for Best Overall Film went to the National Film School Documentary ‘Last Seen’ by Wiktoria Weintritt, 1st year, BA [Hons] Film and Best Fiction Film, Retail by Domhnall Cotter 3rd year, BA [Hons] Film+Television.
“We are delighted to participate alongside other colleges with DIFF & Warner Media Ireland in it’s exciting First Frames programme. This annual event, now in its fourth year, provides our first, second and third year film students with the opportunity to produce and exhibit short films to an audience of peers and to a judging panel of industry professionals. This proves an invaluable experience for them to get a sense of their original story voice, the type of film maker they want to be and the standard of production values for which they need to strive prior to making their graduation films in fourth year.” Jean Rice, Chair of Film + Television, National Film School at IADT.
The First Frame Awards and Film Student Day, in association with Warner Bros marking the Studio’s 100th anniversary, and showcased two programmes of short films submitted by students in the Light House Cinema, Dublin and in Limerick. Audrey Shields from Warner was in attendance on the day to present the awards.
Wiktoria Weintritt’s very personal and moving documentary is part of the official selection at the Catalyst International Film Festival in Limerick, see details of the screening here.
These films were selected and judged by a panel of industry professionals. According to Nell Roddy, a member of the judging panel, “It’s really encouraging to see such a high standard of short films from these emerging film-makers, the Irish film industry is growing in confidence and competence and these shorts are a testament to that.”
“We are very proud of the NFS students and their success at DIFF, congratulations to Wiktoria winning best overall film with her beautiful documentary & to Domhnall for his original and heart-warming film Retail winning Best Drama, and to all the NFS crew members of the films. What a joy to sit with an audience for the screening in stunning Screen 1, in such a beautiful cinema that is the Lighthouse. Continued thanks to DIFF and Gráinne Humphries for her commitment to providing a central space for students and their films at DIFF and to Warner Media for their support of the scheme. The festival plays a pivotal role in the nurturing of film talent and we are delighted to be a part of it.”
Vanessa Gildea, Head of Dept Film + Media, National Film School at IADT