The Arts Council’s Introduction

In this, its eighth year, the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival will serve as a deserving tribute to its cofounder Michael Dwyer, for it promises to be as ambitious and exciting as ever. Michael made a lasting contribution to the development of film culture in Ireland, from his work with the Federation of Irish Film Societies (now Access Cinema) in the mid seventies through to his deep involvement with JDIFF in recent years. His work lives on in the festival and he continues to enrich our lives through it.

I am delighted that this year JDIFF will be premiering the first three films made under the Arts Council’s Reel Art scheme. The scheme provides film artists with the opportunity to make creative documentaries on an artistic theme and we look forward to seeing The Beholder by Conor Horgan; Outliving Dracula: Le Fanu’s Carmilla by Fergus Daly and Katherine Waugh; and Jimmy Murakami: Non Alien by Sé Merry Doyle. A particular highlight of the festival is its continued focus on internationally-renowned experimental filmmakers. This year the festival will partner with the Irish Film Institute to platform the work of the American film artist, Kenneth Anger, who will visit the festival for a unique public interview.

In another initiative, that Michael Dwyer would surely be proud of, the festival is joining forces with Access Cinema to bring the Danish film Applause to Galway and Waterford.

On behalf of the Arts Council, I would like to congratulate Gráinne Humphreys, Joanne O’Hagan and their staff and volunteer team for bringing us another wonderful festival and allowing us to indulge our shared passion for film over 11 days and nights in February. We will remember Michael Dwyer as we do so.

Mary Cloake, Director The Arts Council