THE inaugural Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival promises to brighten all spirits from its Waterville base in Kerry, August 25 to 28. Fossett’s Circus is setting up to big tops in the village centre which will be host to much activity, from screenings to the Thursday 25 opening night jazz party and the Friday 26 night Tramps’ Ball.
You can refer to website www.chaplinfilmfestival.com for its bustling agenda designed for all ages. A lot of laughs are in the can.
With Chaplin’s daughter Josephine Chaplin on board as chairperson, it is going to be a happening four days of film and acting workshops, comedy acts, Fossett’s circus skills training and the award ceremony for winning films (all 30mins or less). Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival being a platform for new launches and their directors and actors, festival head Marita Hitmiangsong fills out the background.
“Kerry County Council put out a tender for a film on Chaplin that was granted to director/ writer Joe McGill. He will be screening his work ‘Chaplin – The Waterville Picture’ on the Thursday 25 opening night. There’s going to be a talk by Kevin Brownlow who is a world expert on Chaplin, titled ‘The Unknown Chaplin’ and on Friday 26, the Tramps’ Ball will be preceded by another Chaplin expert David Robinson’s insights into his life and works”.
According to Marita, the film festival has attracted entries from all over the world and from 120 submissions from Spain, Belgium, USA, Australia and beyond, 40 short films (2009 – 2011) have been selected. These will be screened back to back throughout the few days according to category headings such as Social Commentary and The Chaplins of the Future. Look out for four themed workshops such as Hugh O’Connor’s one on Acting.
Venues for activity include the Cill Rialig Arts Centre in Ballinskelligs for the art exhibition; Watherville Community Centre, The Butler Arms, St Michael’s Church CofI and Teach Amergin Primary School.
Even closing day Sunday 28 is going to pack up with street entertainment, guided tours, circus skills training, a live jazz band and barbecue, croquet and live comedy acts in the big top.
