by Aoife McLoughlin
THE second Richard Harris International Film Festival (RHIFF) takes place this weekend in Limerick’s well known 69 O’Connell Street.
This year’s RHIFF will honour the late great legendary Limerick actor (among other things rugby player, singer and poet), Richard Harris.
Although it is unfunded, the festival has received a small amount from City of Limerick Arts Office and tremendous support from local businesses such as Thomond Park. Limerick Post is a media sponsor.
The concept was created by festival director Rob Gill who secured the offices of actor/ producer Zeb Moore and film mker Eleanor McSherry to give lift and shape to this three festival that has international wings. “We are all equal directors with different responsibilities,” McSherry points out, as the creative head for the programme. She confirms a three year contract with the Harris estate ensuring at least one of Harris’ sons will attend the festival each year.
She told Limerick Post, “This year, for example, we will have Richard Harris sons Jared and Jamie [and family]. They will attend every single festival event. This festival is really to bring Richard Harris home and bring a bit of sparkle to Limerick. This is a city that has seen lots of films been made here and has a thriving independent film industry. The festival gives an opportunity for filmmakers to network with others from all over the country.”
John B Keane’s family Billy and Mary Keane have been confirmed to attend this, the only film festival dedicated to an Irish born and bred Irish actor/singer and poet.
RHIFF, which featured on Hollywood.com last year, is hotting up for a weekend of glam and glitz with a screening of ‘What Richard Did’, an Irish film starring star Jack Reynor (engaged to Limerick’s Madeline Mulqueen) and a screening of the much acclaimed movie ‘Starred Up’. This is a British independent film starring new breakout English actor of Irish descent, Jack O’Connell. Both stars will also attend the festival.
There will also be a Shorts film programme featuring a professional panel’s picks from the festival’s Short Film competition.
“This is a boutique film festival – Cannes and Sundance film festivals both started as weekend events. The RHIFF is exclusive and going to be a fantastic weekend full of good fun. We want people to come along and enjoy it,” Eleanor encourages.
The 2nd Richard Harris Film Festival will take place October 24, 25, and 26 at 69 O’Connell Street.
See www.richardharrisfilmfestival.com
