LIMERICK’S own Ruth Negga is one of this year’s judges for the ENGINE Short Film Scheme, an ambitious new short film scheme for emerging talent in the Mid-West have announced their judging panel.
The team at Film in Limerick is delighted to announce a panel of distinguished film industry professionals who will be green lighting the final six short film projects.
Academy Award nominee and Limerick native Ruth Negga will join via video link from Los Angeles, Dublin-based Element Pictures producer Juliette Bonass and multi-award winning writer and actor Clare Dunne on the panel.
Ruth was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Loving and has appeared on screen with Tessa Thompson, Brad Pitt and Samuel L. Jackson. She has worked with the directors including Neil Jordan, Jeff Nichols, Rebecca hall and Seth Rogen and her work has premiered at both the Cannes and Toronto film festivals.
Ruth Negga said: “I’m thrilled to hear about this new scheme and very excited to be involved! It’s a wonderful opportunity for filmmakers to bring attention to the wealth of talent in the mid-west.”
Producer Juliette Bonass has vast experience in TV and Film Production. Named a Producer on the Move at Cannes, she is also a previous Screen International ‘Future Leader’ in the industry.
Known for her work with Element Pictures and Fastnet Films she has worked on award winning projects including A Date for Mad Mary and Rosie, written by Roddy Doyle.
Juliette Bonass said: “It’s a great opportunity to be on the panel and I’m really looking forward to hearing and supporting new ideas”.
Multi-award winning writer and actress Clare Dunne completes the ENGINE Panel. Clare wrote and played the leading role in Herself, directed by acclaimed UK director Phyllida Lloyd, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year to rapturous reviews and is due for release in Ireland in September. Clare will also appear in Ridley Scott’s next film “The Last Duel,” which filmed on location at Cahir Caste in Tipperary last year.
Clare Dunne added: “I’m so honoured to be part of this panel for ENGINE Shorts and to read and explore all these new voices and emerging talents.”
Paul C. Ryan the Regional Film manager at Film in Limerick said: “We are delighted to have such a strong panel for the ENGINE Short Film Pitch. The 15 teams have been working hard over the past few months developing and preparing for this moment. We can’t wait to hear their ideas pitched to the panel next weekend and to announce the 6 winning teams who will each receive €12,500 to produce a short film in the region”.
Rachael Power, Project Coordinator for ENGINE Shorts has been working with the new writers, directors and producers for and said of their progress: “This opportunity is so unique and the collaborative attitudes, supportive attitudes and raw talent of the teams has been a pleasure to witness. We have 15 teams with 15 excellent projects. I wish we could fund them all.”
The live pitch weekend will take place over Zoom on 19 and 20 June, and an announcement on the winner shared after.
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.
Successful teams will begin production of their short films from next month and continue with training in areas such as casting, directing and producing. They will deliver their completed films later in the year ready for distribution to film festivals across Ireland and the world.
