THE story of three underground Limerick musicians struggling with their identities and relationships has won a national film award for students at the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD).
“Underground Éire” produced and directed by a group second year Creative Broadcast and Film Production students at LSAD won the First Frame Best Documentary award at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.
It’s the second year in a row that the award has been won by students from LSAD, which is part of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).
Directed by Corinne Gibbons and Shane Joyce, “Underground Éire”
was produced by Jordan Guerin and Corinne Gibbons. Sound Mixer and Boom Operator Heather Curtin and runner Zach O’Donnell were also recognised as part of the winning TUS LSAD team.
Congratulating the winning team, TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane said the university was very proud of what Corinne, Shane, Jordan, Heather and Zach’s achievement at the First Frame Awards.
“I would also like to acknowledge the work and dedication of the Creative Broadcast and Media Production staff who have encouraged and supported this creativity, and ensured the students have the skillset and training that not only allows them to make award winning films, but ensures they are work ready for the broadcast industry on graduating from TUS LSAD.”
Professor Cunnane also congratulated fourth year student Marta di Giovanni whose film “Tatiana” was also shortlisted for the competition and screened as part of the film festival.
First Frame, brings together students from 17 film courses, universities and further education institutions from across Ireland as part of an international film event.
Speaking following the awards ceremony in Dublin’s Lighthouse Cinema, Muireann de Barra, Joint Programme Leader of the Creative Broadcast and Film Production Programme, described the team’s win as “a richly deserved recognition of their work among a high caliber of submissions from across the country.
“This documentary adds a trio of fresh, new and authentic voices to the wealth of talent at the heart of Limerick’s multicultural music scene. We couldn’t be prouder of the Creative Broadcasting and Film Production students for capturing their stories and are delighted to see it receive national recognition. Returning to in-person film screening events was a welcome change and this award really is the icing on the cake,” she added.
In a joint statement, directors Shane Joyce and Corinne Gibbons, said they were grateful to have had the opportunity and trust to capture the stories presented in the film.
“To share these stories with audiences and hear the connection people are having with them is just sensational. Being a part of the Dublin International Film Festival has been fantastic and we couldn’t be happier with our award and screening of “Underground Éire.”
The documentary has also been accepted into First Cut! Youth Film Festival in Youghal next week and The Catalyst International Film Festival in Limerick next month.
