DkIT graduate wins ‘Best Animated Film Award’ at the First Frame event at the Dublin International Film Festival
Pat McCarthy, a recent graduate of the M.Sc. in Computing in Computer Animation Production at DkIT was recently named winner of Best Animated Film at the First Frame event at the Dublin International Film Festival. Pat was presented with the award for his animation short, Caught, which was part of his research considering how 3D animation can be used to reimagine the Salmon of Knowledge folktale.
Speaking about the award Pat said:
“It felt surreal to be announced as the winner. There’s so much amazing student animation work being made in Ireland every year and the standard is so high, so to even be considered for the award amongst so many amazing other films is fantastic!”
The story is one that has stuck with Pat since his primary school days when a scéalaí named Niall De Burca came to his school and shared the ’Salmon of Knowledge’ story in such a powerful way that it had a greater impact than any other traditional Irish folktale.
“Throughout history, folktales were only told orally, from person to person, which helped evolve the story. I think now in the digital landscape of our age, it is increasingly important to preserve folktales, and keep evolving them. By using modern storytelling techniques such as animation, further depth and immersion can be added to these old stories, helping new generations to connect with them. I want children today to feel as excited by the story as I was when I was first told it all those years ago,” according to Pat.
Everything was made in the 3D animation software Blender, with Pat creating textures of the characters and environment look as though they were hand painted in 2D. This fusion was an attempt to have the tactile, handmade feel of 2D animation that helps make the characters more emotionally resonating blend with the depth that makes 3D animation so immersive.
'I am just you' an animation short by fellow graduate Amy Dunnigan was also shortlisted at First Frame.
Peter Morris, coordinator for the Master’s Project in Animation said:
“Pat brought a local Irish story to life, painting the sights and sounds from the Boyne River and the beauty and pain for the Salmon of Knowledge. By researching this story project, Pat was able to showcase the skills he gained as part of his Master’s in Computer Animation Production which was recognised by DIFF Film First. We look forward to seeing more from Pat in the future, and also our other Animation students who demonstrate exciting artistic and technical capabilities.”
Now in its eighth year, The First Frame initiative brings together students from over 50 film courses, universities, and further education institutions from around Ireland to view a curated selection of student films in competition.
Prizes are awarded to the top films in each category - fiction, documentary, experimental, and animation - and the screenings provide excellent opportunities for course leaders and students alike to network with their peers as part of a national film event. Students are also given the opportunity to hear from industry professionals in workshops held alongside the screenings of their work.
