The Louth International Film Festival (LIFF) 2024 has successfully concluded, marking yet another milestone in its celebration of outstanding cinematic talent from Ireland and across the globe. The festival was heavily influenced by DkIT lecturers and students. 

Opening Night & Special Appearances

The festival’s opening night was sold out, with Dundalk's own John Moore (Behind Enemy Lines, Flight of the Phoenix, A Good Day to Die Hard) kicking things off in grand style. His lively, monologue-style Q&A session with Barry Keating was more than just a talk—it was a journey through his film career, marked by his wit and charm. The audience was thoroughly entertained by his anecdotes, as well as the 20^th anniversary screening of his film Flight of the Phoenix, a celebration of action filmmaking in its purest form—without CGI.

At the IMC, the filmmaking panel featuring DkIT Lecturer Colm Mullen, Pheonuh Callan, and Luke Hanlon brought the industry’s future into focus, with discussions on emerging trends, the challenges of independent production, and the evolving landscape of Irish cinema.

Industry Panels and Special Events

The festival hosted two Industry Panels, featuring some of the brightest minds in the Irish film industry: Stephen Shields, Conor McMahon, Barry Keating, Tania Notaro, Lorna Fitzsimons, and Brian Durcan. The panel was expertly moderated by Sarah McCann, a producer and lecturer at DkIT, and offered invaluable insights into the world of filmmaking. The lively discussions reflected the depth of talent present, with Shauna Bowden Photography capturing the moments, while a stunning historical visual arts piece, Before Me In A Dream, by Colm Mullen and Sharon McArdle, added an artistic touch to the festival ambiance.

The screening of the Emmy-winning documentary One-Armed Wonder was followed by a deeply moving Q&A with filmmakers Richard and Chris. The documentary chronicles the inspiring and tragic journey of Dundalk FC footballer Jimmy Hasty. The Q&A was hosted by DkIT lecturer Kenneth Sloan.

Lorcan Dunne, DkIT Lecturer and Executive Festival Director:

"This year, the Louth International Film Festival truly realized its ethos of community engagement, education, hospitality and celebrating local talent. We were proud to welcome special guests from Louth who have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the industry. Their presence, alongside our diverse lineup of filmmakers and creatives, brought a sense of pride and connection to our local roots. The energy, passion, and support from the community made this festival an unforgettable celebration of both global and local cinematic voices."