Made in WX is the Screen Wexford filmmaker showcase
On December 10th, Enniscorthy held the Screen Wexford Wexford Filmmaker Showcase. The showcase was hosted in two locations, The Bailey Pub & Cafe and The Presentation Arts Centre. A total of 50 films were shown, which were all produced by Wexford filmmakers.
The event also included a speed networking session, facilitated by Emilia Krysztofiak, to help foster connections within the film community.
Al Butler, the Coordinator for Screen Wexford said “We are delighted with the outcome of the event. For Screen Wexford these opportunities to connect with filmmakers are essential to building a community. It’s very exciting to have so many submissions and the range of films really highlight the quality of talent working in Wexford today. We hope that this will be the beginning of a new format to showcase filmmakers in the county.’
A wide range of filmmakers from throughout the county attended the event to see their films and to support their peers. Documentary Filmmaker Anna Konieczna said ‘Events like these are crucial, not only because they allow filmmakers to show their work and share it with others but they also strengthen the self-confidence and belief that because their creative effort was noticed and appreciated, it matters.’
Screen Wexford’s hope for this event was to give filmmakers an opportunity to meet like minded creators and to bring the community together. Wexford based filmmaker Terence White said ‘The Made in Wexford event was a fantastic opportunity to screen your own work, to see the work of other filmmakers, and to network with other creative people living in the county.’
The event was supported in its production by a group of local filmmakers including Michael Duggan and Michael Benson. When speaking about the importance of events like these award winning Wexford based cinematographer Michael Benson said ‘Events such as this are hugely important given that they provide a platform for filmmakers to show their works. But perhaps even more than this it recognises that the art of filmmaking itself is an ever evolving process for those involved, and as such it both values and celebrates film makers at every point along that journey, something that could be argued is almost unique to this event’
When speaking about the event Writer and Director Sean O’Deadaigh said ‘It was a pleasure to attend the Screen Wexford showscreen event on Saturday. A full day of locally made films covering all types and genres. From the quirky to the thought provoking. Funny , informative and innovative, there was something for everybody in the six skilfully selected programmes. All films are made to be screened and we were delighted to have two chosen. Events like this are invaluable to anybody with an interest in film. It was uplifting to see so many young people attend and it bodes well for the expanding Wexford film industry. For me personally it was an unmissable opportunity to network with local talent and see their creativity on the big screen. Both venues were excellent for this. It was great also to tap into the bush telegraph with some old friends and exchange ideas and possibilities for future films.’
