Film in Limerick’s Engine Shorts Film Scheme winners begin production

Engine shorts, Film in Limerick team pictured above. Pic: Don Moloney

Engine Shorts, the Mid-West Short Film Scheme run by Film in Limerick through Innovate Limerick, is currently in production with the six 2023 winning projects

The initiative for local emerging film talent is a partnership between the Local Authorities in Tipperary, Limerick and Clare, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. The scheme aims to inspire and support up-and-coming writers, directors, producers and crews to create inspiring, engaging, world-class short films that resonate with a wide international audience. 

A judging panel consisting of Dublin International Film Festival director, Grainne Humphreys, IFTA winning Director of Photography, Kate McCullough, and Screen International Executive Editor, Fionnuala Halligan, choose this year’s winning projects, awarding €75,000 in production funding across six local projects. 

Commenting on this year’s winning projects, Grainne Humphries said, “Almost every day I am reminded of the projects and filmmakers I met at the panel weekend. There was such a wide selection of projects, in both style and subject, and an incredibly diverse range of talent involved. It’s a testament to the organisers and the talent in Ireland today that we struggled to get to our final winners, but I cannot wait to see the final films, the future of filmmaking in Ireland is so bright.’  

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

Paul C. Ryan from Film in Limerick said, “It’s brilliant to see Engine Shorts back for a second edition and to have six more films in production across the region. The sector is rapidly growing in the Mid-West and the Engine Shorts Scheme is an important element in developing home-grown talent, who will progress to making future TV series and feature films locally. We look forward to seeing the new films playing on the big screen internationally and launching the careers of all involved.”

Two films will be produced in each of the three counties in the region.  

In Limerick, writer Peter Delaney, producer Lianne Daly & director John Haugh will bring to life their short drama Dadboy, which tells the story of a young father, intent on avoiding responsibility, who is challenged with finally stepping up as a parent. 

Writer Peter Delaney said, “We are so fortunate that our film Dadboy was selected for the Engine Shorts scheme. I’m very grateful to Film in Limerick and the panel for trusting us to tell this challenging story and I’m looking forward to working together to show audiences a side of Limerick rarely seen on screen.” 

Director John Haugh said, “The Engine Shorts scheme is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the various talents the Mid-West region has to offer. Dadboy is a story born and bred in Limerick city, vividly capturing its unique voice, humour, and spirit. It’s exciting to be on a team with other creatives and to see the project come together.” 

Aisling Magill & Jamie O’Rourke are filming their short Holy Joe, a dark comedy about luckless Joe, who can’t quite get it together, until a knock on the head brings a new sense of clarity and a whole new level of complication in his life. 

Writer and producer Aisling Magill said, “I’m really excited that Holy Joe was selected by Engine Shorts and we’re really grateful for the guidance and support we received throughout the development process.  We have assembled a great team of local filmmakers and we can’t wait to showcase the super talent and locations we have in Limerick and the Mid-West.” 

Director Jamie O’Rourke shared, “I’m delighted to have our film selected to be part of the 2023 Engine Short Film Scheme. We have already received so much support through the process and are now very excited to be planning the shoot. The Mid-West has so much to offer, from an experienced and very talented crew base to a wealth and wide variety of stunning locations. To be funded and supported to make a film here is beyond encouraging as an emerging filmmaker.” 

in Clare, Writer Gary Hetzlter, producer Alana Macnamee and director Sohalia Lindheim are making their short film “Tabhair Aire do na hÉi / Remember to feed the birds, in Clare. The short film tells the story of an elderly man who keeps the memory of his wife alive by honouring her last request. 

In Tipperary, Writer Beverley Penn, Producer Ashlee De Costa and Director Lorna Fitzsimons are filming their short film, Bog, a dark fairy-tale about two women, generations apart, finding common ground in the wild and all-consuming beauty of Littleton Bog. 

find out more here.
Read more Film in Limerick stories here.