Meath Film Festival in Navan this weekend

Two days of national and international cinema

The Meath Film Festival returns to the Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, on 13th and 14th September, with a lineup of national and international cinema; narrative, documentary, drama, comedy and animation; feature films and shorts; a creative workshop, engaging discussions and more.

This year’s festival offers compelling documentaries and moving narratives: Manchán Magan’s exploration of the Irish landscape and mythology in 'Listen to the Land Speak'; fear and isolation in rural Ireland in 'Solitary', produced by Ashbourne’s Alan Breslin, and the struggle to maintain a Palestinian community in the face of Israeli occupation in 'No Other Land'. Ticket sales for this screening will go to charities operating in Gaza and the West Bank.

A diverse range of local, national and international short films; from animation to documentary, from comedy to drama will compete for the accolades of Best Film, Best International Film and the Audience Choice award. Top films will be selected by an expert panel of judges.

The Meath Film Festival celebrates both established and developing talents, including the next generation of filmmakers emerging from local schools. A programme for filmmakers under 18 years of age but open to audiences of all ages; the 60-second Shorts Competition challenges youngsters to tell a coherent and entertaining story in one minute. The screening will be followed by the 60 Second Short Award Ceremony, where the winning short will be announced. Entry is free of charge. An exclusive Costume Making Workshop will be led by Lucy Shannon. Participants will learn how costumes bring characters and stories to life. Whether you are an aspiring costume designer or simply curious about the craft, this workshop is designed to inspire and educate.

Elaine Gallagher, festival director, says: “This year our theme is 'Connection To Place'; as demonstrated in Listen To The Land Speak, No Other Land and Solitary, as well as many of our short films. This ineffable quality drives so many of this year’s filmmakers and will no doubt resonate with Meath Film Festival audiences."

This year’s festival is supported by Solstice Arts Centre, The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Meath County Council, Meath Arts Office, Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Unite the Union, Unilin Insulation, and Meath Public Participation Network.