Cork welcomes a new addition to Ireland’s cultural calendar this autumn with the inaugural edition of Gearr – Cork International Short Film Festival. The new event is the country’s only festival dedicated solely to short film and will celebrate the work of local, national and international filmmakers from 8–11 October at the Arc Cinema in the city.
Screenings at Gearr (the Irish for ‘short’) will feature the work of both established and emerging filmmakers, including in the genre of music video, and will culminate in awards in three categories – namely Best International Short Film, Best Irish Short Film and Best ‘Made in Cork’ Short Film.
Building on the legacy of IndieCork Film Festival, which spot-lit the work of independent film and music producers for more than a decade, the organisers of Gearr aim to provide a platform for Irish and international filmmakers working in short film and digital storytelling, and to put them at the heart of the festival experience.
Audiences will be introduced to their work and the artists themselves in public conversations, and there’ll be a strong emphasis on professional development and industry engagement with a curated programme of masterclasses, panel discussions and workshops as well as networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals and visiting experts.
OPEN FOR ENTRIES
Peter Zemek, who was a programmer with IndieCork and is festival director of Gearr, said the festival will allow for ‘fresh perspectives and experienced practitioners’.
“We are excited to bring Gearr – Cork International Short Film Festival to life and to provide a platform for short film that is vital in every sense of the word. While strongly supporting new and emerging voices, Gearr will also present work by established and mid-career artists, creating a dynamic meeting point between fresh perspectives and experienced practitioners,” he said.
“The festival atmosphere will prioritise exchange, encouragement, and visibility for diverse creative voices, and engage fresh local curatorial eyes in selecting our award winners. We are thrilled to be hosted by Screen 6 at The Arc Cinema – Cork’s premier arthouse screen – and are hugely grateful to our sponsors, Blacknight Solutions for coming onboard and believing in the project from day one.”
Festival producer Aysegul Yuzel added: “Our connections with sister festivals and film industry organisations worldwide mean that a wealth of international titles will be available to screen at Gearr but it’s the work of our Cork and Irish filmmakers that we are most looking forward to showcasing. We are now open for entries on the FilmFreeway platform and encourage filmmakers to show us your films! Peter and I will also operate an open-door policy in terms of developing the festival. We want to work with everyone and invite anyone who would like to get involved or support the festival to get in touch. We look forward to growing the team and serving the film community with a celebration of short filmmaking at The Arc in October.”
Gearr – Cork International Short Film Festival takes place from October 8–11 at The Arc Cinema, Cork City. Entries are now open at http://www.filmfreeway.com – more details are available at www.gearrshortfilmfest.com
