Last month, Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) celebrated its impressive 25th edition, under the guidance of outgoing Chair, Grace O’Donnell. Grace has spent fifteen years with KIFF, the last eight as Chair. She will remain a valued member of the Board as she hands over to Ailbhe Keogan.
At a recent presentation lunch in her honour, Grace said, I have to say I left the role with a sad heart but I am glad to still be part of the KIFF team. It was an honour and a privilege to serve as Chair for one of the most successful and unique festivals in Kerry. I will always be proud of the team that got the festival to its 25th year. This, of course, is due to the amazing board and the wonderful team that I have worked with over the years. It couldn’t have happened without them, and each person brought their own unique contribution to the team and the festival. I know the festival is in good hands with my beautiful friend, Ailbhe and look forward to working with Ailbhe into the next chapter of the festival’s narrative.
Ailbhe has been a fellow member of the Board for nearly a decade. Speaking about her new role, Ailbhe said: KIFF has been blessed with board members, past and present, who are genuinely passionate about supporting emerging talent during the early stages of their careers. Everyone gives their time and expertise so readily. It’s very satisfying to be part of KIFF’s mission. We care deeply about film and the filmmakers. Having just celebrated such a successful 25th edition, I’m excited to move forward with our brilliant team. We plan to consolidate our vision and grow with our ever-expanding filmmaking community and audience.
Ailbhe Keogan is a screenwriter living in Kerry. Ailbhe’s first feature film, the IFTA-nominated RUN & JUMP, was selected as part of the Berlin Talent Campus Script Station and the Sundance Institute’s Lab. Directed by Oscar-nominated Steph Green, it premiered at Tribeca in 2012 and was partly shot in Kerry. Her second script, IFTA-nominated JOYRIDE, released in 2022, was directed by Emmy award-winning Emer Reynolds with Olivia Coleman in the lead role. It was wholly shot in Kerry. Her third feature, SUNLIGHT, had its world premiere at Glasgow International Film Festival. It was directed by award-winning Claire Dix and starred Barry Ward. It won the jury award at the Austin Film Festival. Ailbhe is a writer on both seasons of the BAFTA-winning and EMMY-nominated BAD SISTERS, Sharon Horgan’s dark comedy TV show, which streams on Apple. Ailbhe adapted Louise Kennedy’s critically acclaimed debut novel TRESPASSES for Channel 4, with Oscar-nominated Wildgaze Films producing. Directed by Dawn Shadforth, it stars Lola Pettigrew, Tom Cullen and Gillian Anderson in the lead roles. Ailbhe is currently adapting Úna Mannion’s multi-award-winning TELL ME WHAT I AM for Sid Gentle films.
The Kerry International Film Festival is supported by many organisations including the continued generosity of their principal funders: Kerry County Council, Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann and Failte Ireland. KIFF is incredibly grateful to their title sponsor Kerry Airport, to RTE Supporting the Arts, as well as their hospitality partners Randles Hotel, Killarney Plaza, and the Great Southern Killarney.