Tuesday 2nd July, 2024
Screen Wicklow and Wicklow County Arts Office, supported by Creative Ireland, were delighted to announce the recipients of the Wicklow Short Film Award for 2024. The two funding awards of €15,000 each form part of the ongoing support provided to the local screen sector by Wicklow County Council. The scheme was launched by Wicklow County Council on the 8th April with a closing date for applications on 24th May.
Following a highly competitive application process, with many high-quality submissions received, the two short film projects selected by the independent adjudication panel were:
Dealing With It - Submitted by Santiago Rivas Pertile
Sapphire - Submitted by Michael J. Whelan
The award will act as a stepping stone in the careers of Wicklow-based film-makers and will support greater recognition of the vibrant independent film-making tradition in the county.
These short films will be between 10 and 15 minutes in duration and will feature Wicklow locations. Upon completion, the short films will be entered into local and international film festivals, further boosting the strong international reputation of County Wicklow as a prime location for film and television production.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Paul O’Brien noted, “These awards help to foster the great resource of creative talent in our county and underline the importance of the screen sector to the local economy. We congratulate the recipients of the funding award, and thank all those who took the time to submit an application.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman said, “Wicklow County Council recognises the importance of the screen industry within the county. These two awards will support local jobs and create new opportunities for the home-grown film industry.”
Funding will allow these projects to progress from script to screen in the coming months and will provide opportunities for locally based cast and crew.