Kinnitty student shortlisted in national film competition

Kinnitty student Mary Stevenson has been shortlisted in the national DARE2BDRINKAWARE.ie film competition, it has been revealed. Now in its sixth year, the competition by Drink Aware challenges third level students to creatively explore Irish people's relationship to drinking by producing a short film. The theme for this year's competition was “pacing our drinking”.

Ten films in all have been shortlisted, including Mary Stevenson's “Reality Realised”. Along with team mate Cat Mooney from Roscommon, AIT student Mary created a film depicting the story of a girl who recalls her night out drinking only to realise that her recollection is not as glamorous as she would like to think it was at the time.

Speaking at the shortlisting event drinkaware.ie chief Fionnuala Sheehan said the each of the shortlisted entries highlights the theme of pacing and promotes more responsible attitudes to alcohol in a non-preachy way. “We are delighted with the quality and creativity of the shortlisted films from Offaly and around the country,” she said.

Shortlisted entries will now go forward for judging by a panel of film and media industry insiders including publishing editor of Hot Press Duan Stokes, blogger and community manager of WorldIrish.com Darragh Doyle and v-reporter on RTE's The Voice of Ireland Stephen Byrne. A prize fund of €5,000 will be awarded to the winning entries, with one prize awarded for a special public vote.

All entries are now available to view online at www.DARE2BDRINKAWARE.ie and votes for your favourite shortlisted entry can be cast until April 23.