Pure Mule anniversary among highlights from planned Film Festival

Successful screenwriter and playwright Eugene O’Brien officially unveiled the programme for the 2015 OFFline Film Festival at Spinners in Castle Street, Birr, at the weekend.

This year’s Festival runs from Wednesday, October 7 to Sunday, October 11, in Birr and the surrounding region.

The Pure Mule 10th Anniversary Night is one of the many highlights of five jam-packed days of film. The beloved RTÉ drama, written by Edenderry native O’Brien, was filmed in Offaly a decade ago. Clara native Declan Recks, who directed the series, will join Eugene for the anniversary celebrations at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on Friday, October 9.

Speaking at the OFFline launch, O’Brien said: “It’s hard to believe it’s already been 10 years and it’s good to know people are still interested in the show. At the time, Irish audiences hadn’t see a show like that, a story set primarily in the Midlands, but the characters just clicked with people. We’re delighted that OFFline has decided to celebrate the series in this way. The Festival has really gained momentum in recent years.”

The everpopular 57 Hour Filmmaking Challenge is also back. This year Irish and international filmmaking teams will descend on Birr to make their short films in a little over two days, with the winner guaranteed a spot at the prestigious 2016 Galway Film Fleadh.

Festival Director Gary Hoctor said: “We are delighted that OFFline continues to go from strength to strength. We’ve received over 600 short film submissions from 55 different countries, that’s even more than last year. With every festival we face new challenges, but each year, OFFline brings fresh interest to film-making in the region. We are thrilled to be hosting the Pure Mule 10th anniversary night.”

There’s plenty for everyone, young and old, at OFFline 2015 with film screenings and workshops dotted throughout the festival and events happening across the county. You can see this year’s programme at www.offlinefilmfestival.com.