Success for OFFline Film Festival at IFTA Awards

The organisers of the OFFLine Film Festival in Birr are celebrating this week after their Animation Residency won the Best Animated Short at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTA) last night for Jack O’Shea’s film, “The Dream Report.”

The Dream Report' saw off some stiff competition to take the coveted gong at the virtual awards ceremony that was broadcast on Virgin Media TV. Writer/director Jack O'Shea spent six months in Birr as part of the inaugural OFFline Animation Residency in 2018.

"We are absolutely thrilled that OFFline is behind this achievement"said Residency co-ordinator Gary Hoctor. "It proves that talent can not only exist outside Dublin, but can actually flourish and that large budgets aren't needed to achieve great and beautiful things. “

Mr. Hoctoc continued “Our aim was to highlight Birr and Offaly as a place animators could come to and focus uninterrupted on their passion projects without compromising on quality. Birr native, Peter Campion, did an amazing job as the voice talent in The Dream Report".

The Residency has also benefitted from committed industry partners 'Piranha Bar' who, through producer Nicky Gogan, ontinue to deliver outstanding mentorship to the animators.

The Residency is currently in year 3 of a 5 Year scheme and is funded by Offaly County Council and the Trench Will Trust with initial capital funding provided by Offaly LEADER and Birr 20:20. Mentoring is funded through Offaly Local Enterprise Office.