Birr film recognised at two prestigious events
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Birr filmmaker Nicky Larkin has had a whirlwind weekend, as his short film PUNT received recognition at two prestigious events.
The film, written and directed by Mr Larkin and produced by Alanna Riddell Bond, centres around a heartbroken woman returning to the island of her happiest memory to end her life in the shadow of the 1994 World Cup.
But when her electric meter runs out, a coin hunt sparks an unlikely bet: Ireland to qualify.
"The first couple of minutes of the film are quite heavy, it's about a woman who goes to an island to take her life," Nicky said.
"The electricity goes out, and she has a picture of her late husband who passed quite recently, so she doesn't want to do it in the dark, so she goes on a journey to find a pound coin so she can do it. It does get quite funny after the scene where the electricity goes out."
PUNT was nominated for a prestigious award at the 23rd Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) awards, which took place on Friday, February 20, at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.
The IFTA award for Best Live Action Short Film was awarded to a film titled 'Nostalgie' from Belfast filmmaker Kathryn Ferguson.
PUNT was also screened at the Light House Cinema for Dublin International Film Festival as part of the Screen Ireland selection.
The Screen Ireland Shorts showcased a diverse collection of innovative and compelling short films, highlighting emerging talent and unique storytelling.
These films offer a fresh perspective on contemporary issues, showcasing the creativity and passion driving Irish cinema, and the screenings were followed by a 20 minute Q&A.
Other short films featured included at the event included Violent Volition by Graham Holbrook, Mouse by Rosie Barrett, Magic Markers by Jason Branagan, Meteoric by Paul Ó Muiris, A Song by Ellius Grace, and Bad Person by Hildegard Ryan.
The Dublin International Film festival is running until Sunday, March 1.