You've heard of the BAFTAS? Well prepare yourself for something completely different – the WAFTAS are coming to Bantry.
YOU’VE heard of the BAFTAS? Well prepare yourself for something completely different – the WAFTAS are coming to Bantry.
Five local GAA clubs have signed up to create two films each as part of a novel fundraising event in aid of Bantry Hospice and Cancer Connect.
Each of the 10 short films, or TV programmes, will be vying for a prize at the Wild Atlantic Film and TV Awards at the Westlodge Hotel on at 7pm Saturday, November 23rd, and 1.30pm on Sunday, November 24th.
The five clubs –Bantry Blues, St Colums in Kealkil, Tadhg MacCarthaighs in Caheragh, Glengarriff and Muintir Bhaire on the Sheep’s Head – have all appointed a film co-ordinator, director and producer, and each club will produce a senior and a junior film, or TV show.
With offerings like The Young Offenders and Mrs Brown’s Boys in the mix, both the Saturday and the Sunday shows should be highly entertaining.
Last year, Bantry Blues did the Oskars and it was huge success – people are still talking about it!
That show raised a lot of funds for the club, but this year, the members decided to join forces with the other four local clubs to do something to benefit the entire community.
The Southern Star has come on board as media partner, and news editor Siobhan Cronin will be one of the judges on a panel that includes Pauline Cotter of Fastnet Films, Julie Ryan, producer for The Young Offenders, as well as Cllrs Danny Collins (Ind) and Katie Murphy (FG).
Michelle Crews, who is film co-ordinator for St Colums, said: ‘It has been a fantastic project. It has brought everyone together.
‘Last year we saw how funny the Oskars were, so there was no shortage of volunteers. Everyone jumped at the chance to represent their club, have a bit of craic, and raise money for charity.’
Eamon McCarthy, chairman of the committee, confirmed that there at least 200 club members involved in the productions.
He believes the 1,000 tickets will be snapped up fast. The price for the black-tie event on Saturday is €20 per ticket, but the matinee show on Sunday will be a tenner for adults and €5 for primary school children.
