Engine Shorts, the Mid-West Short Film Scheme run by Film in Limerick through Innovate Limerick, is currently in production with the six 2023 winning projects.
The initiative for local emerging film talent is a partnership between the Local Authorities in Tipperary, Limerick and Clare, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. The scheme aims to inspire and support up-and-coming writers, directors, producers and crews to create inspiring, engaging, world-class short films that resonate with a wide international audience.
A judging panel consisting of Dublin International Film Festival director, Grainne Humphreys, IFTA winning Director of Photography, Kate McCullough, and Screen International Executive Editor, Fionnuala Halligan, choose this year’s winning projects, awarding €75,000 in production funding across six local projects.
Commenting on this year’s winning projects, Grainne Humphries said:
“Almost every day I am reminded of the projects and filmmakers I met at the panel weekend. There was such a wide selection of projects, in both style and subject, and an incredibly diverse range of talent involved. It's a testament to the organisers and the talent in Ireland today that we struggled to get to our final winners, but I cannot wait to see the final films, the future of filmmaking in Ireland is so bright."
Paul C. Ryan from Film in Limerick said:
“It’s brilliant to see Engine Shorts back for a second edition and to have six more films in production across the region. The sector is rapidly growing in the Mid-West and the Engine Shorts Scheme is an important element in developing home-grown talent, who will progress to making future TV series and feature films locally. We look forward to seeing the new films playing on the big screen internationally and launching the careers of all involved.”
Two films will be produced in each of the three counties in the region.
In Limerick
Writer Peter Delaney, producer Lianne Daly & director John Haugh will bring to life their short drama Dadboy, which tells the story of a young father, intent on avoiding responsibility, who is challenged with finally stepping up as a parent.
Writer Peter Delaney said;
“We are so fortunate that our film Dadboy was selected for the Engine Shorts scheme. I'm very grateful to Film in Limerick and the panel for trusting us to tell this challenging story and I’m looking forward to working together to show audiences a side of Limerick rarely seen on screen.”
Director John Haugh said
“The Engine Shorts scheme is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the various talents the Mid-West region has to offer. Dadboy is a story born and bred in Limerick city, vividly capturing its unique voice, humour, and spirit. It's exciting to be on a team with other creatives and to see the project come together.”
Aisling Magill & Jamie O’Rourke are filming their short Holy Joe, a dark comedy about luckless joe, who can’t quite get it together, until a knock on the head brings a new sense of clarity and a whole new level of complication in his life.
Writer and producer Aisling Magill said;
“I’m really excited that Holy Joe was selected by Engine Shorts and we're really grateful for the guidance and support we received throughout the development process. We have assembled a great team of local filmmakers and we can't wait to showcase the super talent and locations we have in Limerick and the Mid-West.”
Director Jamie O’Rourke shared;
“I’m delighted to have our film selected to be part of the 2023 Engine Short Film Scheme. We have already received so much support through the process and are now very excited to be planning the shoot. The Mid-West has so much to offer, from an experienced and very talented crew base to a wealth and wide variety of stunning locations. To be funded and supported to make a film here is beyond encouraging as an emerging filmmaker.”
In Tipperary
Writer Beverley Penn, Producer Ashlee De Costa and Director Lorna Fitzsimons are filming their short film, Bog, a dark fairy-tale about two women, generations apart, finding common ground in the wild and all-consuming beauty of Littleton Bog.
Writer Beverley Penn said;
“I was thrilled to be supported by the Engine Shorts Scheme. I want to show the Irish bog in all its guises and delighted with the chance to do that.”
Director Lorna Fitzsimons said
“Delighted to be selected for Engine Shorts and to be telling a story of the Tipperary Bog. Myself and Beverley met in The Source Arts Centre and we found a connection over our deep love of this land, from which our dark fairy-tale emerged.”
Also in production in Tipperary are writer Roseanna Purcell, producer Pius McGrath and director Tara Doolin, who have teamed up to make their short, Heart of Stone, which will be filmed in and around the Clonmel area.
Heart of Stone, tells the story of Mairead, who has never asked anyone for anything, nor does she want to. Now, under orders from her father, she must reach out to someone for the first time, for the last thing they would ever expect.
Writer Roseanna Purcell said;
“It's a huge honour to be commissioned by Engine with my first venture in screenwriting. I've always been passionate about telling stories that bring those in the shadows of society to the fore while showcasing modern rural life in Tipperary in a unique and truthful way, and I feel very lucky that Heart Of Stone has such a brilliant team to bring this vision together''
Director Tara Doolan said:
''Roseanna script immediately caught my attention on my first read. It is a privilege to be working with her and Pius to bring this short film to life. I share Roseanna's passion for telling stories about a modern rural Ireland and the people who inhabit it, particularly those who are not typically represented. Heart of Stone does just that through this quirky and heart wrenching story.''
In Clare
Writer Gary Hetzlter, producer Alana Macnamee and director Sohalia Lindheim are making their short film “Tabhair Aire do na hÉi / Remember to feed the birds, in Clare. The short film tells the story of an elderly man who keeps the memory of his wife alive by honouring her last request.
Writer Gary Hetzler said;
“I was honoured and excited to learn that my script was selected for production and it’s great to be paired with such a dynamic team. This short touching story will highlight a slice of rural life in the Burren.”
Producer Alanna MacNamee said;
“The team and I are delighted to have the opportunity to make the first Engine-funded Irish language film against the stunning backdrop of the Burren, Co. Clare. It‘s an incredibly exciting time for Irish language film, and we are thrilled to be a part of that. We are also grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Engine Short Film Scheme, which is helping to nurture filmmaking talent here in the Mid-West.”
Director Sohaila Lindheim said;
“It's fantastic that the Mid-West has funding opportunities like this. There is so much talent here just waiting to be given the chance to showcase their work, style and commitment to filmmaking. As Director, I'm excited to immerse myself fully into the task in hand, allowing my creativity and vision to come alive.”
Also filming in Clare, writer Aishling Corristine, producer Melissa Collins and director Noel McInerney are filming comedy short film Baps and Buns, a story that explores the ever increasing trend of earning an income via online fans but with a surprising twist.
Writer Aisling Corristine said;
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to make a comedy with older female talent based in Clare. We’re excited to recruit cast and crew from the area and look forward to making a world class film in our local community.”
Producer Melissa Collins said
“It's a great opportunity to be selected by Engine shorts, we are excited to bring the story of Baps and Buns to life, and to be able to showcase older female talent on screen.”
Director Noel McInerney said;
“We are delighted to be given this amazing opportunity and hope to emulate the standard that others have achieved before us. As director I’m looking forward to getting down to shooting and hope to have a lot of fun with my fellow creatives. It’s so important to show not only the beauty of Clare but the immense talent within it, up the banner!”
Filming of the Engine Short Films take place during September and October, with the completed films delivered in the autumn ready for distribution to film festivals internationally.
