Documentary-maker to get film festival honour

The life and work of renowned Irish documentary-maker George Morrison will be celebrated in style later this month.

The archivist and photographer will receive a lifetime achievement award at the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (JDIFF).

Morrison’s 1959 iconic masterpiece 'Mise Eire', the first ever Irish language feature, will also mark its 50th anniversary with a special screening in Cineworld on Tuesday, February 17.

The film tells of events in Ireland surrounding the 1916 Easter Rising and was painstakingly assembled from historical footage from archives across Europe.

The screening will be introduced by Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue, who will present Mr Morrison with the award – the Volta – on behalf of the festival, which runs from February 12 to 22.

Previous recipients include Daniel Day Lewis, Gabriel Byrne, Brendan Gleeson, Consolata Boyle, Brendan McCaul and Leo Ward.

Festival Director Grainne Humphreys said: “On the 50th anniversary of his seminal film 'Mise Eire' we are delighted to present George Morrison with the festival lifetime achievement award, the Volta.

“We are paying special tribute to film archives this year and, as such, George is the perfect person to receive the accolade.”

Presenting over 130 features from 28 countries, the festival is due to attract audiences of over 40,000 with archive and premiere screenings, special guests, discussions and unique events.

Now in its seventh year, highlights include a screening of 'Genova' with Colin Firth; Liam Neeson, James Nesbitt and director Oliver Hirschbiegel attending 'Five Minutes of Heaven'; and 'The Secret of Kells', which will be attended by Brendan Gleeson.

Other special guests include Clive Owen, James Nesbitt, Neil Gaiman, Frederic Raphael, John Crowley, Armando Iannucci and Thierry Fremaux.