Kerry International Film Festival lifts curtain on programme ahead of its 20th year

The Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) has lifted the curtain of its 2019 programme as it celebrates 20 years of film.

The Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) has lifted the curtain on its 2019 programme as it celebrates 20 years of film.

As part of the festival, KIFF will host the Irish premiere of Rare Beasts, the directorial debut of actress Billie Piper. The anti-romantic comedy tells the story of Mandy, a modern woman in a crisis, raising a son in the midst of a female revolution, all the while mining the pain of her parent's separation.

Another Irish Premiere, The Peanut Butter Falcon, tells the story of Zak, a young boy with Down Syndrome who runs away to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional wrestler. The film boasts an all-star cast with Shia LaBeouf, Dakota Johnson, John Hawkes, Bruce Dern, Jon Bernthal and Thomas Haden Church.

There will be a number of free screenings in St Mary's church each day, including 10 Things I Hate About You and The Matrix.

Aside from international screenings, the festival will also shine a spotlight on local filmmakers and short films.

As part of Kerry Focus, there will be a screening of the documentary Kilimanjaro Mama about the story of Kerry woman Lousie Quill and her work in her Tanzanian orphanage. Seanie Sugrue will be in attendance for the screening of his film, Misty Buttons.

For its 20th anniversary, KIFF is debuting a new look after a rebrand from its creative partner, Richard Dee Branding & Design.

Festival programmer Eibh Collins said: “I’m delighted to present my first programme for the Kerry International Film Festival. It’s been an incredible effort from the dedicated team to get this selection of films ready for our wonderful audiences, and I can’t wait for them to see what we have put together for them.

SO excited for our programme & rebranding launch this Friday, the 4th! Tickets and the full programme will be live on our website from 6PM. #KIFF2019

— Kerry International Film Festival (@KerryFilmFest) September 30, 2019

"They are going to see some amazing films, have great conversations with fellow festival-goers, and have great craic in a truly unique film festival atmosphere.

"We have put together a programme that covers the diverse landscape of contemporary world cinema, and are delighted to showcase it here in Killarney.”

The festival will take place from October 17-20 in Killarney, with screenings in the Killarney Cinema and St Mary's Church. Industry events will be held in Killarney House and the Plaza Hotel.

For more information, see www.kerryfilmfestival.com