Cork Film Festival announces winner of inaugural best new Irish feature award

'Prospect House' was selected from an eclectic shortlist to be named the Best New Irish Feature at the 68th Cork International Film Festival

'Irish Examiner' Editor Tom Fitzpatrick with Anne Gately and Paul Mercier — producer and director respectively of the winning film — and Cork Film Festival director Fiona Clark announcing 'Prospect House' as the inaugural winner of the Cork Film Festival Best New Irish Feature award, sponsored by the Irish Examiner. Picture: Larry Cummins

The rude health of the Irish film industry was underlined on Sunday night at Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) with the announcement of the event’s inaugural Best New Irish Feature award.

An eclectic mix of five films had been nominated for the first year of an award that is supported by the Irish Examiner, with the cash prize of €3,000 going to Paul Mercier’s 'Prospect House'. 

The relatively low-budget satire was chosen as winner by a judging panel led by West Cork-based producer David Puttnam.

A full house at the Everyman Theatre for the screening of 'All of Us Strangers' at the 68th Cork International Film Festival, which continues until Sunday November 26. Prior to the screening. 'Prospect House' was named the Best New Irish Feature. Picture: Larry Cummins

It emerged from a strong list of other nominees comprising of One Night in Millstreet, Andrew Gallimore’s documentary on the 1995 fight between Steve Collins and Chris Eubank; Paul Duane’s folk horror, All You Need is Death; Alan Gilsenan’s documentary, The Days of Trees, a tale of dealing with childhood sexual abuse; and Ken Wardrop’s documentary, So This is Christmas, about the run-up to the festive season in an Irish town.

Dublin-born Mercier has a long association with the Cork festival, with one of his early short films being shown at the event back in the 1990s. 

The soundtrack to Prospect House was created by his brother, Mel Mercier, the composer and musician who formerly headed the music departments at University College Cork and the University of Limerick.

Some of the film fans arriving at the Everyman Theatre in Cork for the packed screening of 'All of Us Strangers' at the 68th Cork International Fim Festival on Sunday night. Picture: Larry Cummins

David Puttnam, festival patron and chair of the jury, said of Prospect House: “As a jury, we all felt it came across as a beautifully written, well-constructed and highly idiosyncratic parable. We felt it was a timely tale, a film which from start to finish kept its promise to its audience. 

"While always being very clearly Paul’s voice, it succeeded in achieving a seamless transition from its internal theatricality to a genuine cinematic experience in a way that spoke to all of us.”

Among those congratulating the filmmakers at the Everyman was Irish Examiner Editor Tom Fitzpatrick. He said:

I am proud to have the 'Irish Examiner' partner with CIFF on this inaugural award which has caught the attention of so many talented Irish filmmakers at such an exciting time in this industry.

“Though there could only be one winner, each shortlisted entrant has now had their work adjudicated by CIFF patron and Academy Award-winner Lord David Puttnam, a real testament to the quality of this Cork festival which is getting stronger every year and deserves all of our thanks and support.”

Cleo Morrisson, Midleton, and Rebecca Leahy, Glanmire, were at the screening of 'All of Us Strangers', whose cast includes Irish stars, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, at the 68th Cork International Fim Festival on Sunday night. Picture: Larry Cummins

The announcement at the Everyman was made in advance of the Irish premiere of All Of Us Strangers, a British-American production featuring two Irish stars, Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal.

That warmly-received love story may be in the Academy Awards conversation when nominations are announced in January, as could Irish production  Poor Things, the film that opened the Cork festival. 

'Irish Examiner' Editor Tom Fitzpatrick and festival director Fiona Clark on stage at the Everyman during Sunday's award announcement. The 68th Cork International Film Festival continues until Sunday, November 26. Picture: Larry Cummins

Whether Ireland can repeat last year’s incredible feat of 14 Oscar nominations remains to be seen, but Leeside actor Cillian Murphy is also widely tipped for selection for his role in Oppenheimer.

Meanwhile, this year’s extended Cork International Film Festival continues until Sunday, November 26.