Ousted film festival figures plan rival indie event

Two key figures who were made redundant by the Cork Film Festival are planning to screen a rival “fan-funded” film event this year.

Mick Hannigan, the former CEO of Cork Film Festival, and the event’s former programmer, Úna Feely, are among those backing IndieCork, a new niche festival due to be screened in October.

Award-winning director Ken Loach, who directed The Wind That Shakes The Barley, has agreed to be its honorary patron.

IndieCork will have a radical organisational structure for an arts event, taking inspiration from Cork City Football Club.

It will have a film fan membership structure, with supporters invited to buy a share in the festival and becoming part-owners and trustees. The scheme and full details of the festival will be launched on May 1.

The announcement comes weeks after the board of the Cork Film Festival let Mr Hannigan and Ms Feely go. Festival administrator Seán Kelly was the only permanent staff member to be retained.

Now Mr Hannigan and Ms Feely are among a group with backgrounds in education, business, social and community initiatives, film, and entertainment, all from Cork, backing IndieCork.

The event will take place just weeks before the Cork Film Festival, which is due to be held in mid-November.

“This is an exciting new venture, bringing independent cinema to independent-minded audiences,” said Mr Hannigan.

“All the soundings we’ve taken point to enthusiasm for a festival which celebrates short films and independent documentaries and features.

“We are looking forward to creating an exciting and culturally rich event in October. We have had widespread support from our network of film contacts in Ireland and internationally. We want to preserve Cork’s reputation as a city that champions independent cinema.”

Ms Feely said they were delighted to be creating the niche festival.

“The emphasis will be on independent cinema. We look forward to being creative with the notion of independence, creating interesting events not only centred on screenings.

“We will offer diversity in our programming and support emerging film-makers. We believe that this kind of vision and festival is suited to Cork and its rebel spirit.”

IndieCork will take place from Oct 16-20, using traditional venues but also new screening spaces in the city.

The board of the Cork Film Festival declined to comment.

However, a spokesman for the board said it was still awaiting news from the Arts Council on funding. It is expected that details of its 2013 line-up will be announced later this year.