‘Red flag’ over Cork film festival finances

The former head of the Cork Film Festival has urged city councillors to reconsider giving the cash-strapped event a €200,000 bailout tonight until they have full sight of the company’s finances.

Mick Hannigan, who was let go from the company in 2013 and who now runs a rival film festival, also said the fact that the Cork Film Festival’s figures have not been outlined to a full council meeting raises a “red flag” and suggests to him that its financial problems could be greater.

“Before councillors consider the loan application therefore, you should be clear on the exact degree of the company’s indebtedness,” Mr Hannigan said in a letter to councillors over the weekend. “To make a decision without this information would be grossly irresponsible.”