THE Richard Harris International Film Festival (RHIFF), the only film festival in Ireland to offer a €10 million fund to filmmakers, kicks off today in Limerick.
Ahead of the festival’s opening, the Limerick Post spoke to son of the festival’s namesake, Jared Harris, about the festival and its exciting offering to the booming Irish film industry.
“I have tremendous respect for what Zeb [Moore, the festival’s director] is trying to do there. It’s a tough challenge,” said Harris on keeping the festival fresh and growing year on year.
“I think one of the most important elements is that they keep adding to it, which is great”.
In August this year, the RHIFF and renowned Canadian production company Amcomri Entertainment announced a €10 million investment fund to help discover new Irish filmmaking talent, open to films and filmmakers that have been part of the festival to date.
“The new thing that they’ve brought on board, which is an ability to be able to support filmmakers in the projects that they’re trying to develop and actively help them get things made, that’s a unique aspect which not many festivals have and all tips of the hat to [Zeb] for pulling that off.”
Now in its tenth year, RHIFF is part of the Global Irish Festival series, with screenings including features, documentaries, and short films from established local, national, and international artists.
Limerick is also home to world renowned Troy Studios, which Harris feels can be the catalyst to putting the Treaty city on the world stage.
“It’s exciting what’s happening over at Troy studios,” he enthused.
“I think with support from the community and support from the city, that can be a sustainable industry that happens there in the same way that’s happened up North. It can happen in Limerick.”
The Richard Harris Film Festival runs from October 26 to 31. The full festival programme can be found on the festival’s website.
