IndieCork a Festival of Independent Film and Music taking place on October 8-15

Edited and prepared by Oscar Michel, Masters in Journalism, DCU.

Great interview with IndieCork announcing their Festival taking place on October 8-15 in Cork City. Website here. 

How many years has it been going?

This will be our fifth festival and is shaping up to be our ‘coming of age’ event.

What was the inspiration to start it?

We love cinema, and in particular films made in the independent sector. There are very creative people out there making works that just don’t get the chance to screen in cinemas. We wanted to create a platform for independent productions and screen them in a professional cinema to multiplex presentation standards. We’re unique in Ireland in that regard; offering this opportunity to all films that are selected at the festival.

We’ve always been inspired by filmmakers, and knowing that Irish audiences have a great appetite for exciting and innovative work.  Our work is to bring the two together – innovative filmmakers and supportive audiences.

The reward is seeing emerging filmmakers take their first steps, engaging with an audience, and then going on to develop filmmaking careers.

We’ve also created a different kind of structure for an arts festival. IndieCork is a co-operative, anyone can buy a share. In this we were inspired by Cork City F.C. who have very successfully run this business and community model.

What exciting things can people look forward to for the 2017 version?

We’re really excited by how the programme is evolving. We’ve some amazing documentaries including the World Premiere of a locally produced documentary, ‘Why is there something instead of nothing?’ which has already been picked up for world sales and distribution. We’ve a profile of leading American architect Kevin Roche who originally hailed from Mitchelstown and many films picked up from leading festivals, such as Rotterdam and Sundance and IndieLisboa.

As in previous years we’ve a world-class programme of shorts lined up. We’re particularly excited by some of the new Irish indie features receiving their world premieres at IndieCork. It’ll be great to present all these new talents.

What opportunities are on offer for people / startups / investors and companies attending?

Blacknight Solutions, one of our key supporters, will present a workshop on getting the most out of your online presence and website. We’ve people coming from sales company Starline Entertainment to guide filmmakers on getting their film to market. We’ll have case-studies of how IndieCork alumni have succeeded in establish careers. For participating filmmakers they get to see how to market their films, how to make a festival work for them, all vital hands-on experience for people wishing to navigate the festival circuit.

Bigger festivals can be daunting for young filmmakers. IndieCork is supportive and friendly. It’s a chance to engage with audiences, to meet international filmmakers and immerse themselves in world cinema.

For businesses, we’d say that IndieCork has a deep trove of inspirational work that has the potential to inspire. If you’re looking for new talent, IndieCork is the place.

What tips would you give to people attending to get the most out of it?

We’d say, just dive in and see as much as you can! If you can fully immerse yourself you’ll get a clear sense of what the festival is about, but also you will be inspired by the experience. Seeing films from all over the world, discussing films, attending workshops, chatting with the directors and producers, that’s what it’s all about.

How can people book tickets / when does it usually sell out?

Our tickets go on sale from 25^th September, check our own website at www.indiecork.com and at our partner venue, The Gate Cinema at www.corkcinemas.com

Anything else you’d like to add / we should have asked?

1. Film is a wonderful medium, not just for entertainment but for information and inspiration also. We live in a complex world – lots of social and political and cultural complexities. Films help us make sense of the world, not just asking important question but suggesting answers and positive solutions to living our lives. Giving the indie platform to these emerging artists is very satisfying, and makes for a dynamic and rich festival, full of discovery.
2. IndieCork is very much a labour of love. We’re all fully committed to it and the benefits it brings to Cork city and beyond. We love the dichotomy of being local and international. We couldn’t do the festival without support; financially of course it’s important, but the encouragement and confidence that brings to any operation, is vital. Morale is high, and we’d like to thank all our partners and supporters for that as we make the Big 5!

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