Craig Moore receives inaugural Westmeath Film Award
Filmmaker and Westmeath native Craig Moore has been announced as the recipient of the inaugural Westmeath Film Award.
A grant of €10,000 has been awarded to him for the production of an original 10-12-minute short film to be shot in Westmeath in early 2023.
Moore’s winning submission is entitled Barry Versus the Binman – it will be produced by Western Front Studios and shot in Mullingar in the coming months.
The film features a down on his luck 30-something, who becomes fixated on a feud with his bin collectors when they begin leaving his wheelie-bin in other people’s driveways.
The award comes at a time of significant development for film making in Westmeath.
Westmeath arts officer Miriam Mulrennan said: “The Arts Office in Westmeath is delighted to present Craig Moore with the inaugural Westmeath Film Award. Craig’s highly original comedy script made him a standout applicant, and a deserving recipient of the grant.
“This is an opportune moment for film making in the county, and we are hopeful that the award will empower local filmmakers to advance in their craft and careers.
“Westmeath as a location also boasts rich landscapes, and we are excited see the county brought to life on screen.”
Craig Moore has ambitious plans for his short film and for film making in Westmeath: “I’m honoured to be directing the first project to selected for the Westmeath Film Award. The county has incredible untapped potential for filmmakers and I, along with my production team from On The Western Front Studios and the cast and crew, are massively excited to shoot Barry Versus The Binman in 2023.
“My hope is that it leads to further great things not just for us, but for the scheme; paving the way for many other filmmakers to gain access to real support for their ideas and make them a reality.
“I want to extend a huge thank you to the Westmeath Arts Office for selecting our project. We can’t wait to get started!”
Brian and Emer Durcan of Western Front Studios said they “are honoured to be chosen to produce the first Westmeath Film Bursary short film”.
“Craig’s talent is really worth supporting and we are looking forward to working with him and the local Mullingar community.”
About Craig Moore
Craig Moore is an Irish producer, writer and director based in Killucan. He has worked in film and television production for the last 10 years and his last short film, Three Brothers Two, was screened in two dozen festivals across 14 countries and has won numerous awards including Best Irish Film at the Underground Cinema Awards in 2021. It was shot in Westmeath on a budget of €1k.
About Western Front Studios
The Western Front Studios production company was set up by Brian and Emer Durcan, and was the winner of a LEADER South West Mayo Grant in 2020. It launched with an ambitious project called Bruise – a cinematic short film which dealt with domestic abuse using modern dance as a tool to highlight a sensitive subject.
Western Front teamed up with Safe Ireland and Rape Crisis Network Ireland to bring the film to the public. This film is currently on the festival circuit and has won the Best Director Award at Louth International Film Festival 2022. It has received the nomination for best cinematographer at Louth International Film Festival and Richard Harris Film Festival in 2022.
About the Westmeath Arts Office
The Westmeath Arts Office provides support for the professional, voluntary, community and amateur arts sectors in Westmeath and provides information and advice to the community on Arts related issues.
Since the development of the Arts Office in Westmeath in 2001, the county council has expanded its support for and contribution to the arts. It aims to promote access, appreciation, awareness and enjoyment of the arts for all citizens of County Westmeath, and to stimulate interest in and promote the knowledge and appreciation of the arts throughout the county.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westmeath.arts/