John Butler and Louise Kiely appointed to board of Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival

John Butler and Louise Kiely appointed to board of Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival

Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival are excited to welcome acclaimed writer/director John Butler (Papi ChuloHandsome Devil) and Emmy nominated casting director Louise Kiely (Normal PeopleHerself) to the board of Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. 

I am delighted to welcome two such distinguished new members to the Board. Both bring a wealth of experience and important skills to bear and will be invaluable additions to our existing team. I am especially delighted to welcome John Butler whose films have premiered in the festival – a wonderful filmmaker with a curiosity about the world. And Louise Kiely who has been instrumental to the new generation of filmmakers and actors whose work the festival celebrates.

Gráinne Humphreys, Festival Director

The Festival has a long history of extraordinary Board members. They have come from a diverse variety of backgrounds including the film industry, home and international, the business community and other cultural stakeholders.  Each Director has helped shape the policies and strategies of the Festival and supported the executive team in delivering a world-class programme of events each year.  No one exemplifies the commitment and passion of the Board more that our dear colleague, Sue Bruce Smith, who sadly passed away in 2020.  The Festival will be forever indebted to her invaluable contribution, which will be celebrated in our 2021 Film Festival.  We honour Sue’s legacy by ensuring that the Board is always renewed with dynamic and passionate members.  As we fast approach the next Festival, we are delighted to welcome writer/director John Butler and casting director Louise Kiely to the Board.  Both are two of Ireland’s most exciting talents and have a long association with the Festival.  We look forward to working with John and Louise as we shape the future of the Festival for Irish audiences.

Aidan Greene, Festival Chair

  
Seeing my films play at my hometown festival has been a career highlight for me in the past, and I’m now equally honoured to join the festival Board. I am hoping I can represent the voice of the filmmaking community, and of the LGBTQIA+ community in future years, and I am delighted to be working alongside the wildly knowledgeable and talented Gráinne Humphreys and team.

John Butler, Writer/Director

I am thrilled to accept a position on the board of the very prestigious and well-loved Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. I am excited to learn more about the festival and to help in whatever ways I can. I shall also continue to enjoy the work of the immensely talented Film Makers, from around the world, which the festival showcases every year.

Louise Kiely, Casting Director

Ms. Humphreys also thanked recently retired board members Ms. Anne-Marie Curran, Mr. Hugh Linehan and Mr. Mark O’Halloran for their longstanding support and service to the Festival.

The new members will join current Board members: Aidan Greene (Chair), Elaine Gill, Neasa Hardiman, Ruth Hunter, Ronan Murphy, Suzanne Noble and Paula Woods.

The 2021 Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival will take place both physically and digitally from 3rd – 14th March. The Festival will feature an exciting multi-platform schedule of drive-in, cinema and online screenings. The full programme will be announced on 3rd February, selected highlights include the Virgin Media Closing Gala presentation of Irish comedy Deadly Cuts and a Festival Retrospective focusing on Black Women Filmmakers including screenings of Amma Asante’s Belle and Maïmouna Doucouré’s Maman(s). Festival Ticket Bundles are now on sale starting from €30, giving access to online, cinema and drive-in screenings. Visit www.diff.ie    

All Festival screenings and events will adhere to government guidelines and Covid safety regulations.