Famously Kerry has gained notoriety throughout cinema history with its scenic beauty acting as a backdrop to such famous films as Ryans Daughter, The Quiet Man, Far and Away and most recently The Lobster as well as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi shining a strong light on the county as the ideal film location.
What is also apparent within the county, is the volume of talent we are now supplying within the film industry. Proud Kerryman Michael Fassbender is one of Hollywood's most reputable actors and Jessie Buckley star of the upcoming feature film Beast is also carving out a formidable career in Hollywood and is a name we are sure to hear a lot more of in the coming years.
Behind the camera, Killarney native Fodhla Cronin O'Reilly was just last year, BAFTA nominated for her work as producer on the chilling Lady MacBeth and the directorial works of the likes of Gerard Barrett and Eamon Norris have earned critical acclaim on the film festival circuit and strongly strengthened their reputation within the film industry.
Kerry also boasts no less than three films festivals in Dingle, Waterville and Killarney with all three festivals not only showcasing the best of local, national and international produced film but also the welcome and hospitality that only this county can provide.
The establishment of a new steering group made up of various agencies and experts from across the film industry with a view to promoting Kerry both as a film destination and encouraging development within the sector is a clear indication of the support the industry is receiving locally with a €15,000 Bursary co funded by Kerry County Council and Arts Council Ireland currently on offer for any film maker that chooses to shoot a short film in Kerry a further indication of this investment in film in the region.
The magnificent work provided by the Kerry ETB Training Centre which has become the foundation for the long and successful careers of the creative talent being produced in Kerry, is yet another factor in the region's success within the sector.
The healthy appetite and support for film within the viewing public throughout the county is also evident through the success of three independent cinemas in Killarney, Waterville and Listowel as well as the Omniplex in Tralee enjoying huge audiences on a regular basis.
What is clear to all, is that the monumental success of film in Kerry currently runs a lot deeper than the influential attention that a iconic franchise like Star Wars can attract and it is the passion, talent and unmistakable scenic beauty of this county that will insure that this golden era of film in the county continues for many years to come.
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