Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) supported by Creative Ireland, will showcase a bespoke screening of WFT member Mieke Vanmechelen’s film ‘Hungry Hill’ in the unique surroundings of Kenmare Cooperative Mart, 12 August 2023 at 7pm.
‘Hungry Hill’ is a non-fiction feature film co-directed by WFT member and Kerry Filmmaker in Residence, Mieke Vanmechelen and artist and researcher Michael Holly. The film premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh this month to resounding success, and the screening at the Kenmare Livestock Mart promises to be an exceptional event for the local community, guests, and attendees.
Originally from Belgium, Mieke moved to the Beara Peninsula in 1981 at the age of six. Her father was a sheep farmer who moved to South Kerry to try a new way of farming, and Mieke has grown up loving both sheep farming and the local area ever since.
Speaking about the film Mieke said: ‘I wanted to document Kerry sheep farmers and their day-to-day life in this remote community. Part of the aim of the film is to capture something that may not be here in the future. It is also about showcasing the impact that globalisation has had on farming and the effect this has had on our invaluable farming traditions.’
‘Hungry Hill’ is a compelling cinematic experience, offering an insider’s view of the lives of hill farmers in southwest of Ireland. The film aims to give the sheep farmers’ voices a platform and raise awareness about sustainability. It showcases the experiences of brothers Connie and John Doyle, offering insights into the joys and challenges of the sheep farming community. The film also explores personal, political, and environmental themes, and demonstrates the impact of industrial expansion and the lost traditions of sheep farming.
Immediately after the screening there will be a Q&A on ‘The Future of Hill Farming’ moderated by Dan McCarthy (auctioneer/manager at Kenmare Co-operative Mart) with Mieke Vanmechelen, Michael Holly, and farmer Connie Doyle. This will be followed by light refreshments and networking.
‘Hungry Hill’ was funded by an Arts Council Film Project Award, and the event is supported by Creative Ireland in partnership with Kerry International Film Festival.
KIFF is immensely grateful to Creative Ireland as well as their title sponsors, Kerry Airport Ireland, and for the invaluable sponsorship and support received from The Arts Council, Kerry County Council, The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA), Tower Records Ireland, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, Randles Hotel, the Plaza Hotel, the Great Southern Hotel Killarney, Fáilte Ireland and Kerry Broadband, as well as a wealth of local businesses and stakeholders.
Additional Information:
Entry fee: €5, and tickets are available from the Mart Kenmare or online here.
Date & Location:
Saturday, 12 August, 7 pm, Kenmare Livestock Mart, Gortamullen, Kenmare, V93 R761.
Feature photo of Directors Mieke Vanmechelen and Michael Holly, by Boo George.
