Limerick Film Projects Receive €25,000 Boost in Funding

Two filmmaking teams from Limerick have secured a total of €25,000 in funding through the ENGINE Shorts Awards scheme. This initiative aims to support emerging film talent in the Mid West region of Ireland. The current edition marks the third iteration of this short film training and production program, with projects selected from Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary.

One of the awarded projects, titled Drowning, is a short drama written by Charlotte Wall. The film, produced by Gill McNamara and directed by Darragh O’Flanagan, follows a lifeguard who becomes a casualty in a rescue gone awry. As she confronts her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to save a life, she embarks on a journey of self-redemption. Wall described Drowning as “a deeply emotional film that is ultimately about hope – the hope that we can find the strength to overcome our deepest struggles.” She added, “To make this film with a cast and crew that feel just as passionately about it as I do is a dream come true.”

Alongside Drowning, the psychological horror film Moloch explores the life of Malachy Lambert, an artist and academic who experiences a psychotic break during the opening night of his new exhibition. As rumours of inappropriate behaviour with students circulate, the tension escalates. Written by Shane Vaughan, directed by Meghan O’Shaughnessy, and produced by Jamie Hooper, this film aims to delve into the themes of paranoia and rumour. O’Shaughnessy expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We can’t wait to bring something visually striking and emotionally intense to the screen.”

The Engine Shorts Awards is organized by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick. It collaborates with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, local authorities in Limerick, Clare, and Tipperary, as well as the three Local Enterprise Offices in the Mid West. From a competitive pool of nearly 100 applicants, six teams were ultimately chosen through a rigorous pitch process judged by industry professionals. The panel included respected figures such as Charlene Lydon, a producer and programmer, Gillian Cooper, head of distribution at WildCard Distribution, and acclaimed script and story editor Kate Leys.

Production for the six selected films will take place across the Mid West in the coming months, with completion aimed before the end of the year. The finished works are intended for submission to both national and international film festivals.

Commenting on the selected projects, Paul C Ryan, regional manager of Film in Limerick, remarked, “Engine Shorts continues to unlock incredible creative potential across the Mid West. Each edition strengthens the region’s reputation as a centre of excellence for filmmaking, and we’re proud to support the next generation of Irish storytellers.”

With the backing of the ENGINE Shorts Awards, these films are poised to contribute significantly to the vibrant arts scene, showcasing the talent and creativity present in the Mid West.