Young Filmmaker Debuts Short Film “Lyra” in Kilkenny Premiere

A young filmmaker from Kilkenny has celebrated the premiere of her debut short film, titled Lyra, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience. The event took place at Billy Byrne’s on John Street, where cast, crew, friends, and family gathered for a special screening of the 25-minute film, which was entirely shot in Kilkenny.

Lyra is a coming-of-age story that explores the universal challenges faced by teenagers. The film was shot in various well-known locations around Kilkenny, including RollerCoaster Records, the Peace Park, and Kilkenny Castle, during August 2023. The soundtrack features music from emerging Irish bands, adding depth to the storytelling.

Lorna West, the film’s writer, producer, and editor, is currently in her fifth year at Kilkenny College. She is also a member of Young Irish FilmMakers. West expressed her passion for the creative process, noting that she first shared her film idea on TikTok, which garnered significant interest. “We received a huge response, with over 100 people wanting to audition for the cast and crew,” she said.

The production of Lyra stands out, especially considering it was created entirely on a voluntary basis without any budget. West highlighted the support received from local businesses and venues, stating, “We are really grateful to the businesses and venues that hosted us.”

Celebration of Emerging Talent

At the film’s premiere, attendees enjoyed live music from the bands featured in the soundtrack, creating a celebratory atmosphere for the young talents involved. The event was a significant milestone for West, who shared her initial nerves about the launch. “I was so nervous before the launch but was blown away by the audience’s reaction to Lyra. Hopefully, this is the beginning of something. I love storytelling, and it was amazing to adapt this from an idea into a production,” she remarked.

The positive reception of Lyra not only underscores the potential of young filmmakers in Kilkenny but also highlights the collaborative spirit within the community. As the film continues to garner attention, West’s journey as a filmmaker is just beginning, promising exciting possibilities for her future endeavors.