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Minister Deenihan launches OFFline Film Festival, in the Centre for Creative Practices

Jimmy Deenihan TD Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will (this evening), Thursday 13 September, 2012 officially launch the OFFline Film Festival, at the Centre for Creative Practices, Lower Pembroke St., Dublin

The OFFline Film festival came about after Film Offaly initiated a feasibility study funded by Shannon Development. The festival encourages networking between filmmakers and also encourages networking between Film Festivals such as Galway Film Fleadh and Darklight and allows for the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

"The OFFline Festival is a fine example of good work being done in the field of film making in County Offaly. I admire this type of local activity and it is something in which you should take great pride" said Minister Deenihan

Workshops will be held to help share knowledge and to develop the skill of filmmaking. These workshops will encourage young people to get into filmmaking with the ON SET youth initiative. This initiative is funded by the Arts Council via their Young Ensemble Scheme.

"Film and television production in Ireland provides for increased international investment in our Irish economy, increased employment and positive spin-off effects for promoting Ireland as a tourist destination. It lets us showcase the talented people that we have in our creative industries as well as the natural beauty of our scenery. All of these elements combine to reinforce the importance of the creative industries, and film making in particular to our economic recovery. The extension of Section 481 until the end of 2015 is a very significant vote of confidence in the Irish audiovisual sector" added Minister Deenihan.

Minister Deenihan also acknowledged the hard work and commitment shown by the supporters of the festival - Offaly Local Development Company; the Arts Council; and Offaly County Council.