merrion street

Jimmy Deenihan TD Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will (tomorrow), Thursday 23 August, 2012 officially open the Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival, at the Charlie Chaplin Statue, Waterville, Co Kerry.

Speaking in advance Minister Deenihan said: "Great credit is due to the Chaplin family for their support and also for the co-operation of The Chaplin Estate in facilitating this film festival. Now in its second year, it has proved to be a tremendous economic and promotional boost to this area of South Kerry"

The programme of events this year is very comprehensive and one of the highlights of the Festival will be the screening of 'Irish Destiny' a 1926 Irish Silent Film recently restored by the Irish Film Institute along with the live score to that film which will be played by Micheál O Súilleabháin. Micheál was commissioned to compose the score to the film as part of the restoration project. Some Buster Keaton classics will be also be shown during the festival.

The Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival is a non-profit making organisation run by a voluntary committee. This organisation is committed to bringing attention to established and upcoming film makers. It is done primarily for the love of art.

"South Kerry is a breathtakingly beautiful area and it has inspired great art in all of its forms for generations. Festivals such as this are an opportunity to emphasise the central role art and creativity can play in our lives. The reward is that visitors to the area will be spoilt for choice with exhibitions, screenings, lectures, family events and workshops going on during the festival" concluded Minister Deenihan.