Huge financial boost for emerging Limerick film projects

ENGINE Shorts, the short film training and production scheme for emerging film talent in the Mid-West, has awarded €12,500 respectively to two filmmaking teams in Limerick.

From a pool of nearly 100 applicants, six teams in the region were commissioned following a competitive pitch process judged by film industry experts: Charlene Lydon, Gillian Cooper and Kate Leys. Two standout projects in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary were selected, ensuring strong regional representation.

Production of the films is taking place over the coming months across the Mid-West. The films will be completed before the end of the year and then submitted to national and international film festivals.

Commenting on the winning projects, Regional Film Manager, Paul C Ryan, said: “Engine Shorts continues to unlock incredible creative potential across the Mid-West... We’re seeing real careers begin here, and the projects represent a new wave of bold, creative storytelling rooted in the region.”

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Writer Shane Vaughan, producer Jamie Hooper and director Meghan O'Shaughnessy will film their short Moloch in Limerick. It's the story of Malachy Lambert, artist and academic, who suffers a psychotic break on the opening night of his new exhibition as a rumour of inappropriate behaviour with students takes on a life of its own.

Meanwhile, writer Charlotte Wall, producer Gill McNamara and director Darragh O'Flanagan will produce their short drama Drowning, which tells the story of a lifeguard who becomes a casualty in a rescue gone wrong. She must face her PTSD to save a life and redeem herself in her own eyes.

Director Meghan O'Shaughnessy said: “Moloch is a psychological horror that dives into paranoia and rumour - set in Limerick city, we can’t wait to bring something visually striking and emotionally intense to the screen.” Filming of the Engine Short Films is now underway.