'Huge milestone' for Limerick filmmaker at international awards
It's not me, It's him, won Best Short Film in All Categories at this year's MEI International Film Festival
Limerick actor and producer Kenneth Barry has received global recognition for his filmmaking, earning an international award for his original short film.
The Janesboro man's production, It's not me, It's him, won Best Short Film in All Categories at this year's MEI International Film Awards- an achievement Kenneth considers to be "a huge milestone" in his career.
"Opening that email to see my short film had won best short film in all categories was overwhelming and is something I won't forget. It'll be a long road ahead, as my short film is entered into various film festivals, and I look forward to winning more and sharing my film with everybody at the end," the filmmaker shared.
The Mei International Film Festival is an annual event that celebrates the art of filmmaking from around the world. It showcases a diverse range of films across all genres, under 180 minutes in length.
Exploring the theme of drug addiction, Kenneth said his production highlights how addiction 'does not discriminate, whether you're a rich man, poor man, woman or child'.
The film also places particular focus on the devastating effects inflicted on the family members of those battling with frequent drug use.
Kenneth starred in the role of Dennis – a husband and father to two sons – alongside actress Elaine Stokes, who played Dennis' wife Leanne.
Actor Eoin Daly provided the voiceover for the drug addiction, while Joseph Barry and Reece Daly played the two sons.
Currently a member of Tatiana Evonuk's Acting Academy, Kenneth began his acting education in 2022 when he attended Nigel Mercier's Limerick School of Acting.
The lifelong Janesboro resident said the international award comes as a "remarkable achievement for all involved".
"None of this would have been possible without the production team, which included Jamie Burke, who was responsible for cinematography and Desmond Nolan, who was responsible for the final editing. I am extremely grateful for all the support I received in my production," Kenneth explained.
The Edmund Rice College alumnus has no plans of slowing down, as he "sees many more successes in (his) future".
“I am so proud of all of my achievements to date, from shooting my own short film to getting a major role in "Drummer Boy The Musical", which is released in theatres this November 6th. Working alongside Charles Esten, Joel Smallbone and Beth Amery was absolutely amazing,” Kenneth concluded.