Wexford Documentary Film Festival

Festival at Home 2020

(19 September – 31 October)

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Wexford Documentary Film Festival 2020, what a year! Against all the odds we are delighted we managed to produce an amazing Festival at Home edition of WDFF. The festival team took great pleasure in meeting our audience on their door steps as we travelled the roads and lane ways across County Wexford to deliver films. At a time when opportunities and access to culture had been curtailed, we received such a genuine warm welcome and positive feedback from people. The festival commissioned filmmaker Cian Brennan to document some moments from the Festival at Home event which can be viewed above.

The success of the festival is dependent on the quality of the amazing talented filmmakers who screen at our festival each year. This year we received over 2,500 submissions from 119 different countries across the globe in the Open Submissions category. As always it’s a tough job with such great talent to choose from but we have counted the votes and the festival jury are delighted to announce the following films are winners of this years awards.

Awards categories WDFF 2020

Denis Collins Film Award – 20 Yards from a Crow Director Al Butler

Grand Jury Award – Nae Pasaran Director Felipe Bustos Sierra

Spirit of Festival Award – Following the Ninth Director Kerry Candaele

Best International short film – 72 Trees Directors Helena Doyle, Educardo Cassina

Best Irish short film – I Modh Rúin Director Ríonach Ní Néill

Best International student short film – Who is Drag? Director Jen Davison

Best Irish student short film – Camphill: A Community without Walls Director Anna Mc Donagh

Best International 3 min film challenge – I am a Suitcase Directors Malas Twins

Best Irish 3 min film challenge – Breakdown Director Ingrid Machado

Best Wexford 3 min film – Expiry Date Director Karolina Kraus

Best student 3 min film challenge – The Swallow Man Director Javier Fuenmayor Garces

Best Irish Human Rights Film – Delivery Directors Bryan Gerard Duffy, Emmet Sheerin

Best Marine Themed film – Waiting for the Tide Director Pippa Kinneen

Thanks to all the filmmakers, funders, sponsors and supporters who made this unique edition of Wexford Documentary Film Festival 2020 possible. We look forward to a time when we can all collectively come together to watch films.

Take care.

The Festival Team.

Films

2020

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Following the Ninth

Following the Ninth follows the dramatic and inspirational stories of four people whose lives have been transformed by Beethoven’s message in his celebrated Ninth Symphony.

This film tells the story of four Scotsmen in 1974 who refused to service and repair engines for the Chilean air force’s British-made Hawker Hunter jet fighters. Following Chile's return to democracy, they were awarded the highest honour which the Chilean government can bestow on foreigners, the Order of Bernardo O’Higgins.

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Nae Pasaran

This film tells the story of four Scotsmen in 1974 who refused to service and repair engines for the Chilean air force’s British-made Hawker Hunter jet fighters. Following Chile’s return to democracy, they were awarded the highest honour which the Chilean government can bestow on foreigners, the Order of Bernardo O’Higgins.

Artist as Activist short film selection

2020

Spread the Wings Sisters Maggie and Nora are from the Irish Traveller community – an indigenous nomadic ethnic minority group. Although forced off the road in the 1980s with the introduction of anti-trespass legislation, Maggie and Nora still travel back to Connemara (West Galway, Ireland) every summer to rekindle their connection with the land. With their caravans pulled up on the side of the road they recall a childhood spent in the area, lamenting the loss of loved ones, a close-knit community and the travelling way of life. However, their culture endures in nature and ritual; and the wings of their grand-nephew Connie. Alice McDowell, Ireland, 12 mins.

Spread the Wings

Sisters Maggie and Nora are from the Irish Traveller community – an indigenous nomadic ethnic minority group. Although forced off the road in the 1980s with the introduction of anti-trespass legislation, Maggie and Nora still travel back to Connemara (West Galway, Ireland) every summer to rekindle their connection with the land. With their caravans pulled up on the side of the road they recall a childhood spent in the area, lamenting the loss of loved ones, a close-knit community and the travelling way of life. However, their culture endures in nature and ritual; and the wings of their grand-nephew Connie. Alice McDowell, Ireland, 12 mins.
The Roulette The action takes place in the surrounded Sarajevo (1992-1995). It was driven through empty streets where death lurked. Recording was repeated 26 years after the siege, but this time through the streets with peace and prosperity Director: Sejo Bajraktarević Bosnia Herzegovina

The Roulette

The action takes place in the surrounded Sarajevo (1992-1995). It was driven through empty streets where death lurked. Recording was repeated 26 years after the siege, but this time through the streets with peace and prosperity Director: Sejo Bajraktarević Bosnia Herzegovina
Incidents – Way home An autobiographical film about men getting in the way, divided into three chapters; 12 years, 18 years and 24 years. Each chapter is about an incident of sexual harassment when director Jessica is on her way home. Jessica Laurén Sweden 7 mins

Incidents – Way home

An autobiographical film about men getting in the way, divided into three chapters; 12 years, 18 years and 24 years. Each chapter is about an incident of sexual harassment when director Jessica is on her way home. Jessica Laurén Sweden 7 mins
I Modh Ruin What would compel you to go against the status quo and bring up your family as Irish speakers in English-speaking Ireland of the 1950s to 1980s? In I Modh Rúin (in secret), Ríonach Ní Néill blends film, dance, interviews and music to tell the story of five women who did just that. Director: Ríonach Ní Néill Ireland 11 mins.

I Modh Ruin

What would compel you to go against the status quo and bring up your family as Irish speakers in English-speaking Ireland of the 1950s to 1980s? In I Modh Rúin (in secret), Ríonach Ní Néill blends film, dance, interviews and music to tell the story of five women who did just that. Director: Ríonach Ní Néill Ireland 11 mins.
Who Is Drag 'Who Is Drag' is about what Drag means to those that do it. It's about the community, diversity, and freedom that is found within Drag. A short poetic documentary about Drag and Drag performers. Made entirely during lockdown and self-isolation, but focused on what brings us together. Director Biography -Jen Davison I'm a trans woman from Northern Ireland. I knew I was trans before I knew that being trans is something that exists. I had immense difficulty articulating this to those around me. Not having the ability to communicate my feelings to the world around me is a horribly isolating experience.I think it's because of this fact that I was drawn to filmmaking. I can sympathize with the feeling of not being heard. I want to be able to give lesser represented groups the voice and the platform they deserve. JEN DAVISON, United Kingdom, 8 Mins.

Who Is Drag

'Who Is Drag' is about what Drag means to those that do it. It's about the community, diversity, and freedom that is found within Drag. A short poetic documentary about Drag and Drag performers. Made entirely during lockdown and self-isolation, but focused on what brings us together. Director Biography -Jen Davison I'm a trans woman from Northern Ireland. I knew I was trans before I knew that being trans is something that exists. I had immense difficulty articulating this to those around me. Not having the ability to communicate my feelings to the world around me is a horribly isolating experience.I think it's because of this fact that I was drawn to filmmaking. I can sympathize with the feeling of not being heard. I want to be able to give lesser represented groups the voice and the platform they deserve. JEN DAVISON, United Kingdom, 8 Mins.
Delivery Can justice be delivered for the Sahrawi people? Delivery is a short documentary about Morocco’s brutal occupation of Western Sahara, the exploitation of its natural resources, and the struggle for Sahrawi freedom. Directors: Bryan Gerard Duffy, Emmet Sheerin Ireland

Delivery

Can justice be delivered for the Sahrawi people? Delivery is a short documentary about Morocco’s brutal occupation of Western Sahara, the exploitation of its natural resources, and the struggle for Sahrawi freedom. Directors: Bryan Gerard Duffy, Emmet Sheerin Ireland
72 Trees This is a story about a transaction. Two ‘underemployed hipsters’ take on a challenge set by ‘the richest living artist’: visit all eleven galleries around the world showing his spot paintings while the exhibition is on, and win a print made by his assistants and signed by him. 72 Trees explores the absurdity of markets, the people they meet on their journey and the aftermath Directors: Helena Doyle, Eduardo Cassina United Kingdom 35 mins.

72 Trees

This is a story about a transaction. Two ‘underemployed hipsters’ take on a challenge set by ‘the richest living artist’: visit all eleven galleries around the world showing his spot paintings while the exhibition is on, and win a print made by his assistants and signed by him. 72 Trees explores the absurdity of markets, the people they meet on their journey and the aftermath Directors: Helena Doyle, Eduardo Cassina United Kingdom 35 mins.
All I believe happened there was vision The film emerged from a period of research with the National Folklore Collection at University College Dublin, exploring representations of the otherworld in the oral tradition. The film searches out these otherworld's in the modern Irish state, surveying free zones, data centres, utopian housing projects and large infrastructural developments. Taking the form of a travelogue we visit these sites of mythological importance and examine their role in the formation of a national imaginary. Director: Frank Sweeney Ireland 22 mins. http://franksweeney.art/All-I-believe-happened-there-was-vision

All I believe happened there was vision

The film emerged from a period of research with the National Folklore Collection at University College Dublin, exploring representations of the otherworld in the oral tradition. The film searches out these otherworld's in the modern Irish state, surveying free zones, data centres, utopian housing projects and large infrastructural developments. Taking the form of a travelogue we visit these sites of mythological importance and examine their role in the formation of a national imaginary. Director: Frank Sweeney Ireland 22 mins. http://franksweeney.art/All-I-believe-happened-there-was-vision
Landline Landline is a short documentary about the only helpline in the UK for gay farmers. Through a series of recorded telephone conversations and reconstructive visuals, the film uses the helpline as a lens through which to view the experiences of LGBTQ people in the British farming community Director: Matt Houghton United Kingdom Trailer: https://vimeo.com/326306801

Landline

Landline is a short documentary about the only helpline in the UK for gay farmers. Through a series of recorded telephone conversations and reconstructive visuals, the film uses the helpline as a lens through which to view the experiences of LGBTQ people in the British farming community Director: Matt Houghton United Kingdom Trailer: https://vimeo.com/326306801

Wexford based short film selection

2020

Camphill: A Community Without Walls Camphill - a community without walls is a short film that looks at Camphill Duffcarrig in Ballymoney, Co Wexford which is part of an International movement working with people with intellectual difficulties and special needs. The film was created with the assistance of Jackson McQuade , James Kelly and Michaela Byrne. Director Anna McDonagh, Wexford ( Gorey School of Art)

Camphill: A Community Without Walls

Camphill - a community without walls is a short film that looks at Camphill Duffcarrig in Ballymoney, Co Wexford which is part of an International movement working with people with intellectual difficulties and special needs. The film was created with the assistance of Jackson McQuade , James Kelly and Michaela Byrne. Director Anna McDonagh, Wexford ( Gorey School of Art)
The Honeyflow Bees, what are they? What are they thinking? Why are they looking at me like that?! Ew get away or I’ll call my dad. If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions look no further than Tomás McIntyre’s critically acclaimed rollercoaster of a documentary, The Honeyflow. It’s got bees. Everywhere you look bees will be crawling out to get you. Watch your back. Director: Tomás McIntyre Wexford, Ireland

The Honeyflow

Bees, what are they? What are they thinking? Why are they looking at me like that?! Ew get away or I’ll call my dad. If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions look no further than Tomás McIntyre’s critically acclaimed rollercoaster of a documentary, The Honeyflow. It’s got bees. Everywhere you look bees will be crawling out to get you. Watch your back. Director: Tomás McIntyre Wexford, Ireland
Waiting for the tide Waiting for Tide follows the daily lives of three fishermen in the town of Aberystwyth and the relationship they have with each other and the sea. Director Pippa Kinneen, Sound Design Huw Lewis, Cinematography and editor Rose Ten Donkelar

Waiting for the tide

Waiting for Tide follows the daily lives of three fishermen in the town of Aberystwyth and the relationship they have with each other and the sea. Director Pippa Kinneen, Sound Design Huw Lewis, Cinematography and editor Rose Ten Donkelar
Save our Sylvia Loosely based on a true story of three individuals' attempt to save the beloved Sylvia. Director: Dominic Tazer Palmer Wexford Ireland

Save our Sylvia

Loosely based on a true story of three individuals' attempt to save the beloved Sylvia. Director: Dominic Tazer Palmer Wexford Ireland
20 yards from a crow Ricky Whelan looks at the world of Crows that exists around us. Filmed in Portlaoise and Wexford. Director: Al Butler Wexford Ireland 10 mins.

20 yards from a crow

Ricky Whelan looks at the world of Crows that exists around us. Filmed in Portlaoise and Wexford. Director: Al Butler Wexford Ireland 10 mins.

3 Minute Film Challenge

2020

Moth A group of Hong Kong people trying to stop an unjust law and protect their rights from the biggest dictatorship in the world. Five demands, not one less. Director Biography - Wai Ying Tiffany Tong, Hong Kong (S)

Moth

A group of Hong Kong people trying to stop an unjust law and protect their rights from the biggest dictatorship in the world. Five demands, not one less. Director Biography - Wai Ying Tiffany Tong, Hong Kong (S)
(DON'T) Play 2 children working at a toy workshop. Kids get charmed by the allure of the toys and start playing. But supervisor notices and interupts kids playing. And tell them to go back to work. Director Biography - Serkan Kaya, Turkey

(DON'T) Play

2 children working at a toy workshop. Kids get charmed by the allure of the toys and start playing. But supervisor notices and interupts kids playing. And tell them to go back to work. Director Biography - Serkan Kaya, Turkey
Lockdown A 90 second film made during the Covid-19 lockdown, looking ahead to life after lockdown. Director Jamie Hughes, United Kingdom

Lockdown

A 90 second film made during the Covid-19 lockdown, looking ahead to life after lockdown. Director Jamie Hughes, United Kingdom
The swallow man When we pay attention to the details, we are able to see the beauty surrounding us. Director - Javier Fuenmayor Garcés, Spain (S)

The swallow man

When we pay attention to the details, we are able to see the beauty surrounding us. Director - Javier Fuenmayor Garcés, Spain (S)
Breakdown The alter ego of a stressed and isolated man intervenes to help him through the lockdown. Ingrid Machado Director, Ireland

Breakdown

The alter ego of a stressed and isolated man intervenes to help him through the lockdown. Ingrid Machado Director, Ireland
CUTS. Culture, food for our soul The continuous cuts to the arts are weakening the structure of our society and as they increase, fewer and fewer people have the tools to understand the magnitude and the measuring of the losses; on the other hand, today there is a common belief that television is to provide guidance and dictates decreeing what is right or wrong ... In a country where there is no culture there can be no democracy. Director Biography - Renato Giugliano, Italy

CUTS. Culture, food for our soul

The continuous cuts to the arts are weakening the structure of our society and as they increase, fewer and fewer people have the tools to understand the magnitude and the measuring of the losses; on the other hand, today there is a common belief that television is to provide guidance and dictates decreeing what is right or wrong ... In a country where there is no culture there can be no democracy. Director Biography - Renato Giugliano, Italy
Goalie During a football goalkeeper's frustration of being unable to get involved in the action, his pole breaks. He tries to show that he is meant for more than 'just' a goalkeeper. However, he quickly comes to realize that the goalkeeper position is an extremely important part of the team and game. Director Biography - Maarten Lemmens, United States (S)

Goalie

During a football goalkeeper's frustration of being unable to get involved in the action, his pole breaks. He tries to show that he is meant for more than 'just' a goalkeeper. However, he quickly comes to realize that the goalkeeper position is an extremely important part of the team and game. Director Biography - Maarten Lemmens, United States (S)
I am a suitcase A refugee has currently arrived to France.He is accompanied with his own suitcase. Every day he takes a coffee, goes to the theater, and learns French with his suitcase. Director MALAS TWINS, Syrian Arab Republic

I am a suitcase

A refugee has currently arrived to France.He is accompanied with his own suitcase. Every day he takes a coffee, goes to the theater, and learns French with his suitcase. Director MALAS TWINS, Syrian Arab Republic
The car race A thrilling campus car race Director Biography - Donghai, China

The car race

A thrilling campus car race Director Biography - Donghai, China
Legacy An archeology student at his workplace is preparing his research Director - Mojtaba Mirali Rezaei, Iran

Legacy

An archeology student at his workplace is preparing his research Director - Mojtaba Mirali Rezaei, Iran
DIALOG Dialog presents an intriguing communication through the soul of the streets and the tireless workforce of the city of Mumbai. The musical short film infuses organic sounds into poignant melodies to tell a story in the form of lore. Dialog initiates a conversation on the efficacies of the grit and the vehemence with which the various workers, hawkers and labourers of the city earn their daily bread. The film draws inspiration from the famous words of Plato: "Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul" Director Biography - SOUVIK CHAKRABORTY, India

DIALOG

Dialog presents an intriguing communication through the soul of the streets and the tireless workforce of the city of Mumbai. The musical short film infuses organic sounds into poignant melodies to tell a story in the form of lore. Dialog initiates a conversation on the efficacies of the grit and the vehemence with which the various workers, hawkers and labourers of the city earn their daily bread. The film draws inspiration from the famous words of Plato: "Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul" Director Biography - SOUVIK CHAKRABORTY, India
Drown Out Director Biography - Meisam Mozafari, Iran

Drown Out

Director Biography - Meisam Mozafari, Iran
Follow What if your followers turned into real people? Director Biography - Simone Tringali, Ireland (S)

Follow

What if your followers turned into real people? Director Biography - Simone Tringali, Ireland (S)
It's Alive A short musical film about the battle between pain and love. Aaron O'Dea, Ireland

It's Alive

A short musical film about the battle between pain and love. Aaron O'Dea, Ireland
White Walls Audrey is trapped in her parents house during COVID-19 Director - Carol Rotella, United States

White Walls

Audrey is trapped in her parents house during COVID-19 Director - Carol Rotella, United States
The Presence of Absence Bridget longs to know her father who died before she was born. A chance encounter with her estranged aunt at a family wake leads her on a surreal journey into the afterlife to search for her father. A poetic, surreal art film that explores a young girl’s attempts to belong as she struggles with her identity. Guided by an unseen power, Bridget wanders through the dreamlike landscape of the afterlife searching for the father she has never met. The landscapes appear familiar yet strange at the same time. Time appears to be slowed down or frozen and characters are stuck in some form of perpetual dream. They are both present and absent, still yet transient. The dominant role of linear narrative in conventional cinema is replaced by the aesthetic language of film form. Director Biography - Laura Conlon, Ireland

The Presence of Absence

Bridget longs to know her father who died before she was born. A chance encounter with her estranged aunt at a family wake leads her on a surreal journey into the afterlife to search for her father. A poetic, surreal art film that explores a young girl’s attempts to belong as she struggles with her identity. Guided by an unseen power, Bridget wanders through the dreamlike landscape of the afterlife searching for the father she has never met. The landscapes appear familiar yet strange at the same time. Time appears to be slowed down or frozen and characters are stuck in some form of perpetual dream. They are both present and absent, still yet transient. The dominant role of linear narrative in conventional cinema is replaced by the aesthetic language of film form. Director Biography - Laura Conlon, Ireland
Be Free This little Short Film with an easy-to-say but hard-to-experience premise is an ode to everyone who's different, specially those whose life made them different, because they're free. Director Biography - Manuel Hernandez Salazar, Spain

Be Free

This little Short Film with an easy-to-say but hard-to-experience premise is an ode to everyone who's different, specially those whose life made them different, because they're free. Director Biography - Manuel Hernandez Salazar, Spain
Expiry Date Seán and Aoife's plan for a scheduled online date unravels before it even begins with Aoife's co-worker caught in the middle. Director Biography - Karolina Kraus, Ireland (Wex)

Expiry Date

Seán and Aoife's plan for a scheduled online date unravels before it even begins with Aoife's co-worker caught in the middle. Director Biography - Karolina Kraus, Ireland (Wex)
Dream Song - Tao Of Bobo “When the world is your diaper and it’s dirty and full; and the view out your window brings only ennui, expect disappointment, and you never will be.” Dream Song is one of several digital shorts from the Tao Of Bobo series which examine the current existential crisis facing human and animal kind. This particular effort attempts a disambiguation of now. Director Biography - Daniel Appleby, United States

Dream Song - Tao Of Bobo

“When the world is your diaper and it’s dirty and full; and the view out your window brings only ennui, expect disappointment, and you never will be.” Dream Song is one of several digital shorts from the Tao Of Bobo series which examine the current existential crisis facing human and animal kind. This particular effort attempts a disambiguation of now. Director Biography - Daniel Appleby, United States
Every Day How is your day in quarantine going? Sergei Iliutin, Russian Federation

Every Day

How is your day in quarantine going? Sergei Iliutin, Russian Federation