Ardmore Studios Get Into Bed With Wicklow Stories

As the annual short film festival comes to The Whale, the organisers of Wicklow Stories have some exciting news…

We are delighted to announce the partnership between the Wicklow Stories Film Festival and Ardmore Studios, Ireland’s oldest and most iconic film studio.

Ardmore Studios has been the base for many successful Irish and international productions and we are proud to be working with this local, Bray-based institution with such rich heritage and strong ties with local people.

Says a WSFF spokesperson, “This is a very special collaboration. Wicklow is often used to pretend to be other locations, we want to celebrate Wicklow for what it is. Its beauty, its people and its stories.”

This year we are introducing a very special Ardmore Studio Recognition Award which will be announced and presented by Elaine Geraghty, Managing Director of Ardmore Studios, during the evening show on Saturday, October 12th in the Whale Theatre.

“Ardmore Studios has been a resident of Wicklow since 1958,” says Geraghty. “We have a proud history of being part of the community since the gates opened and have seen generations of local families crew film and TV productions over the years, and to this day. Ardmore is very pleased to be invited to partner with the Wicklow Stories Film Festival and together we will recognise and showcase the depth of local talent and creativity that we have on our doorstep.

“We hope that we will see some, or all, of these talented filmmakers bring their work to Ardmore in the future.”

The fact that our submission rate soared by 300% on last year’s numbers, surpassed our wildest expectations. It also reassured us in our initial, strong belief from 3 years ago, that there is a bigger need than ever for an independent Wicklow film festival to showcase these works, that perhaps otherwise would never get a chance to be appreciated by local audiences.

These stories are extraordinary and we have an incredible lineup for you this year. The standard of submissions was extremely high and we are already thinking about expanding the festival next year to accommodate the growing amount of brilliant entries.

Huge congratulations to those chosen for this year’s festival:

⦿ NEXT directed by Gerard Walsh
⦿ Wicklow – A Symphony of Light directed by Rafal Rozalski
⦿ Where It All Began directed by Alan Dunne
https://whaletheatre.ie/⦿ Alive Again directed by Seán Treacy
⦿ Mourning directed by Jackie Walsh
⦿ Take Care Now directed by Richard Childs
⦿ Sonoma directed by Brian Brennan
⦿ Ó Lá Go Lá directed by Stu Teehan
⦿ Shiv. The Seanchaí of Greystones directed by Tim Taylor

The intimate Whale Theatre in Greystones has been home to Wicklow Stories Film Festival for the last 2 years and we are very grateful to Ross McParland, Brian O’Regan, Nikki Barrie and their team for being a dream to work with. This festival wouldn’t be possible without their professionalism and the support of Greystones Town Team.

Taking place on Saturday, October 12th, at both 2pm and 8pm, you can grab your ticket for The Wicklow Stories Film Festival here: https://whaletheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873647760