Dublin International Film Festival Director, Ms Gráinne Humphreys, was recently presented with the Ordre National du Mérite by France’s Ambassador to Ireland, Mr Stéphane Crouzat. The honour is being bestowed on Ms Humphreys in recognition of her continuous work for the promotion of France-Ireland cultural relations.
The National Order of Merit is a French order of merit with membership awarded by the President of the French Republic. The order was established in 1963 to create an award for French citizens as well as foreign nationals for distinguished civil or military achievements. A maximum of 5,000 individuals can receive the insignia each year.
Ms. Humphreys was awarded the titre of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite at a ceremony at the French Résidence on Wednesday 13 June.
"I am truly delighted to accept this award from Ambassador Crouzat. It is an unexpected honour to share this decoration with French filmmakers I revere such as René Clair and Isabelle Huppert. This decoration represents recognition from a country I have loved since I was a teenager and whose culture continues to inspire and provoke my work. From Agnès Varda and Jeanne Moreau to François Ozon – I am proud of the wonderful French guests and films I have premiered in Dublin."
Gráinne Humphreys
I" am delighted to reward Ms Grainne Humphreys for her continuous commitment to promoting France-Ireland cultural relations. In her role within the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris she contributed strongly to developing the cultural relations between our two countries with a shared passion for French and Irish arts and culture. Through her career, Ms Humphreys has always showed a passion for French culture which she promoted in Ireland in her roles at the Irish Film Institute or at the Dublin International Film Festival."
Stéphane Crouzat – France’s Ambassador to Ireland
The Galway Film Fleadh has announced the five nominees for the 2018 Bingham Ray New Talent Award. The award is given to nominees shortlisted for their work in the fields of Directing, Acting and Producing.
Leading American independent film executive Bingham Ray was a regular at the Fleadh throughout his career at October films, United Artists and Sidney Kimmel. During his visits he gave much of his time to mentoring filmmakers, listening, advising, and encouraging them. The Irish film community benefited hugely from Bingham’s wealth of knowledge across the complete spectrum of the film industry and the many friendships that he made along the way is a testament to his generosity in sharing his experience.
The inaugural Bingham Ray New Talent Award was given to Gerard Barrett in 2013 by Bingham’s daughters, Annabel and Becca, for Pilgrim Hill, which went on to worldwide success. Barrett is returning this year with Limbo. The 2014 award went to producer Anne Marie Naughton, for her work producing the Irish horror film The Canal. Producer Kathryn Kennedy received the 2015 award for My Name is Emily. Seána Kerslake won the 2016 award for her brilliant lead performance in Darren Thornton’s A Date for Mad Mary. Last year the award went to Dafhyd Flynn for his powerful lead performance in Frank Berry’s Michael Inside.
The Nominees for 2018 are:
Aislinn Clarke – Director – The Devil’s Doorway
Brian J. Falconer – Producer – The Dig
Jordanne Jones – Actor – Metal Heart
Martin Beirne – Director – Around Here
Viko Nicki – Director – Cellar Door
The winner of the 2018 Bingham Ray New Talent Award will be announced at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony of the 30th Galway Film Fleadh at 7pm on Sunday July 14th.
The Bingham Ray New Talent Award is presented in association with Magnolia Pictures.
CinÉireann / June 2018 11