28/02/2008

Irish surf documentary Wave Riders by Joel Conroy won the Audience Award at the 2008 Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (JDIFF), pipping Dambé - The Mali Project to the post.

Festival CEO Joanne O’Hagan said, “I’m overwhelmed and delighted! As a totally indigenous project funded on the island of Ireland, it is great to get recognition on home turf in the biggest film festival in Ireland. With so many big films and big filmmakers it is a real honour to win this award for everyone involved in the film.” Both Wave Riders and The Mali Project received funding from the Irish Film Board.

The sixth edition of the festival closed on Sunday 24 with the premiere of Irish film Eden, attended by writer Eugene O’Brien, director Declan Recks, and cast members Aidan Kelly and Eileen Walsh.

The event marked the end of a highly successful festival, with guests over the 10 days including Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Stuart Townsend, Charlize Theron, Daniel Day Lewis, Marianne Faithfull, U2, Liam O’Maoinlai, Jonas Mekas, Mike Leigh and John Sayles amongst many others.

The festival, first for new Festival Director Grainne Humphreys, showcased over 100 features from 33 countries, and attracted substantial audiences.

Humphreys said, “It has been extremely encouraging to see such an enthusiastic response to the festival programme from the general public, the media and the industry, both in Ireland and abroad. A diverse programme of films from around the world, increased attendance figures, the success of our industry and educational events, as well as a wide range of inspirational filmmakers, has made this a hugely enjoyable and successful festival.”