4th Lasair Award Launched

Filmbase and TG4 have announced the deadline for the 4th round of Lasair, the award scheme for short films made in the Irish language.

Up to six films will be produced, and the fund has been doubled so that there is €20,000 available per film.

Dramas, animation and other fictional work in Irish or Irish/English are welcome, and should be shot on DVCam and finished for TV broadcast. Submissions should include the application form, which can be downloaded from the Filmbase web site. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm, Monday 19th of November.

The aim of Lasair is to encourage emerging filmmakers to express their creativity through the development of imaginative short films. Since it was launched in 2001, it has led to the production of 17 Irish language short films in a range of genres. Films made through the scheme include James Finlan's black and white film noir spoof Éireville, Declan de Barra's animation An Fiach Dubh and Colm Bairéad's poignant drama Mac an Athar. Audiences will be familiar with the 2003 hit Yu Ming is Ainm Dom which was also made under the scheme. This short, directed by Daniel O'Hara, has screened worldwide and has scooped numerous awards at festivals including the Aspen Shortsfest (2004), Galway Film Fleadh (2003) and the Celtic Film and Television Festival (2004).

Director O'Hara has acknowledged that "the Lasair scheme gave me my first opportunity to direct drama with Yu Ming Is Ainm Dom and it was an important stepping stone to TV drama work like The Clinic and Paddywhackery. Without the Filmbase schemes it would be very difficult for young crews to raise the budget to make a short film. It's an invaluable learning experience, as well as a chance to show what you can do."