Two Laois filmmakers had a premiere at Dublin International Film Festival

Two Laois film makers, Laura Cullen from Mountrath and Robert O’Sullivan from Ballyfin had their short film Finding Company premiered at the First Frame event at Dublin International Film Festival this afternoon.

The two University College Cork students wrote, directed and produced their short film during lockdown for their final year project in 2021.

'Finding Company' is set during covid lockdown and follows college student Mark, played by the fantastic Morgan Comerford, who is left alone in his college accommodation for months. Mark attempts to fight his loneliness and feelings of isolation as lockdown draws on. However, his new found companions are not what they first appeared to be.

Image from Finding Company below.

Laura told the Leinster Express all about it.

"We both studied Film and Screen Media in University College Cork for three years, and we were asked to create a film for our thesis. We both graduated from the course in November 2021 and I am currently doing my Masters in Interactive Media in UCC.

"I was the producer and cinematographer for this film, and Robert wrote, directed and edited it. On Tuesday morning I received an email from our film lecturer Dan O'Connell letting me know that 'Finding Company' had been chosen to be premiered at the First Frame event at this year's Dublin International Film Festival. It premiered online on February 24 at 11am and also simultaneously at the First Frame event in Dublin.

"Having 'Finding Company' chosen to be a part of this incredible festival is surreal, and unbelievably exciting. Having recently graduated with a BA in Film it is an honour to have been selected for such an esteemed festival, as it is something that I could never have imagined happening so soon. It was an amazing feeling watching something I was a part of on the big screen for the first time, and with any luck this won't be the last time," she said.

"Robert and I have worked together on several projects throughout our time in UCC, including a documentary in second year and a music video in final year also. Robert was brilliant as the director, writer and editor of this film, and it was a pleasure to bring his story to life with him.

"I hope to continue making movies and gaining new skills as I progress in my career, and will hopefully get to see more of my work play out on the big screen, as this was a dream come true," Laura said.

Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival runs from February 23 - March 6 in cinemas and with a selection of films also available online.

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