“A Simple Killing”, “6 Minutes”, “Eldritch Karaoke”, “Picture Day”, and “Where It All Began” Selected for Louth International Film Festival 2024

Emer is delighted to have scored five of the titles that will be featured as part of the Louth International Film Festival 2024 as follows:

Short Programme 1 - Friday 27th Sept, IMC Cinema, 1.15pm

“Eldritch Karaoke” made its world premiere at The 36th Annual Galway Film Fleadh in 2024.

The film is written, directed and produced by Joe Loftus, and features an original score and song by Emer Landers. It begins with a woman who is hit by a car while walking home alone at night, and follows her journey as she descends into a chaotic, musical afterlife.

The music is a core part of the film’s storyline, and features additional vocals from members of the Musical Theatre Society “Entracte” recorded by Ben Cully, alongside a performance from the Budapest Scoring Orchestra. The mix was done by John Elleson-Hartley.

“Picture Day” premiered at the LA Shorts International Film Festival 2023 , and also screened at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival and Chicago Irish Film Festival 2024. It was recently awarded ‘Best Family Film’ at the Healdsburg International Short Film Festival 2023 and was shortlisted for Best Irish Short Film at Kinsale Shark Awards 2023. Emer was also nominated for Best Score at the 16th Underground Cinema Film Awards 2024 for her work on the film.

Written and directed by Jason Branagan and produced by Emer Durcan for Western Front Studios, Picture Day tells the story of a young boy Milo (Charlie Duffy) who is tormented by his insecurities which manifest in the form of a troll called Alan (played by Joe McGucken). The original score by Emer Landers is a blend of fantastical and comedic moments, and is inspired by orchestral scores from children’s films of the early 90s.

The film also stars Fiona O’Carroll, Aisling Kearns and Peter McGann. Other key crew on Picture Day include cinematographer Brian Durcan, production designer Evelyn Hassett, art director Stephen O’Halloran, costume designer Kate O’Doherty and make-up artist Jean-Louise Keady.

Short Programme 4 - Sunday 29th - An Tain 2, 1.50pm

“A Simple Killing” will make its Irish debut, after making its world premiere at Raindance Film Festival in London earlier this year. The short is an ambitious horror film directed by Jason Branagan, written by Mark Conway, and produced by Emer Durcan of Western Front Studios and Mark de Carreau of Five Line Films. It was shot on location at Bellefield House and Gardens in Shinrone, county Offaly, and was awarded €10,000 by the Film Offaly Short Film Bursary 2023. It stars Daphne Cheung, Claire Gavin, and Aidan O'Callaghan. Brian Durcan handled cinematography, and Irish stunt coordination company Total Stunts oversaw the stunt work and armory.

“6 Minutes” also makes its worldwide premiere at the festival. The film was written, directed, and stars Suzanne Vachet, and was supported by the Actor as Creator fund. It follows the experience of a fearful young woman as she makes her way home through dark city streets. While waiting alone at a secluded bus stop, she is approached by a menacing stranger.

Short Programme 5 - Sunday 29th - An Tain 1, 3.20pm

“Where It All Began” made its world premiere at The 36th Annual Galway Film Fleadh in 2024.

The film follows the experience of a transgender woman (Laylah Beattie) as she arrives in her rural hometown for her mother’s funeral and is met by the father (Lalor Roddy) she left behind. It was written and directed by Alan Dunne, and produced by Lee-Loi Chieng, Jayne Delahunt, Eoin Quinn, and Alan Dunne.

Louth International Film Festival (LIFF) runs from September 27th – 29th. Presented by the Louth Filmmakers Society in collaboration with An Táin Art Centre and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). LIFF stands as a testament to its commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers and showcasing captivating, evocative cinema from around the world. From gripping documentaries to captivating dramas and animations, LIFF celebrates the power of visual storytelling. Join the LIFF 2024 for three days of awe-inspiring films, engaging discussions, and unforgettable moments.