"Picture Day" and "Forever Hold Your Peace" selected to screen at Richard Harris International Film Festival 2023

Two films that Emer scored have been selected to screen at the Richard Harris International Film Festival 2023. “Picture Day” (Dir. Jason Branagan) will have its Irish premiere at the festival and “Forever Hold Your Peace” (Dir. Jason Branagan) will have its final festival screening after a successful run.

Picture Day premiered at the LA Shorts International Film Festival 2023 earlier this year, and also screened at Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival . 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.

“Forever Hold Your Peace” most recently won “Best Irish Short Film” at the Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival 2023. Emer was also nominated for the “Best Score” award Lead Actress Tina Kelleher was also recognised for her work in the film and was nominated for “Best Actress”.

Emer previously received a nomination for Best Score at the 13th Underground Cinema Awards 2022 for her work on this film, and it was also nominated in a five additional categories at this festival (Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design).

The film was named the 1st Runner Up at the Oscar and BAFTA-qualifying Light In Motion Awards Competition as part of the prestigious Foyle Film Festival 2022. She spoke about her experience working on the score as part of a panel on “Composing for Short Film” with the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland at the IndieCork Festival 2022.