Writer-director Rebecca Miller will be honoured for her work at this year’s Kerry Film Festival, it emerged today.
Daughter of renowned US playwright Arthur Miller and wife of actor Daniel Day-Lewis, she will be presented with the Maureen O’Hara award recognising women who have excelled in film.
Jason O’Mahony, festival director, paid tribute to Miller saying they were thrilled to have her at the nine-day event.
“We are deeply honoured that Rebecca Miller will accept this year’s Maureen O’Hara award,” said Mr O’ Mahony.
“She’s such a wonderfully talented director and has a uniquely independent voice, I’m absolutely delighted that she’s coming to Kerry and am really looking forward to the festival.”
The Maureen O’Hara award - named after one of Ireland’s best known and best loved acting greats - was presented for the first time last year by director Jim Sheridan to Brenda Fricker.
Miller, director of The Private Lives of Pippa Leeand The Ballad of Jack and Rose, will receive the award at a star studded ceremony.
The main feature of the festival is a short film competition which focuses on young directors looking to showcase their work.
More than 500 films have been submitted to the event this year which has a top prize of €5,000.
It’s not yet known who will judge the competition but past adjudicators have included Liam Neeson, Kirsten Sheridan, Mike Leigh, Jim Sheridan and Gabriel Byrne.
Mr O’Mahony said: “Last year was a huge success, in terms of both the numbers of screenings and the audience that came. But we’re pretty confident that 2009 can even top that.”
The festival, now in its 10th year, takes place in the county from October 31st to November 8th.
PA