Welcome to the second instalment of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival and unlike most sequels this year’s presentation is going to surpass expectations.
Following the remarkable public and industry response to last year’s inaugural Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, with attendance figures exceeding our most optimistic projections, it was decided to present a longer festival, extended to eleven days covering two week-ends for the first time, in more venues than ever before. The addition of dates and venues has facilitated the presentation of an even broader showcase of the best in Irish and World cinema.

On the behalf of the board of directors I wish to both thank and re-welcome our title sponsor Jameson Irish Whiskey for their continued and enhanced support of the event. This re-endorsed partnership has allowed the event to further consolidate its development. I wish to also thank our other sponsors, many of whom have continued their association with the event, including HB Ice Cream, Xtra-vision and the Westin Hotel, and our new sponsors and donors, including UGC Cinemas, Citroën Cars and our new media partner RTÉ who have joined our existing media partner The Irish Times. I would also like to thank the various funding agencies and cultural institutes who have assisted us again this year, including the Arts Council, Dublin City Council and the French Embassy. We are particularly grateful to the Minister for Arts, Sport & Tourism, John O’Donoghue TD. and his department for providing funding for the presentation of a special season of films from the ten EU accession countries which the festival will present during Ireland’s presidency of the EU. The support of the many patrons and advertisers is also gratefully acknowledged.

I wish to also thank the various exhibitors: the Screen, Savoy and Irish Film Institute cinemas and their hard working staff, and welcome and thank UGC, with their refurbished multiplex a new addition to our list of venues. To the numerous directors, producers, distributors and sales agents who have made their films available to us for presentation to the people of Dublin we are very grateful.
We have been particularly fortunate to have a remarkably dedicated and hard working executive who have once again worked tirelessly to present this year’s event. Particular gratitude is due to Rory Concannon, the festival chief executive, and Joanne Kelly, the festival administrator. I wish to also thank and welcome back the returning staff members including Anne Rice, Nick Costello, Michael O’Connell and Miriam Mc Loughlin and welcome new staff members Una Spillane and Cyril Bahsief. In advance I wish to also thank the booking office staff and the festival’s volunteer venue staff.

I wish to thank my fellow board members for their support, wisdom and dedication to the event and for all the time and energy they have devoted to the long-term development of the festival. Sincere gratitude is due to Michael Dwyer, the festival director, for his tireless pursuit and dogged determination to secure once again a superb festival programme of international standing.
And finally, to you the festival-goer thanks for your continued support and encouragement. Enjoy.

David Mc Loughlin
Chairman
Jameson Dublin International Film Festival