'Rebel Wife' will be screened at this year's Festival, presented by Director Williams Rossa Cole, Great Grandson of Mary Jane Irwin O'Donovan Rossa of Clonakilty, one of the most active and effective revolutionary women of her time. Williams is a longtime NYC based filmmaker and great grandson of the Fenians Jeremiah and Mary Jane O'Donovan Rossa.
This documentary highlights the overlooked role of Mary Jane Irwin O'Donovan Rossa, a key figure in Ireland's fight for independence. Her significant contribution to the Fenian movement, securing her husband Jeremiah's release from an English prison and making his historic funeral a reality have been overshadowed. Her husband's funeral in 1915 catalysed the Easter Rising and Ireland's eventual independence, yet Mary Jane's death in 1916 went largely unnoticed, and her grave in Staten Island, NY, remains obscure. Her great grandson Williams Rossa Cole seeks to recognize her pivotal role in Ireland's history in Rebel Wife. Williams a veteran filmmaker with over 20 years of experience also produced Rebel Rossa in 2016.
Winner of the €25,000 Puttnam Script Award, Director Rachel Walshe will screen her resultant short film ‘Grando’
Written and directed by Rachel Walsh, the film stars Ciara Cox as Anna, Bosco Hogan as Frank, Camille Lucy Ross as Maggie, Johanna O'Brien as Ms McCarthy, and Mila and Beau O'Mahony as Mila and Beau.
The film follows a young girl attempting to emulate Marlon Brando in her school play. She is encouraged by her grandfather who thinks acting starts and ends with him.
Shot over four days in Skibbereen the film boasts some incredible West Cork scenery. Co-produced with Wesley O'Duinn, and supported by Cork County Council.
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