Judging a poetry film competition

I was delighted when Colm Scully invited me to judge this year's Drumshanbo Written Word Poetry Film Competition. Having been shortlisted twice in the past, I understand the disappointment of not winning, but I also recognize the significance of being chosen for any festival. This particular event has been held for five years, and I thoroughly enjoyed the community atmosphere and the literary festival it accompanies. A dedicated group of enthusiasts organizes this event annually, bringing poets and writers together, inspired by the fact that John McGahern, one of the most influential Irish writers of the 20th century, was born in Co. Leitrim. Interestingly, they have somehow inherited his kettle, a symbol of the beloved Irish tradition of gathering, sharing tea, and storytelling.

I watched about 113 films between 1.5 and 10 minutes long.

I sought films where the poem's text was paired with innovative and captivating visuals, featuring original concepts where the moving images and sound enriched the meaning, keeping me engaged from start to finish. I wanted to feel moved or touched. Although this may seem subjective, the audience's feedback was encouraging. We all desire to be emotionally engaged.

This is the short list:

The international winner was The Music that Lives in Me by Angela Yausheva, who is a Serbian spoken word artist as well as a poet. I was uplifted by this powerful film poem incorporating jazz music.

The Irish winner was very different. The Art of Perception by Thomas O'Donoghue is a 2.3-minute-long film poem that explores what poetry does, asking questions about the meaning of life. Here, cinema functions as both a sensual experience and philosophy.

Congratulations to the winners and short-listees.

Colm Scully will show the shortlisted films in Cork on 14th September.