Winners Short Video Competition 2024
We are happy to announce the winners of the Short Video Competition at the seventh edition of the Italian Fusion Festival, held on 27 November 2024 at the United Arts Club, Dublin. This competition has always been a cornerstone of our festival, spotlighting the creativity and cultural exchanges between Italy and Ireland through the art of film.
Winner: “Home Thoughts from Abroad: Italians in Ireland” by Declan Cassidy
The top honor goes to the thought-provoking and beautifully crafted documentary Home Thoughts from Abroad: Italians in Ireland, directed by acclaimed Irish filmmaker Declan Cassidy. Declan Cassidy is an award-winning Irish filmmaker with a rich background in storytelling that bridges cultural and social themes. A founding member of the Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA Awards), Cassidy began his career in documentaries, earning acclaim for his explorations of environmental and cultural topics. Italians in Ireland, is a 15-minute documentary celebrating the lives and contributions of the Italian community in Ireland. It forms part of Home Thoughts from Abroad, a series documenting the experiences of non-Irish national communities living in Ireland.
Cassidy’s work has received international recognition, with his short film Whatever Turns You On qualifying for Oscar consideration in 2010 after it won awards at festivals around the world. Through his not-for-profit organisation, EurAV European Audio Visual CLG, he continues to champion media literacy and social inclusion, promoting understanding and collaboration across cultures. Cassidy has a particular love of all things Italian. He studied Italian culture at Trinity College Dublin.
The documentary touches upon the history of the Italian community in Ireland – from the post-war wave, who hailed from the Frosinone region, to the more recent arrivals, who come from all over the peninsula. Ambassador Paulo Serpi tells the myth of the lost Roman legion, numbering 5,000 – the number of Italians who were found to be living in Ireland in the first census. It features prominent members of the current Italian community in various walks of Irish life, teasing out the similarities and differences between Irish and Italian cultures.
Motivation
“Home Thoughts from Abroad: Italians in Ireland” is a beautifully executed documentary that offers a captivating and nuanced portrayal of the Italian community in Ireland. It traces its history from the post-war influx from Frosinone to the vibrant and diverse contributions of today’s arrivals from across Italy. Cassidy’s work stands out for its masterful storytelling and ability to seamlessly weave personal narratives, cultural history, and broader social themes. The documentary balances historical depth with contemporary resonance, featuring insights from prominent members of the Italian-Irish community. By exploring the intersections of Irish and Italian cultures, Cassidy highlights their unique qualities and shared values, fostering a deeper understanding of these rich traditions. The jury was particularly impressed by the documentary’s artistic quality and thoughtful treatment of themes such as migration, identity, and cultural exchange. With Home Thoughts from Abroad: Italians in Ireland, Declan Cassidy has created an engaging film and an artistic bridge that celebrates diversity and shared human experiences. This documentary embodies the spirit of the Italian Fusion Festival, making it a deserving winner of this year’s Short Video Competition.
Special Mentions
While Cassidy’s film took the top spot, two other standout entries deserve recognition. Both short videos feature the Italian actress Alicia Casu, who is based in Dublin.
“Family quality time” by Fergus Keane
A mother and daughter bond on a day out in town which takes a dark and sinister twist.
“The Choice” by Oisin Cregan
Mia, an aspiring actress, moves to New York, leaving her boyfriend Oliver in Ireland. Feeling unfulfilled, she returns to Ireland to see if Oliver still loves her. While he does, Mia faces a dilemma: she’s pregnant and must choose between staying in Ireland to raise the baby with Oliver, giving up her dream career, or returning to New York and letting go of her feelings for him.
Congratulations to all the filmmakers and crew who participated, and thank you for making this year’s competition a resounding success!
The award ceremony during the Italian Fusion Festival:
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