“Stop-Motion Biscuit Cake” received two awards at the Galway Film Fleadh over the weekend. Both awards came from the “30 Minute Film Festival” section of the Film Fleadh: viewers voted during the festival to give it the Audience Choice Award and a the organisers also awarded me with the Judge’s Award.

Receiving the Judge’s Award at the Galway Film Fleadh
Photo Credit: Galway Film Centre

I had to attend the Closing Awards Ceremony in the Town Hall Theatre to collect the Judge’s Award. First up was legendary Irish director Frank Stapleton who received a special “Galway Hooker” award, then the amiable French actress Isabelle Huppert received the same award.

Then straight after two legends, I was called up on stage for the award for the “shortest film in the festival”. I was presented with the award by the Galway Film Fleadh Managing Director Miriam Allen and Programmer Gar O’Brien. Then Miriam motioned towards the microphone and told me to say a few words!!

I’m a terrible public speaker at the best of times, but this was completely unexpected in front of a full theatre full of brilliant film-makers. I stuttered out a special thanks to my girlfriend Deirdre Whelan, who did most of the work in the film and hopped off the stage as quickly as I could!

I was absolutely chuffed to received the awards, and equally chuffed as to the big deal the organisers made of the whole thing. There was  a big party later on with food and drink from Cava restaurant and an intimate (and utterly insane!) performance from Alabama 3 after the closing film “Shadow Dancer”. A great way to finish a great film festival in Galway.

Read a piece about my awards in the 30 Minute Film Festival on Galway Film Centre’s website.

Receiving the “Audience Choice Award” from Shane Lyons at the 30 Minute Film Festival during the Galway Film Fleadh 2012

A full list of all winners can be seen here.