The Story So Far

How a Simple Question Sparked a Movement
OFFline Film Festival began with a single question. In 2010, Marcella Corcoran Kennedy - then an Offaly County Councillor with a deep passion for cinema - started wondering how she could bring more film to the heart of the country.

Marcella brought her vision to Sinéad O'Reilly, Offaly's Arts Officer at the time, who was instantly on board. Together, they founded FilmOffaly, laying the crucial groundwork from which OFFline would soon emerge.

From Page to Screen: The First Bursary
The initiative's first major milestone was a film bursary. Funded by Offaly County Council, the scheme promised the winner the opportunity to shoot their project right here in Offaly. It was a star-studded debut - the very first film produced under this scheme was directed by Domhnall Gleeson and featured his father, Brendan Gleeson.

With momentum rapidly building, Marcella pitched a festival idea to Gary Hoctor, a prominent filmmaker from Birr. Gary leaped at the chance. Drawing on the advice of seasoned Irish festival producers and researching festivals across Ireland and the UK, the blueprint for OFFline Film Festival was set. Soon, a passionate collective of filmmakers, producers, screen professionals, artists and local businesses from across Offaly joined forces to bring the vision to life.

Key Partnerships & The 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge
One of OFFline's first collaborations was with the prestigious Galway Film Fleadh. Through this partnership, the winner of OFFline's signature 48-Hour Filmmaking Challenge, where filmmakers write, shoot, and edit a short film entirely within Offaly over a single weekend, would go on to screen at Galway. It was a career-launching relationship that lasted for years, serving as the blueprint for many successful creative partnerships to follow.

Putting the Midlands on the Map
For decades, the Irish film industry was heavily centered in Dublin and other major cities. OFFline was founded to disrupt that monopoly, proving that world-class cinema, storytelling, and talent don't just belong in the capitals.

While the historic town of Birr remains the beloved home and heartbeat of the festival, OFFline has proudly expanded its footprint over recent years, bringing screenings, workshops, and cinematic magic to towns and communities right across County Offaly.

OFFline has become vital to the Midlands in three key ways:

• A Launchpad for Local Talent: Through our dedicated “Made in the Midlands” screening programmes, local filmmakers, writers, and artists get a prime-time platform to screen their work for a passionate audience.

• Decentralising the Arts: By taking the festival on the road to multiple Offaly towns, we ensure that high-quality, independent cinema is accessible to everyone in the region, not just those living in major urban areas.

• A Window to the World: OFFline brings global cinema right to the doorstep of the Midlands. By screening award-winning international films and hosting visiting filmmakers from around the globe, we connect our local community directly to diverse cultures, voices, and stories.

Festival Leadership Over the Years
OFFline Film Festival held its inaugural edition in 2010. Over the last 16 years, the festival’s torch has been carried forward by dedicated directors who have kept the cinematic spark alive in Offaly:

Gary Hoctor | 2010–2023
David Cotter & Rachel Alexander | 2024–2025
Emma Hanley | 2026–Present

A Heartfelt Thank You
As we approach the 17th edition, the OFFline Team of 2026 wants to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a part in this journey.

To everyone who has bought a ticket, volunteered, shared a post, hung a poster, sponsored an event, or submitted a film: thank you. While there are far too many names to list individually, please know that every single contribution has helped OFFline Film Festival grow into the vibrant cultural landmark it is today.

We are eternally grateful and we look forward to sharing the magic of cinema with you for many more years to come.

Mise le meas,

Emma Hanley