BIFFL 2025 Spring Edition Audience Prize;
Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu
The 16th edition of the British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg came to a successful close on Saturday 29 March 2025, at Ciné Utopia in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg.
This year's Spring Edition showcased twelve feature-length films from Britain and Ireland, complemented by a selection of short films, including the Young Filmmakers Competition 2024/25. This diverse line-up, primarily featuring independent cinema, provided audiences with a unique cinematic opportunity.
The event welcomed several special guests throughout the week who engaged in insightful Q&As and discussions. Notable attendees included Anne McCabe, director of Fidil Ghorm; Eva Birthistle, director of Kathleen is Here, and actress Hazel Doupe; and Árón Holden, director of Dear Imelda, along with actor Declan Curran. Additionally, Paul Thiltges delivered a keynote speech, inspiring young filmmakers.
Ahead of the final screening, Festival Events President Geoff Thompson reflected on the successes of this year’s festival. He highlighted the strong female influence, with several films directed by women and the majority of Young Filmmaker Competition entries featuring female filmmakers.
The sold-out screenings of Poison and Housewife of the Year were memorable moments. Geoff expressed his gratitude to BIFFL’s sponsors, partners, volunteers and audiences for their invaluable support.
It was then time to move onto the festival’s award winners. France Clarinval of the Luxembourg Film Critics Association selected the Critics’ Award winner, with Sharon Bowman announcing it in her absence.
● Critics' Award: Kathleen is Here by Eve Birthistle, with Special Mention for The Future Tense, a documentary by Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor.
● Audience Award: The Ballad of Wallis Island by James Griffiths, with The Flight of Bryan (2nd) and Kathleen is Here (3rd).
● Young Filmmakers Competition: La Dernière Gorgée by Nina Zimmer & Salomé-Ange Wilk (Lenster Lycée)
The Audience Prizes were won by Gabriela Bruma and David LEICK-Burns who were presented with a Magnum of Crémant from Bernard-Massard and a Hamper from Home from Home.
The last screening of the festival, Patrick – A Slave to Ireland, directed by Ruán Magan, intimately explored the story of St Patrick within a European context, shedding light on his legacy beyond Ireland.
The British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg will return for its Autumn Edition, from 14 - 21 September 2025, promising another exciting line-up of films, including the potential of some Luxembourg co-productions. The Young Filmmakers Competition will also return for its 3rd edition, building on the success and enthusiasm showcased in previous years
