Nell Hensey’s short film ‘Try n’Touch’ has been chosen as the winning Clare entry in the Engine Shorts film competition.
€12,500 in funding has now been awarded to Barefield’s Nell to allow her to make her short film with producer Gemma O’Shaughnessy. The commissioned teams will also receive further industry training as they prepare for production.
Filming will then begin from next month with the completed films delivered in the autumn ready for distribution to film festivals internationally.
The Engine Shorts initiative is run by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick, and is a partnership between the Local Authorities in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. The new scheme aims to inspire and support up-and-coming writers, directors and producers to create inspiring, engaging world-class short films that resonate with a wide international audience.
15 projects were shortlisted after 131 applications were received from across the Mid-West region including five shortlisted applications from Clare. Each team then went through a supported development process with training and support from Film in Limerick. Following the development stage, the 15 shortlisted teams pitched to an industry panel of Oscar nominee Ruth Negga, Juliette Bonass and Clare Dunne.
Ennis will be the backdrop for Nell and Gemma’s short film which tells the story of a shy rugby star, Emer, who has caught feelings for a classmate and it explores whether she has the courage to act on them.
Gemma outlined that the search to find actors to star in the short film is now underway. “We are looking forward to finding fresh new talent for our lead role in ‘Try and Touch’ and delighted to be able to make Nell’s film in Clare”.
Writer and director of the short film, Nell was excited to have the chance to showcase a piece of work from her home town. “I’m so thrilled that our project has been selected by Engine Shorts. The team and I are so excited to bring this story to life and the opportunity to film in my hometown of Ennis is something truly special”.
A past pupil of Coláiste Muire in Ennis, Nell in 2016 received a Highest Achiever Award for getting the highest grade in the country in Leaving Certificate Art history.
Her love of film first came to life when she was aged twelve, this after a cousin who studied film and lived in LA was visiting Ireland and showed her some of his film reels. Last year, Nell sold her first television series and has been working as a member of the first international remote writers’ room for Netflix
