Triple Sell-Out Success for local Film
- Online Journalist
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Following her short film Seascape’s success at the Indie Cork Film Festival, filmmaker Lorraine Hogan has recently celebrated three consecutive sold-out screenings of her work in Cork.
Seascape, a film by Lorraine Hogan exploring community and connection through sea swimming, was featured in Indie Cork’s Made in Cork 2 programme, highlighting Cork-based filmmakers and rising talent. The screening quickly sold out, prompting the Arc Cinema to move it to its largest auditorium on October 8th. The programme celebrates Cork’s vibrant filmmaking scene, showcasing both established and emerging voices.
Hogan’s latest film, Seanscoil 2025, has since sold out twice, including a packed community screening on November 7th at the Tracton Arts & Community Centre, attended by Christopher O’Sullivan TD and Liam Ó Maonlaí of the Hothouse Flowers, who also features in the film.
Seanscoil 2025 is a heartfelt short documentary celebrating an extraordinary group of volunteers who breathe new life into a threatened 1836 schoolhouse, transforming it into a vibrant arts and cultural hub. The film features local voices, a musical performance by Liam Ó Maonlaí, and insights from artists Martin Hayes, Luka Bloom, and Clare Sands, highlighting the importance of community spaces in Ireland.
Speaking at the screening, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage with responsibility for Nature, Heritage & Biodiversity, said:
“This film is extraordinary. It documents the passion of a community to restore an old school building and create a place for art, music, and people. More than that, it inspires and it will inspire people the length and breadth of Ireland to partake in similar projects where there might be old, dilapidated buildings that can be repurposed for the community. I just want to congratulate Lorraine for achieving this.”
The evening, emceed by Barbara Ann Richardson, continued with a mesmerising live performance by Liam Ó Maonlaí, adding to the atmosphere of celebration and creativity. Seanscoil 2025 has been shortlisted for Best Short Film 2025 at the Waterford International Film Festival and is also in the running for the Audience Choice Award, giving viewers the chance to support the film online. Reflecting on her nomination, Hogan said: "Honestly, just being nominated feels like a win because I made my first film in Irish!”.
Lorraine Hogan was recently honoured with the Pride of Cork Award for her outstanding community impact. Seanscoil 2025 will be streaming online from 16–22 November, and audiences can vote for the Virtual Audience Award for Best Irish Short Film via https://www.eiretainment.com/film/seanscoil-old-school/ via waterfordfilmfestival.net. Stay updated on Lorraine’s work at lorrainehogan.com or on @lorrainehoganx.