A young Donegal woman has scored a major success in her fledging filmmaking career after winning a major award at the Kerry International Film Festival.

Kate Haley, from Portlean between Milford and Kilmacrennan, scooped the Best Student Short Film Award for her offering ‘A Fairytale Romance.

This accolade follows a successful weekend where Haley’s previous short film, Splash! earned her the Northern Exposure Bursary, awarded by the Disappear Here Film Festival and the Donegal Film Office.

A Fairytale Romance reimagines the classic mermaid tale, blending fantasy with dark realism to critique traditional romance.

The film tells the story of a mermaid whose dream of a fairytale ending takes a tragic turn. With stunning visuals and a provocative narrative, Haley offers a fresh, feminist interpretation of folklore, exploring the darker side of romance and human nature.

Kate, who is currently back living in Donegal having spent two years in the US, was educated at Portlean National School and Loreto Community School Milford.

Kate Haley, winner of the Best Student Short Film Award for her offering ‘A Fairytale Romance.

After completing her MFA in Film & TV at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) as a Fulbright Scholar, she returned to Ireland to continue her filmmaking career. Her films often blend fantasy, memory, and reality, while examining issues such as gender and power.

Speaking about the award, she said “I’m deeply honoured to have A Fairytale Romance recognised at the Kerry International Film Festival. This film is incredibly personal to me, as it critiques the romantic ideals many women are taught to embrace from a young age.

“I wanted to challenge the traditional fairytale narrative and subvert it in a way that speaks to the complexities of womanhood and the exploitation of female bodies.”

The short film is currently on its international festival run, with continued success anticipated. For more information about A Fairytale Romance and Kate Haley, visit www.katehaleyfilm.com

The Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF) is one of Ireland’s leading film festivals, celebrating excellence in filmmaking. It showcases a wide range of Irish and international films, providing a platform for both emerging and established talent.