Hi, my name is Cáit. I’m 23, and my pronouns are She/Her. I’m part of HERIFF’s volunteer programming team. I view and select films for the festival and curate pieces with shared themes. I joined HERIFF this year to give something back to the festival, after my short experimental documentary was selected and nominated for Best Student Film in 2020.
My experiences as a young filmmaker taking part in the festival were very encouraging. This year, I hope our work as programmers will amplify voices who deserve recognition. One of the most important steps along the road as an artist is to find an audience. Festivals like HERIFF, where you’re surrounded by peers with similar challenges and motives, can offer that little push in the right direction.
My interests lie in both film theory and film practice. I completed a BA in Film Studies and English Literature at Trinity College. I’m now a first-year PhD student and research assistant in Film at Trinity. My favourite topics include queer cinema, postcolonial cinemas, and women filmmakers. I have published peer-reviewed papers on Claire Denis and on Netflix’s studio practices.
As an undergrad, I really enjoyed writing for student publications, like TN2 Magazine and Trinity Film Review. Before joining HERIFF, I was Public Relations Officer with DU Film Society, where we run our own student festival called DUFF. I also produce short films. I worked as a freelance translator and reader for BBC NI, Screen Ireland, and TG4. I hope to continue making documentaries and experimental films, collaborating with filmmakers I’ve met through groups like HERIFF.
