A new film festival has been nnounced for cork, with two familiar faces driving the project.

Indie Cork Film Festival is being launched in May by the former CEO and programmer of the Cork Film Festival, Mick Hannigan and Una Feely respectively.

"We've always had a particular type of film, which would have influenced us throughout our time with the festival,"said Mr Hannigan.

"However we felt it was going down the more Hollywood route, something we didn't want to see. We want more short films and documentaries with film makers engaging in questions and answer sessions with the public."

The new film festival will take place from 16 October to 20 October while the Cork Film Festival usually takes place in November.

"There's a lot of work to be done ahead of the launch on 1 May but any soundings we have put out there have been very positve, " said Mr Hannigan.

"We will be looking a mixture of traditional venues and some novel ones also. Equipment has gotten so advanced that you can set up a film anywhere, so there will be some interesting locations hopefully. We want to preserve Cork's reputation as a city that champions independent cinema."

Honourary patron

The festival has already snagged a significant patron in the shape of director Ken Loach - he of 'The Wind that Shakes the Barley' fame.

"We were gobsmacked that he agreed to it," said Mr Hannigan.

"My colleague Una send him a message and he responded almost immediately. He is a director that has seen so much success but has avoided the temptation of Hollywood. He was perfect for us."

"On behalf of the founders of IndieCork, we are delighted to be creating this niche festival for Cork," said Una Feely.

"The emphasis will be on independent cinema. We look forward to being creative with the notion of independence, creating interesting events not only centered on screenings. We will offer diversity in our programming and support emerging filmmakers. We believe that this kind of vision and festival is suited to Cork and its rebel spiritâ€.

IndieCork will have a radical organisational structure for an arts event. Taking inspiration from Cork City Football Club, the festival will have a film fan membership structure where supporters will be invited to buy a share in the festival, becoming part owners and trustees.

"It will be interesting to see it transferred into an arts context," said Mr Hannigan.

"Supporters will be able to elect a board at the AGM, rather than have a secretive board operating in the shadows, and they can decide the direction. It's certainly exciting."