Waterford actor Moe Dunford, who has featured in projects such as Vikings, Patrick's Day, Black 47, and Rosie and has also won three Irish Film and Television Awards is the guest judge for this year's Waterford International Film Festival.
The well known Déise actor has known Festival Director, Stephen Byrne for a number of years. As a result of this connection, Dunford is involved with the festival in a judging capacity.
He says the event is special due to his ties with the county.
"When I was growing up, I wanted to get into the arts. I didn't have access to festivals in my local community. I would have given anything back then to be part of a film community where we talk stories and imagination and try to be creative," he said.
"It's very important for young people and even people who might feel out of the loop to stay connected."
Dunford won in the category of Actor in a Supporting Role in Drama at the Irish Film and Television Awards for his role in Vikings in 2016.
He says that his home county has been overlooked.
"I've worked in Cork, Kilkenny and Dublin. I couldn't help but feel over the years, Waterford is stuck down the southeast. It's almost like we're bypassed in certain regards when it comes to filmmaking. They've got big centres and filmmaking hubs in many counties now."
"I don't like anything about my home county being overlooked in any way."
The Dungarvan man believes Waterford is a prime location for filmmaking stating he is "often taken aback by what we have on offer."
"We've got mountains, the sea, rivers. Everything here is at our disposal."
Asked what he is looking for as a judge, Dunford outlined the many different ways a film can stand out:
"Something that makes you laugh, something that surprises you, something that moves you," he stated.
The actor is currently home in County Waterford and is spending quality time with his father as he usually would, by watching movies.
"We're going to stick them on and see what surprises us, what stands out, what's inventive."
"You're looking for what people can make with a small budget, with their imagination. That's what excites me, what story can be told and what really can pop from the screen," he added.
The County Waterford actor summarized what he is most looking forward to from the festival.
"People being together, enjoying themselves, watching good movies that are homemade. That's about it."
The Waterford Film Festival takes place from November 22nd - November 29th.
Full details can be found at https://www.waterfordfilmfestival.net/
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