



Richard is known worldwide for his acting, singing and poetry – we find many international film-makers submitting their films to RHIFF have met Richard and been inspired by him. He always encouraged those he met to follow their dreams. His legacy is not just his own works but many of the works we see submitted year on year.
RHIFF honours his legacy of supporting and nurturing film-makers.
Richard’s family members attend each year, his cousin Hayman Harris sits on the board of directors and his son’s Damian, Jared and Jamie, provide advice and enjoy meeting film-makers in Limerick at the many events that take place during the festival weekend.
About Richard Harris and Limerick
Harris' Home
With an incredible built heritage, Ireland’s best examples of Georgian Ireland and approximately 500 Castles throughout the County; Limerick City and County has many attractions for both international and domestic visitors.
Shannon Airport is only 20 minutes from Limerick City Centre – home to King John’s Castle, The Treaty Stone and numerous historical and architectural places of interest. Many of our guests and attendees now extend their trips to include a few days exploration time.
Irish Film
BEGINNINGS
The inaugural Festival in 2013 was a one and a half day festival with 10 screenings.
The founders in 2013 were Rob, Zeb, Sylvia and original creative director Eleanor McSherry (2013 and 2014).
Under the management of festival director Zeb Moore, festival chair Rob Gill and the creative direction of Sylvia Moore (2015-), overseen by the board and the Harris family, it has grown to be a five-day festival with 120 shorts and features screening in 2017, with a VOD platform; innovative live events and unique live-streamed awards show produced by Simon McGuire in conjunction with Limerick Institute of Technology’s Creative Broadcast & Film Students.
The Actor
“Since Harris tore the screen a new one in ‘This Sporting Life’ he has always been our Brando. Simple as. To celebrate such a movie god makes brief heroes of the rest of us mere mortals.” Terry McMahon
Diaspora
An annual film festival plus year round screenings promoting Irish film-makers living abroad is the most apposite way to honor our Diaspora. The introduction of #RHIFFTV will give film-makers the opportunity to screen online. Our Awards night is live-streamed world-wide and in 2017 we welcomed approximately 2000+ viewers who joined us for the Awards Show.
Check out some of the reviews on Film Freeway – many thanks to all those who travel to be with us.
Global Irish Limerick
“We are delighted to announce the new Global Irish Festival Series, an initiative which will enable local communities to further build upon diaspora networks, deepening connections around the world and encouraging those abroad to return home. By improving engagement with the diaspora through new channels, we hope they will feel affirmed and valued as a part of the global Irish diaspora, and in particular, connected to the county of their heritage.”