Conor English wins 2023 Westmeath Film Award with 'Roma – A Story of Chips and Wonder'

Irish filmmaker Conor English has been named the winner of the 2023 Westmeath Film Award. The €10,000 prize is dedicated to supporting local filmmakers in producing short films and documentaries within the county.

English's award-winning proposal, 'Roma - A Story of Chips and Wonder', sets out to explore the story of the local Roma chipper. The documentary explores themes of immigration, cultural fusion, and local lore.

English will work alongside Mullingar producer and musician Ethan Scally. The pair recently produced 'Millie’s Maxol Magic', a film documenting a day in the life of local folk hero Millie Walsh.

The Westmeath Film Award is organised by the Westmeath Art Office as part of an ongoing effort to promote filmmaking in the county and celebrate Westmeath's cultural diversity.

We are delighted to announce Conor English as the winner of the 2023 Westmeath Film Award 📷

A bursary of €10,000 will be granted to Conor towards the production of his short documentary ROMA - A STORY OF CHIPS AND WONDER#ShortDocumentary #FilmFundinghttps://t.co/nxgjCDq52D pic.twitter.com/icudcfYjGP

— Westmeath Arts (@ArtsWestmeath) July 6, 2023

The selection was made with the help of guest judges Vanessa Gildea and Aoife Barry. Gildea, head of head of the Department of Film and Media at The National Film School IADT, praised the quality of the proposals and highlighted the potential of English's project.

She said, "The proposal for the winning film 'Roma – A Story of Chips and Wonder' was beautifully presented. It's a story full of heart that celebrates a culturally rich local community in Westmeath."

Upon receiving the award, English expressed his commitment to celebrating the stories and people of Mullingar and Westmeath, highlighting the importance of documenting local narratives.

“I love Mullingar and I love the people, I love the oddities and the everyday things that we pass by without a thought,” said the filmmaker “I’m very grateful to be supported in making such things that both interest me and the community.”