Local composer takes top award at Madrid festival

Jenny said: “It was a wonderful surprise to be nominated at Madrid International Film Festival but to win the award was just truly amazing.

“It was such a delight to work with Laura Graham on IMBOLC, who had such a clear vision for her film. It was a very enjoyable process of collaboration, and I am delighted at this recognition. I look forward to working on more exciting projects with Laura in the future.”

Laura, Director of Imbolc and Managing Director of Coviro Productions said: “As we neared the end of the editing process for IMBOLC, I was very concerned about achieving the right kind of music to denote the eerie intention and sadness that I wished to convey in the film.

“Colin, the producer, had been searching the Internet for possibilities when he asked me to listen to some examples of Jenny’s work. I was entranced. The depth, intensity and power in her music were compelling and I felt it to be just what we were looking for.

“Jenny was such a pleasure to work with. She understood the subtleties I, as the Director, hoped to convey through the use of music, and as she employed her expertise and ability she created another layer of meaning and brought beauty and cohesion to the images and the story of Imbolc. The music still brings tears to my eyes.

“I was delighted IMBOLC that was nominated for best soundtrack at the Madrid International Film Festival, but to win was really humbling, especially against so many great soundtracks.

“It stands as testament to Jenny’s great ability and wonderful talent that her work was selected from a category containing both feature length and short films.

“I hope Jenny goes from strength to strength in her career as a film music composer, and I look forward to the next time we have a chance to collaborate.”

IMBOLC tells the story of American anthropologist, Janet Hattridge, on sabbatical researching her Ulster Scots heritage and her family’s link to a long forgotten witch trial. During these investigations she enters into the lives off local woman Brigid Liston and her son Quinn. As the relationship deepens between Janet and Quinn, Brigid’s mother dies and her grief and fear sets her on a path of tragedy where she pays the ultimate price.

IMBOLC was funded by Northern Ireland Screen.

The Madrid International Film Festival recognises exceptional achievement in film from the smallest independent film makers to the most popular English and foreign language films in all genres.

Samples of Jenny McCaffrey’s musical portfolio can be listened to at: www.jennymccaffrey.com