Louisiana Int’l Film Fest Marks Passing Of Artistic Director Dan Ireland

Dan was scheduled to attend the 4th annual Louisiana International Film Festival & Mentorship Program on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 for the 5-day event. He had made many important contributions and expressed his excitement about attending LIFF 2016. Dan had worked passionately to help build the non-profit film festival over the past four years. The Festival Team became concerned about his well being following his absence from opening night festivities on Thursday, April 14 and were shocked to learn of his sudden, unexpected passing.

As Artistic Director, Dan harnessed his vast experience, relationships, and talent to offer more than year-round programming, He laid the critical groundwork necessary for the successful vision, strategy, and growth of an emerging Louisiana film festival. Over the last four years Dan became intimately involved in starting a grassroots movement to discover and nurture talent in Louisiana. His greatest passion was the potential he observed in others.

During frequent visits to Louisiana, Dan became a recognized face and valued member of the community. He was embraced by many of the festival supporters, audience members, and local artists whom he befriended.

Chesley Heymsfield, Founder and Executive Director of LIFF, made the following statement: “There are no words to describe this shocking and monumental loss, but words are all I have. We were partners in a vision that was larger than both of us. Dan was my creative collaborator and confidant. We had overcome enormous challenges together and had exciting plans for our shared future. His bright spirit and vision are irreplaceable. Our team was eagerly anticipating Dan’s arrival at the 4th annual Louisiana International Film Festival, so when we did not hear from him on Opening Night, we instinctively knew something was wrong. The last thing I would have ever expected would to be standing in Dan’s place addressing the audience on Closing Night with a memorial to him. The impact of Dan’s passing was made even more poignant by being surrounded with people who have come to know and love him. The outpouring of sympathy for his passing with endless hugs and tears was overwhelming and still continues. No sense can be made from the unexpected loss of a good friend, especially during a time we expected to celebrate the festival together. Dan Ireland left us too soon. Dan was more than our Artistic Director, he was a very dear friend and valued mentor to everyone on our entire team offering his guidance, thoughts, encouragement and laughter. There was a lot of laughter. Dan leaves a legacy that lives within all of those who he touched and inspired.”

Ian Birnie, Program Director of LIFF, states that: ” I am so sorry I couldn’t tell Dan that the attendance at LIFF has doubled this year, screenings are selling out, and there is real energy in the place and on a weekend where my close friend and colleague is being greatly missed. But for the will of God, Dan would have been racing the halls of the Cinemark with me this past weekend urging audiences to clap for themselves and listing the merits of upcoming films in true pitchman style. If this small regional festival – which has grown by leaps and bounds this year – has a future, it is due in large part to Dan’s high standards and willingness to dream big on behalf of any project he was involved with. I was in awe of Dan’s optimism in the face of setbacks that would have flattened me; and it was only a force way beyond human control that drew a line in the sand. I was happy and privileged to have him in my life virtually till the last minute… I only hope heaven is full of cats and movie stars and that he is having a blast!”

Dan Ireland’s Statement as Artistic Director: “When I was first asked to join the LIFF team last year (our inaugural year) by Executive Director Chesley Heymsfield, I jumped at the chance to do so. It seemed to me that now Louisiana had become one of the largest filmmaking states in America, so why not try to make it the one of the greatest film going states too. And truthfully, after making a film in Louisiana a few years back, I fell in love with the state and the people, so what better inspiration can you get than that. This year’s program reflects the most up to date, current films that are now in the marketplace. It was tirelessly put together, by our brilliant Film Programmer, Ian Birnie and myself, over a period of six months. We feel that we have managed to combine every aspect of film imaginable, from comedy to drama to thrillers, to romance, to Major Studio releases, from the most exciting filmmakers around the world. This year we are also hosting some of the finest talent in the country, with workshops, discussions, panels, and letting you, the audience partake in this once in a lifetime opportunity of communicating, learning, growing and understanding what it takes to make your dreams come true. So, come indulge with us in this 4-day irresistible orgy of film, discussions, panels, with the people that made it happen. It might just change the way you look at the world, or better yet, you might just have one of the best times of your life.”

Dan’s vibrant life, charisma and love were inspiring to all who met him. He was near and dear to all of our hearts. Dan was a member of our family. Dan was a life-force behind the vision and success of the Louisiana International Film Festival & Mentorship Program. We are forever grateful.