Ireland is to be the country of honour country at the Les Arcs European Film Festival later this year.

The sixth edition of the festival, set against a backdrop of the Fench Alps, is to be held this year from Dec 13-20.

The event will be held in partnership with the Irish Film Board.

Artistic director Frederic Boyer said: “We are very happy to focus our energy and attention on Ireland for the next edition of the festival.

“Each year our festival offers a venue for national cinematography. The insight on Irish cinema will be a wonderful occasion to discover new local talent and showcase work from more established directors”.

Irish Film Board CEO James Hickey said: “Irish producers are very active European co-production partners.

“Les Arcs has recognised this and its focus on Ireland will highlight the strength and depth of Irish film and the creative talent working in the Irish industry.”

Festival co-creators Pierre Emmanuel Fleurantin and Guillaume Calop added: “We are preparing a very rich programme including recent Irish feature films, a selection of shorts and a focus on co-production with Ireland.

“We hope to welcome the most important Irish film directors, actors, producers to present their projects and exchange ideas with filmmakers and professionals attending from all over the world.

“This will also provide an opportunity to discuss co-production with Ireland, making it even more attractive for European co-productions.”

The 2013 edition focussed on the countries of the former Yugoslavia.

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