Events, talks and film screenings form line up for environmental festival in Kilkenny

The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) will take place in Kilkenny later this month with events, talks and film screenings taking place at locations across the city.

Marine biologist, ecologist, photographer and educator, Tasneem Khan is behind the film and this year with the help of numerous local partners and volunteers she is expanding the ALT EFF mission - inspiring ecological action through visual storytelling.

This year’s festival will feature five days of events in Kilkenny City and Dunmore East, celebrating nature and fostering conversations and sharing stories of our ever changing landscapes both locally and globally.

On November 27 there is a day-long programme of events planned for Billy Byrne’s on John Street with a welcome talk at noon followed by a number of environmental themed films which will run throughout the afternoon. There will be musical interludes from Jerry Fish as well as a captivating panel discussion called ‘A Future shaped by the River’ at 6.30pm.

The panel consists of Jerry Fish is a shape shifter, showman and constantly evolving artist who values innovation over orthodoxy. He will accompany the panel discussion on the live musical interludes culminating in a season finale that showcases his new album inspired by stories of the river.

Also on the panel is Jimmy Lenehan who has over 15 years commercial diving experience and has been a lead diver for Kilkenny River Search & Rescue for the past 25 years along with Ann Phelan of the Local Authority Waters Programme, South East Communities, tasked with raising awareness of and supporting the River Basin Management Plan.

National Reptile Zoo

Meanwhile on November 30 at the National Reptile Zoo a unique event will take part as part of the festival. A guided tour of the National Reptile Zoo will take place with a focus on endangered species and field conservation. This will be followed by the screening of award-winning, high-impact films that will take you through connective, creative and constructive perspectives on climate and nature-centred stories from around the world. The event takes place from 6pm to 11pm.

On December 4, a very special event showcasing the living nature on our doorstep will take place in the heart of Kilkenny City when Seán Ronayne will lead a nature walk and talk through Newpark Fen in Kilkenny City, followed by a book reading and signing at Billy Byrne’s Bar. Seán will read excerpts from his new book ‘Nature Boy: A Journey Of Birdsong And Belonging’.
Seán has experience in ecological impact assessments of birds and mammals, and habitat assessment surveys for proposed developments. Currently freelancing as an ecologist, ornithologist, activist, and founder of Irish Wildlife Sounds, he is pursuing sound recording full-time. This event starts at 8am and runs until noon.

Global initiative

The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) is a global initiative that uses the power of impactful cinema to bring environmental issues to the forefront of public discourse. With a mission to spark conversations on climate, conservation, and sustainability, ALT EFF extends its message beyond traditional environmental circles, engaging diverse audiences across languages, geographies, and cultural backgrounds. The festival emphasises the role of film as a catalyst for awareness and action, showcasing stories that highlight the urgency of environmental challenges while also celebrating the resilience and beauty of nature.
The festival combines films with activities such as nature walks, panel discussions with local experts, director Q & A and live music. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the full catalogue of films online for ten days with their ticket after the event.
Events take place between November 22 until December 4. For more information and to book tickets visit seaschool.ie