John Kelly
Director / Producer
Biography
John Kelly is an Irish director and producer with 5+ years of experience in the Irish film industry. John has worked as a writer, director and producer on a variety of projects ranging from short films to feature films. John established his production company Clap ‘n Load Studios in 2019, and has to-date produced 4 short films and most recently produced his debut feature film. These films span several genres - from period dramas, to documentaries, all the way to science-fiction, and showcase John’s adaptability as a filmmaker. These films have won awards at film festivals both nationally and internationally.
Despite being born with an incurable genetic form of sight-loss (cone dystrophy), John has been determined to work in film production since an early age, and has not let the additional challenges he faces due to his disability stop him from doing so.
-
Life on Mercury (Drama) | Producer
An intertwined comedy drama about the influence of money on our lives, seen through the eyes of a lottery-winning priest, a lawyer working for the corrupt elites and a hustling juvenile delinquent. Their stories are all connected through the help of a traveling 20 euro bill.
-
The Black Keys (Drama)| Director / Producer
A pianist on the cusp of great fame loses his sight suddenly. Finding an escape in music, he learns that a loss of sight is not a loss of vision.
The Black Keys (short) has recently begun it's festival circuit, and is aimed for development into a feature film
Nevermore (Sci-Fi) | Director / Producer
For the crew of the Nevermore life was pretty simple: do whatever it takes to survive and don’t get caught doing it. But even in the vastness of space, trouble has a way of finding you.
Nevermore is currently undergoing post-production
Visionaries (Documentary) | Director / Producer
Following the lives of four visually impaired musicians, we learn about the impact their sight loss has had on them, the importance of music in their lives, and how music levels the playing field.
Visionaries is currently exhibiting aboard Aer Lingus flights as part of their in-flight entertainment.
Masquerade (Drama) | Director / Producer
To survive in England 1916, Duke Kenneth Wright must choose between family and reputation. People wear masks to hide their true inventions - but a snake that sheds its skin is still a snake, and the world sees only what you show it.
-
Visionaries:
Exhibited as part of Aer Lingus’ In-Flight Entertainment from May to November 2024
Official Selection: Fastnet Film Festival 2022
Official Selection: 23rd Chicago Irish Film Festival
Official Selection: Irish Film London: St. Patrick’s Festival
Masquerade:
Winner “Best Actor in an Indi Film”: LA Film Awards
Semi-Finalist “Best Pictures”: LA Film Awards
Honourable Mention “Best Drama”: LA Film Awards
Honourable Mention “Best Costume Design”: LA Film Awards
Semi-Finalist: Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival
Official Selection: Short to the Point Film Festival