RTE Kin star Clare Dunne has said being named as one of 10 European Shooting Stars for 2022 was “one of the best Christmas presents” she’s ever received.
Each year European Film Promotion (EFP) selects 10 actors from the across the continent which it thinks can make an impact on the world stage.
The actors – who have already made a name for themselves in their home countries – are nominated by the EFP member organisations to take part in the prestigious programme.
The EFP judging committee said Clare’s performances in Kin showed “well-found confidence”.
“Well-known for her leading role and as co-writer of the critically acclaimed and multi-award winning feature Herself, directed by Phyllida Lloyd, Clare Dunne from Ireland starred as Amanda in the first season of the notable AMC+ and RTÉ series Kin. The jury is enthusiastic about her performance, which communicates a deep sense of self-awareness and well-founded confidence.”
Speaking about being named as a Shooting Star, Clare said: “It feels amazing. It feels absolutely incredible. It is a huge milestone in my career.”
She said the invite to the Berlinale Palast was the “best Christmas that ever happened”.
“I was very surprised. It was just before Christmas and I thought it was the best Christmas present that ever happened.”
She said the award was “really, really important to her”, adding “because any Irish actor that has ever gotten this award, they have gone on to have a very flourishing and diverse career so for me I just hope that I follow in the same footsteps. It seems to me that it completely transforms your career from this point on.”
She said she would love her next role to be something in comedy or a singing role.
“Wonderwoman, a comedy version,” she said laughing, before adding: “I’d love to be in a movie where I get to sing or make people laugh because I haven’t got to do that yet.”
Clare has been named alongside Croatia’s Gracija Filipović, Marie Reuther, from Denmark, France’s Anamaria Vartolomei, Emilio Sakraya, from Germany, Hanna van Vliet, from The Netherlands, João Nunes Monteiro, from Portugal, Slovenia’s Timon Sturbej, Evin Ahmad, from Sweden and Souheila Yacoub, from Switzerland.
The Dubliner began her career on stage taking part in notable productions including Juno and the Paycock, The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Playboy of the Western World and Julius Caesar.
In 2020, she co-wrote and starred as Sandra in Herself, but it was her role as the female Tony Soprano in Rte’s gangland drama Kin last year that caught audiences attention.
The European Shooting Stars award has proven to be an essential stepping stone for actors hoping to break into the international market.
She follows in the footsteps of the likes of Daniel Craig, Carey Mulligan, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz, and fellow Irish actors Fionn O'Shea, Elaine Cassidy, Moe Dunford, Aisling Franciosi, Domhnall Gleeson, Ruth Negga and Andrew Scott.
A jury of industry professionals selects the 10 most interesting and internationally versatile talents to be introduced to the press, industry and public at the Berlin International Film Festival.
As a European Shooting Star, the actors and actresses attend a tailor-made programme, including meetings with casting directors, talent agents and producers, which broadens and strengthens their international industry alliances and networks.
The activities culminate in a glamorous presentation of the European Shooting Stars Awards at the Berlinale Palast.
This year's European Shooting Stars programme will take place from February 11 – 14 at the Berlin International Film Festival.
