Film Ireland Podcast

We are delighted to partner with the Writers' Guild of Ireland to bring you 2 very special podcasts of panels and discussions from the 2024 World Conference of Screenwriters, an international gathering of screenwriters and Writers Guilds from all around the world, which took place in Galway, 2 – 3 October 2024. This first podcast features Day 1's proceedings, beginning with: Irish Retrospective Bringing together some key players in the building of the Writers' Guild of Ireland gather for a lively discussion on its origins, the long austerity years, and the current brighter climate Speakers Thomas McLaughlin Jennifer Davidson John Lynch Sean Moffatt Building Creative Relationships An in-conversation session with Element Picture’s Emma Norton, exploring their long term relationships with writers. (from 52mins) Speakers Emma Norton Michele Mulroney Soaps in the Era of Prestige TV Soaps have traditionally propped up local production ecosystems, draw huge audiences and fulfill an important public service remit. But they often don’t get respect. With the demise of shows like BBCs Doctors, the cutting back of episodes and budgets for soaps globally, can they survive? (from  1hr 49mins) Speakers Jennifer Davidson Carl Austin Peter Mattessi Damon Rochefort Jessica Joy Wood The Power of Stories: Screenwriters Tackling Global Issues Join us for an exploration into the dynamic role of screenwriters in driving social, environmental, and political change through their storytelling. This panel will delve into how screenwriters harness the power of narrative to address pressing issues such as climate change, social injustice, and political upheaval. Gain insights into the intersection of art and activism as we analyse the impact of screenwriting on shaping public consciousness and inspiring action towards a better future. (from  2hr 47mins) Speakers David Donoghue Terry George Nicola Guaglianone Marianne Wendt RESOLUTION OF THE 2024 WORLD CONFERENCE OF SCREENWRITERS, GALWAY, IRELAND Those Guilds with experience in organising the power of their members to create a better world for writers and their stories will commit to helping their sister Guilds to begin organising training with the goal of Writers Guilds organising globally.

In the Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Stephen Bradley , Director of 'Fran the Man'. Comedy mockumentary Fran the Man is based on the much-loved original TV show ‘Fran’ which aired on Setanta Sports and TV3 from 2009-2011. Darragh Humphreys reprises his starring role as Fran Costello which sees him working undercover to save the beautiful game from match-fixing. Humphreys is joined by an ensemble of Irish comedic talent including Ardal O’Hanlon, Amy Huberman, Risteárd Cooper, Toni O’Rourke and Deirdre O’Kane. Directed by Stephen Bradley & Written by Richie Conroy. Fran the Man is produced by Collie McCarthy of Forty Foot Pictures with support from Screen Ireland and RTÉ. In cinemas from 11th April 2025.

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Darren Thornton, Director/Co-Writer of Four Mothers. Over a chaotic weekend, Edward has to juggle his burgeoning career with the care of four eccentric, combative, and wildly different ladies. Four Mothers is a tender and heartwarming comedy that is set to delight cinema audiences next year with a stellar cast including James McArdle, Fionnula Flanagan, Dearbhla Molloy, Stella McCusker, Niamh Cusack, Paddy Glynn,  Rory O’Neill, Gordon Hickey and Gearoid Farrelly. In cinemas from 4th April 2025. Ahead of that, Film Ireland's Young Peoples' correspondent, Maximilian Driver caught up with Trevor Courtney at a special screening of Holt, a new Irish animated series screening onto RTÉ2 this April. Three mismatched teens from planet Éire, shipwrecked on a dangerous world, must help save the universe from the Blight if they're ever to return home. https://filmireland.net/

In this podcast, Film Ireland is delighted to partner with the National Talent Academy for Film & TV and GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival as we’re joined by three participants from their fantastic starGAZE programme. This is a platform for LGBTQIA talent that provides access to Irish and international creatives, full festival access, and mentorship with an established LGBTQIA filmmaker. In this episode we are joined by Pradeep Mahadeshwar, Ian Fallon & Liadán Roche to talk about their craft and career and their experiences on starGAZE. starGAZE 2025 Applications Are Now Open GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival has announced the second year of their professional development programme starGAZE, supporting by the National Talent Academies. The initiative which will support six emerging LGBTQIA filmmakers is now open for applications. starGAZE provides a platform for LGBTQIA talent through an internationally recognised film festival by giving participants access to Irish and international creatives, full festival access and a mentorship with an established LGBTQIA filmmaker. starGAZE 2025 will accept applications from LGBTQIA people of all backgrounds, particularly encouraging applicants from the global majority, trans and non-binary people, people from working-class communities, the Travelling community, people with disabilities and all equity-seeking individuals facing additional challenges within the film industry. starGAZE is supported by the National Talent Academy Film & TV Drama and by the Arts Council of Ireland. starGAZE’s ambition is to increase the number of Irish LGBTQIA stories on screen and showcase the next generation of Irish queer and trans voices. Apply by Monday 14 April, 5pm. https://www.nationaltalentacademies.ie/courses-activities-programmes/stargaze-2025 https://filmireland.net/

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to John Farrelly, Writer/Director of An Taibhse. An Taibhse unfolds in the bleak landscape of post-famine Ireland,exploring the profound hardships faced by its people. The narrative centres around Éamon (Tom Kerrisk) and his daughter Máire (Livvy Hill), who take on the task of maintaining a remote mansion , only to be driven to  the edge of sanity by the horrors lurking within. Their task, initially serene, veers into terror as they encounter inexplicable phenomena. The film explores the depths of human resilience in the face of unspeakable horror, presenting a nuanced portrayal of survival and the complex ways the mind adapts to protect itself. In cinemas from 28th March 2025. Produced, Written & Directed: John Farrelly Executive Producers: Jim Sheridan, Tom Kerrisk Starring: Tom Kerrisk, Livvy Hill, Anthony Murphy John Farrelly - Writer & Director John Farrelly is an acclaimed Irish filmmaker, best known for directing An Taibhse (The Ghost), the first-ever horror feature film in the Irish language. At the age of 17, Farrelly was named Ireland's Best Young Filmmaker for his short film Choice. Throughout his later school years and college, he went on to direct the award-winning feature film The Sleep Experiment and the Irish language short Difriúil. An Taibhse, set in post-famine Ireland, has garnered critical praise at international festivals, with six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan serving as Executive Producer.