Thurs 11 July | 10:30-17:00 | Veranda Lounge, Galmont Hotel 

Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is proud to support the Film Forum at the 36th Galway Film Fleadh. 
From deep dives into recent Irish film success stories to updates on sustainability initiatives in the screen sector, this day-long event will provide a range of panels, talks and case studies for filmmakers and industry professionals to explore and exchange ideas.  

Full day schedule

10:30 Registration / Coffee

11:00 Veranda Chat with Ted Hope: Championing new directorial talent as an independent producer 

Moderator: Keith Potter

How does a producer find new directorial talent – and how do they get their films made? Veteran independent producer Ted Hope, whose eye for directorial talent has helped launch the feature film careers of Ang Lee, Hal Hartley, Michel Gondry, Nicole Holofcener and many others, joins Screen Ireland Head of Film Keith Potter in this informal discussion focusing on introducing new voices to audiences as an independent film producer. 

12:05 Break 

12:15 Riding the Green Wave from Leitrim to Sundance: New Irish Stories  

Moderator: Niamh Fagan, Project Manager, Screen Ireland
Since its historical World Premiere as the first Irish language film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, Rich Peppiatt’s Kneecap has screened to sold out audiences across the world, from London to Sydney and New York, and is now gearing up for a theatrical release this summer in Ireland and the US. Meanwhile, in Ireland, Pat Collins’ That They May Face The Rising Sun has charmed critics and audience alike, achieving a result of over €700k at the UK and Ireland box office during its cinema run. The producers, directors and distributors of these two very different Irish films join Niamh Fagan in this discussion focusing on the new Irish stories coming from Ireland this year, and how they have both managed to connect with audiences at home and abroad.
Panellists:  

• Pat Collins, Director, That They May Face The Rising Sun 
• Tina O’Reilly, Producer, That They May Face The Rising Sun 
• Nell Roddy, Founder, Break Out Distribution  
• Rich Peppiatt, Director, Kneecap
• Trevor Birney, Producer, Kneecap
• Gillian Cooper, Head of Theatrical, Wildcard Distribution

13:15 Lunch  

14:00 Keynote: An Update on Sustainable Production Practices 

With over 10 years of experience providing practical advice to film & TV productions on how to reduce their carbon emissions, Stan Nangle, Managing Director at Climate Innovation, will present a short overview of the latest innovations promoting sustainability on Irish productions, including an update on Screen Ireland’s Sustainability Innovation pilot scheme which was launched last year. 

14:30 Building a Regional Production Base: Donegal as a Sustainable Filmmaking Hub 

Moderator: Gar O’Brien-Collins, WRAP Fund Executive, Ardán
Donegal has recently emerged as a vibrant hub for film and television production, hosting major homegrown and international productions such as Cry from the Sea, Star Wars, God’s Creatures, Four Letters of Love, In the Land of Saints and Sinners, Obituary, Saor Sin Ó Olc, and Fidil Gorm.  

Highlighting a range of economic, cultural, and social initiatives to establish Donegal as a sustainable and thriving centre for screen content production, with a particular focus on collaborative efforts to provide refugees and new industry entrants with the right tools and training to enter the screen sector, this panel will explore the strategies and resources necessary to build, maintain and enhance this burgeoning production base. 

Panellists: 

• Lorraine Higgins, Manager, National Talent Academy Crew West  
• Aideen Doherty, Donegal Film Officer 
• Paddy Hayes, Producer, Obituary 
• Rossa O’Neill, Location Manager 
• Alex De Valera, Sustainability Advisor & Strategist  

15:30 Coffee 

15:45 Sales, Distribution and Financing Focus: Thinking Beyond the Last 20%   

Moderator: Keith Potter, Head of Film, Screen Ireland
Join a panel of experienced European distributors, sales agents, financiers and producers in this exploration of the modern landscape of film distribution and financing. Listen to experts as they share their advice on the best sales and distribution strategies to reach European and international theatrical audiences effectively.

Panellists to be announced.

Finish 17:00 

Registrations are Now Full.

We will operate a waiting list below, so please sign up to show your interest and we will contact you if you are successful. Thank You