On Friday, 13th of December, Film Ireland will celebrate the indigenous talent of the Irish film industry with Screen Sessions, a series of panel discussions hosted by Griffith College and supported by Screen Ireland. Bringing together the artists and decision-makers behind some of your favourite films and TV shows, the event will cover creativity, craft, and career-building.
We spoke with Film Ireland Editor Steven Galvin and Associate Editor Gemma Creagh as they announced the event. “We’re looking forward to an afternoon of conversation with an amazing lineup of speakers who will give us an insight into their craft and career. It’s free to attend but tickets are going fast!”
The Evolution of Film Ireland
Since its inception in 1987, Film Ireland has stood at the heart of the Irish filmmaking landscape, championing everything from indie shorts to high-profile features. Over the past number of years, under Steven and Gemma’s stewardship, the magazine has expanded its podcast series and social media presence while continuing to spotlight Irish talent.
“We’ve always been a platform for the industry’s voices—filmmakers, critics, creatives. In recent years, we’ve doubled down on our efforts, and we’re very thankful to Screen Ireland for supporting us. They first helped us launch the Screen Sessions podcast series, which features talks where emerging and mid-level talent engage with people working at the very top of their field. So far in the series, we’ve interviewed the likes of actor and writer Mark O’Halloran (Adam & Paul), three-time Oscar nominated producer Ed Guiney (Normal People, Poor Things), two-time Oscar nominated animator, director, screenwriter and producer Nora Twomey, and Richard Baneham, the two-time Academy Award-winning Visual Effects Supervisor, Executive Producer, and 2nd Unit Director on the Avatar sequels.
This event is the next step—bringing those discussions to a tangible space and into a room filled with people who are passionate about film,” said Steven Galvin. “Do have a listen.”
Listen to the podcast here.
The Line-Up: Talent Across the Spectrum
This friday, the Screen Sessions panels feature speakers operating on an international level, focusing on multiple disciplines. The line-up features Casting Director Maureen Hughes (Once, The Miracle Club), BAFTA-winning filmmaker and Kin co-creator Ciarán Donnelly (Vikings, Altered Carbon on Netflix), artist and graphic designer Annie Atkins (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Joker), and art director Jill Beecher (The Revenant, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood).
“It was crucial for us to showcase the breadth of expertise involved in filmmaking,” Gemma added. “Film isn’t just about directors or actors. It’s a collaborative art form, and we want to spotlight the people behind the visuals, the performances, and the overall magic.”
Why Now?
Timing is everything, and now is the moment to celebrate. From Kneecap to An Cailín Ciúin, this event stresses how Irish cinema is making waves on the world stage. “We are in a golden era for Irish film,” Steven noted. “We’re seeing such diverse and compelling work over the last few years, and it’s making an impact well beyond our shores. These talks are about showcasing the depth of creativity we have here, while inspiring the
next wave of talent. If you’re thinking of a career, anything is possible.”
“We’re excited to end the year with this in-person event. There’s a magic to being in the same room as other creatives that you just can’t replicate online,” Gemma reflected. “It’s those spontaneous conversations and moments of inspiration that make events like this so special.”
If you’re planning on nabbing a ticket, hurry—spots are filling fast. Screen Sessions offers an opportunity to learn from some of Ireland’s leading film professionals and to be part of the conversation about the future of Irish cinema.
Tickets and further information are available here.
Visit filmireland.ie for more information.
