IFI International & Culture Ireland –  International Networking at the Fleadh  

Panel Discussion featuring Irish Filmmakers and Programmers of Irish Film Festivals  

Chaired by IFI International  

Followed by Q&A Invitees: Irish Festivals, International Festivals, Filmmakers, Screen Ireland,  

Industry IFI International returns to the Galway Film Fleadh to report on activity in 2020 and ’21 when Irish film festivals appeared online, in cinema, outdoors and as hybrid events. Programmers will report on lockdown strategies for maintaining audience engagement; negotiations with filmmakers, distributors and sales agents; and maximising online opportunities. We will consider the value of retaining online festival platforms and speak to filmmakers about their exhibition expectations in an altered distribution landscape. Festival programmers will discuss common goals and new challenges; filmmakers will learn how to channel work into the international cultural network; and IFI International and Culture Ireland will provide updates on available supports for international exhibition of Irish film.  

A panel of contributors will include representatives from Culture Ireland, IFI International, programmers and filmmakers.  

IFI International is the Irish film programming service for international exhibitors which brings more than 250 Irish films to over 47,000 people at more than 130 events in 55 countries each year. Drawing on the collections of the IFI Irish Film Archive and elsewhere, and liaising with directors, producers and distributors, IFI International provides access for cultural exhibitors to new and classic Irish cinema.  

Panel Contributors:

Anna Gryaznova – Festival Director, Irish Week & Irish Film Festival Russia
Geoff Thompson – Festival Director, British & Irish Film Festival Luxembourg
Tom Sullivan – Director/Writer, Arracht
Christine Sisk – Director, Culture Ireland
Eleanor Melinn – Programme Manager, IFI International

Sunniva O’Flynn – IFI, Panel Moderator