William Fitzgerald appointed Director of Galway Film Fair
Galway Film Fleadh CEO Miriam Allen has appointed former Fleadh programmer William Fitzgerald as the Director of the Galway Film Fair. Fitzgerald’s appointment comes as the Film Fair approaches 30 years of hosting Ireland’s film & television marketplace next year, and his role encompasses the running of the market, while also taking a strategic lead in developing the Fleadh’s industry arm, which leverages strong U.S. relationships to act as a bridge between Europe and other anglophone territories.
Fitzgerald was most recently the cinema programmer at Pálás, Galway’s three-screen arthouse, that saw record admissions before it was forced to close in February. Fitzgerald’s tenure as programmer of the Film Fleadh saw a number of new partnerships launched, including the Peripheral Visions European Cinema competition with the Europa Festivals network, and the annual Connemara Screenwriters Retreat with Stowe Story Labs. He curated or co-curated film programmes with EU-Japan Fest, EXPO 2020 Dubai, and Glasgow Film, as well as seeing the festival through two COVID lockdowns, becoming the first film festival in Ireland to pivot online in 2020 and outdoors in 2021.
The Film Fair runs alongside the Galway Film Fleadh each July, offering selected producers pre-scheduled meetings with financiers, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters, film funds, major producers and festivals. Among the marketplace’s unique selling points are the transatlantic US-Irish relationships that connect Europe with North America; an informal and intimate atmosphere to connect with leading decision-makers; and Galway’s reputation as a launching pad for emerging talent. As well as fostering European co-production, the Film Fair hosts seminars, masterclasses, and a variety of industry networking events, making it a key hub for global film professionals.
“William is a true-blue member of the Fleadh family, having served the festival & fair in many roles over the years including shorts programming, festival marketing, as head of programming and now as head of industry. I’m delighted he’s taking on this important role,” said CEO Miriam Allen.
Fitzgerald said, “Taking on the Film Fair – this whole other side of the Fleadh – is an exciting opportunity after spending the last few years on the front lines in exhibition; witnessing the unique challenges of the current moment for independent cinema. I’m eager to use our platform at the Film Fair to uplift our whole industry, from filmmakers and funders, through to distributors and exhibitors. The Fair is an invaluable forum, and a champion for film professionals to foster great work and connection with audiences.”
Principal funder of the Galway Film Fair is Creative Europe MEDIA, with support from Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, Northern Ireland Screen and Meet in Ireland. Principal funder of the Galway Film Fleadh is the Arts Council of Ireland.
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