With the 34th Galway Film Fleadh coming to a close we thought it was a good opportunity to review Ardán and Galway City of Film’s participation in this year’s fleadh. With screenings, workshops and industry discussions, Ardán was busy this past week with lots of events. 

Ardán Short Films at the 34th Galway Film Fleadh

The Radio  

The Radio was written by Thomas Conway, directed by Laura Kavanagh and produced by Evan Horan as a part of the Ardán / RTÉ Short Film Commission.   

Starring Lawlor Roddy, it tells the story of an elderly widower who depends on his radio to keep a foothold in his routine. When it breaks, his daughter, who knows how important it is to him, is forced to pay more attention to her isolated father. 

The People There to Catch Us  

The People There To Catch Us is a documentary made as part of the Science on Screen initiative, a collaboration with CÚRAM Centre for Research in Medical Devices, in partnership with Precision Oncology Ireland.    

The documentary tells the story of two people, who have gone through their own cancer journeys, who work alongside scientists in research and support groups to improve the lives of others living with the disease. It was produced by Ronan Cassidy and directed by Luke Brabazon.

My Name is James  

Short documentary My Name is James was made as part of the Short Documentary Bursary scheme, an initiative of Ardán and Galway City of Film.  

Directed and produced by Galway’s Mary Kelly, it is an inspiring documentary of one young man’s determination to overcome the challenges of intellectual disability and follow his dream to become an artist and DJ. 

Ardán Industry Events at the 34th Galway Film Fleadh

Pitching your Animation Project at Festivals and Markets 

As part of a series of events, workshops and one to one mentorships, Animation Skillnet, Animation Ireland, Ardán, and Screen Ireland hosted a ‘Pitching your Animation Project at Festivals and Market’ panel discussion at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. 

The difference between a good and a great pitch is down to delivery. If you can’t inspire the room, you won’t be memorable. So, we gathered a number of industry experts to share their practical experience of preparing and pitching animated projects at festivals and markets around the world. These Industry leaders shared their advice including the do’s & don’ts of attending and some general insider tips. 

This informal panel was chaired by Ronan McCabe, CEO of Animation Ireland, and included guests Stuart Forrest of Triggerfish Animation, Nicky Gogan of Piranha Bar and Vanessa Robinson of Little Moon Animation. 

The Fleadh Forum 

National Talent Academy Network: Introducing the Academies 

In 2020, Screen Ireland supported the establishment of the National Talent Academy network – 2 National Talent Academies for Film and Television, and Animation, and 3 Crew Academies. Ardán took over the management of the NTA for Film and Television. 

This session was introduced by Gareth Lee (Skills Manager Screen Ireland) and Andrew Byrne (TV Manager Screen Ireland). 

The panel included: 

• Alan Duggan (National Talent Academy for Film and Television) 
• Deirdre Barry (National Talent Academy for Animation) 
• Jade Travers (Crew Academy East) 
• Lorraine Higgins (Crew Academy West) 
• Rachael Power (Crew Academy South) 

Creative Europe Media Networking Dinner

We were so happy to be back in person again at the Creative Europe Media Dinner as part of the Galway Film Fleadh this year. With a two year gap at least since we were last able to congregate like this, the meeting was an invaluable opportunity to meet up again and chat with local artists and industry representatives while also being a fantastic opportunity to network with European Producers and Financiers attending the Fleadh.

Pictured above are John Brady from Danú Media, Alan Duggan of Ardán, and Micheál O Meallaigh. Picture credit to Andrew Downes.

Into the West – 30th Anniversary Screening 

Ardán and Galway City of Film were delighted to present the 30th Anniversary screening of Into the West as part of this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. A defining film of a defining era of Irish cinema, the award-winning family adventure follows young Mincéirí Tito (Rúaidhrí Conroy) and Ossie (Ciarán Fitzgerald), on their runaway journey to hold onto their mythical horse Tír na nÓg, and fulfil their dreams of becoming cowboys. 

An annual staple on Irish television screens through the 90s and early 00s, Into the West represented that rare occasion where Irish children – and in particular, Irish Travellers – could see themselves on-screen in a film. Running away from home on a horse, camping under the stars, and spending the night in a cinema… the dream! 

This screening was followed by a conversation with Mike Newell, Rúaidhrí Conroy, Ros Hubbard, Michael Collins and Catherine Joyce, hosted by Tony Tracy.