Guth Gafa and Story Matters are launching their Impact Lab for Irish Filmmakers: a training initiative designed for two Irish key creative members of a film team (for example, producer and director) who want to develop a powerful impact distribution plan for their film and ensure that it reaches the widest possible audience.
Six selected filmmaking teams will take part in a three-month hybrid format programme focusing on:
Featuring an in-person weekend residency workshop in Donegal in late April, five online sessions, and culminating in a 2-day final workshop and pitch session at Docs Ireland, Belfast (between 17th and 20th June - exact 2 days to be confirmed).
Through expert-led workshops, mentorships and case studies, participants will develop actionable distribution plans to maximise audience reach. The programme addresses industry gaps in sustainability, engagement and real-world impact of films, and will strengthen Ireland’s role in connecting storytelling with social change.
Mentors and tutors include:
The Impact Distribution Lab is supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme. This programme is presented in partnership with Docs Ireland.
This programme is open to key creative members of a documentary filmmaking team. Projects can be in development, production or at post-production stage.
Applicants will be required to have some of the following elements prepared: a Pitch Teaser or Trailer, Story, Concept and Topic Summaries, Distribution and Marketing Plans, Filmmakers Bios, Impact ambition.
Please submit your application HERE before Thursday, 2nd April 2026.
If you have any queries please email anouk@guthgafa.com
