Irish Film Board Receives Significant 21% Funding Boost for 2006
John O'Donoghue T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, has awarded the Irish Film Board a 21% budget increase for 2006, bringing the agency’s production and development funding to a sum of €15 million. The Board's total allocation for 2006 including the administration is now €17.126 million.Announcing the allocation, Minister O'Donoghue said "Taken together with the supplementary funding of €1.5 million made available to the Board in the current year, recently announced, this 2006 capital allocation reflects the importance attached to the film and audiovisual industry, the recognition of the vital role of the Irish Film Board and the Government's commitment to its continued success. It is hoped that this increased funding will, not only help to alleviate some of the recent difficulties experienced within the industry, but equally will signal the seriousness with which the Government views the place occupied by the audiovisual sector within this nation's cultural and economic spheres."
In reaction to this positive news James Morris, Chair of Bord Scannán na hÉireann said "The on-going support and commitment the Irish film industry has received from the government and Minister John O'Donoghue has been unwavering throughout the last year. The very substantial increase in funding for 2006 demonstrates again the Government’s commitment to the Irish film industry and will also enable the Irish film sector to continue to develop high quality, imaginative films for Irish and international audiences.”
He went on to say “we are delighted with this new funding increase as it means that the Irish Film Board will be in a position to introduce a number of new funding initiatives. This good news also comes at an exciting time for the Irish Film Board, with a new chief executive Simon Perry taking up his position in the new year.”
Although, 2005 has been a tough year for film production, Irish indigenous films have continued to perform to critical acclaim at international festivals all over the world. Two feature films were selected for Berlin (Adam and Paul and The Mighty Celt) and three features films were selected for Toronto (Breakfast on Pluto, Pavee Lackeen and Isolation). Representation in Toronto is a particularly important as it is viewed as a major gateway to the US market. Sugar and Hereafter went to Rotterdam and the successful short film Undressing My Mother was selected to screen at Cannes. Pavee Lackeen was also selected for numerous major festivals including Venice and London and has picked up a host of awards all over the world.
2006 promises to be a positive year for the Irish film industry with the completion of several new wide ranging and diverse Irish films. MIDDLETOWN, starring Mathew MacFadyen (Pride and Prejudice), THE FRONT LINE, starring Eriq Ebouaney (Kingdom of Heaven), PUFFBALL, staring Donald Sutherland (Cold Mountain), IN LIKE FLYNN starring Iain Glen and 48 ANGELS starring John Travers are all currently in production and will deliver in early 2006.