Connect with the Irish Screen Industry: Industry Events at the 38th Galway Film Fleadh
Posted: 2nd July 2026
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is proud to support the 38th Galway Film Fleadh and the line-up of industry panels, events and masterclasses taking place for emerging and established filmmakers and industry professionals throughout the festival’s run.
In addition to a diverse line-up across the film programme – the industry line-up for the festival includes masterclasses, discussion panels, networking events, and the Fleadh Forum day on Thursday, 9th July 2026.
General registration will be available on Monday, 6th July, subject to capacity. Please check back on the Galway Film Fleadh's website then.
Fleadh Forum
Thursday, 9th July 2026, 10:30-16:00, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Sundance Senior Programmer and Director of Strategy John Nein will be the keynote speaker at the 2026 Fleadh Forum, the Galway Film Fleadh’s annual state-of-the industry conference, supported by Screen Ireland.
For over 25 years, John Nein has been a driving force behind modern independent cinema and a key leader at the Sundance Institute. As Sundance’s Senior Programmer and Director of Strategy, he has shaped the global film landscape by discovering groundbreaking talent and championing diverse storytelling. In this conversation, John will share his thoughts on the state of independent film, the global festival ecosystem, and the future of cinema.
The full line-up of speakers, for the 2026 Fleadh Forum are set to be announced shortly.
Learn more about the Fleadh Forum and register your attendance
Masterclasses at the Galway Film Fair
Friday, 10th & Saturday, 11th July 2024, The Galmont Hotel
Screen Ireland is delighted to support the Filmmakers' Masterclasses at this year's Galway Film Fleadh. The annual masterclass series at the Fleadh’s industry section, Galway Film Fair, offers screen industry professionals a unique chance to learn from experts in their respective fields, in an intimate engaging environment. Award-winning Irish writer and director Frank Berry (I Used to Live Here, Michael Inside, The Lost Children of Tuam) will be the featured guest of this year’s Directors’ Masterclasss, in partnership with Storyhouse. Acclaimed actor, playwright, and director Rory Kinnear (The Man of Mode, Broken, Penny Dreadful) premiering his latest feature film Learning to Breathe Under Water at the festival will be the subject of this year’s Actors Masterclass. Additionally, production designer Charles Wood (Project Hail Mary, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Infinity War) will deliver the Production Designer Masterclass, in partnership with the National Talent Academies.
Learn more about Masterclasses at the Galway Film Fleadh
From Creative Europe to Agora EU
Friday, 10th July 2026, 09:00-10:30, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
In 2027, the current structure of the Creative Europe programme will come to an end. From 2028, the Culture and Creative sectors will be supported as part of the proposed Agora EU programme where the budget and scope are expected to be on a much greater scale. Through a presentation and panel discussion, this event will look at the success of Creative Europe in Ireland and what could lie ahead under the new programme. This is a unique chance for the industry to learn more about the programmes and the Irish Creative Europe Desk and to ensure that we are all ready to avail of the increased opportunities that the new programme will offer.
Learn more and register your attendance
International Co-Production in Practice
Friday, 10th July 2026, 11:00-12:00, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
This session brings together key decision-makers from leading international screen agencies and the co-producer of the multinational co-production How To Divorce During the War to explore how successful international partnerships are built. Through a candid discussion of incentives, funding priorities, co-production strategies, and lessons learned from a live project, producers will gain valuable insight into what makes a project attractive to international partners and how to navigate the opportunities and challenges of cross-border collaboration.
Panellists:
- Edith Sepp (Estonian Film Institute)
- David Shears (Picture NL)
- Guy Daleiden (Film Fund Luxembourg)
- Jessie Fisk (Producer, How to Divorce During the War)
- Moderator: Ciarán Charles (Producer & Co-Founder, Fíbín Films)
Learn more and register your attendance
Focus on the Composer
Friday, 10th July 2026, 12:30-13:30, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Focus on the Composer panel returns this year with a look at some of the Irish based composers with work in Galway Film Fleadh 2026 program. Composers will introduce their work, discuss their approach and reveal insights into the production of their score.
For more details and to learn about all the composers featured in Fleadh ’26 go to www.screencomposersguild.ie follow @screencomposersirl guild on Instagram.
Learn more and register your attendance
Ten Years of the 50/50 Gender Equality Campaign: Where Are We Now?
Friday, 10th July 2026, 15:00-17:00, Burren Suite, The Galmont Hotel
Moderated by Dr Susan Liddy Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI) President and Women in Film and Television (WFT) Ireland Chair, this panel will bring together key industry stakeholders to reflect on the changes and remaining gaps a decade on from the launch of 50/50 by 2020. Launched at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival by the Swedish Film Institute, the 50/50 by 2020 initiative (#5050×2020) aimed to achieve gender parity and equal opportunities for women in the screen sector by 2020. Join us for a crucial discussion for our industry.
Contributing Moderator:
- Dr Susan Liddy (President WIFTI, Chair WFT Ireland, Director Catalyst International Film Festival)
Panellists:
- Jennifer Davidson, Chair, Writers Guild of Ireland
- Martina Durac, Executive Director, Screen Directors Guild of Ireland(SDGI)
- Lara Hickey, Co- creative Director, X-Pollinator
- Aisling Malone, Project Manager, Raising Films Ireland
The panel will be followed by a reception.
Learn more and register your attendance
Meet the Programmers & Networking
Friday, 10th July 2026, 16:00-17:30, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Returning for 2026, this networking session is an opportunity for Irish filmmakers, producers, festival programmers and resource organisations to engage directly, discuss future plans and projects and hear about festival planning timelines.
The session will include a panel discussion with festival programmers in attendance followed by the opportunity to engage directly with them.
The Galway Film Fleadh is an important meeting point for the Irish film industry, with many festival directors travelling to Galway with Culture Ireland support.
Co-hosted by Culture Ireland and IFI International
Learn more and register your attendance
Crewless Networking Night at the Galway Film Fair
Friday, 10th July 2026, 18:00-20:00, Filmmakers Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
The Crewless Networking Night is designed to make networking easy and effective for crew working in the screen industry. Our highly structured format ensures that you are matched only with the people you want to meet. No more awkward introductions or wondering who you should talk to!
Places are strictly limited, so don’t delay signing up. Please note that we will not be able to accept walk-ins on the night.
What To Expect On The Night:
- 3x 1-to-1 networking sessions. We match you with people you want to connect with. Simply tell us the kind of people you’d like to meet, and we’ll match you with people who fit your requirements.
- Group networking sessions. You’ll be put into groups where each person has a different skill. This allows you to connect across disciplines and meet the kind of crew you won’t ordinarily know.
- Expert talks. Successful freelancers share their tips on how to promote yourself, get more work and build a sustainable freelance career.
Applications close on Monday, 6th July at 2pm
Learn more and register your attendance
Networking Coffee Morning
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 09:00-10:00, Filmmakers Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Writers’ Guild of Ireland, Screen Composers Guild of Ireland, and Screen Producers Ireland are delighted to be hosting a (light!) networking breakfast at this year’s Galway Film Fair, in proud association with Raising Films Ireland.
This family-friendly event will take place at 9am in the Filmmaker’s Lounge in the Galmont Hotel on Saturday, 11th July.
Please register as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
A childminding service is available from 09:30 but places are limited. In order to apply for this service, you must follow the below link by 2pm on Friday 26th June.
Learn more and register your attendance
The Art of the Unknown: Supporting Creative Documentary Film in a Risk-Averse Industry
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 11:30-12:30, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Documentary has always been about a filmmaker’s engagement with the world around them, and the expression of some personal – often subjective – cinematic truth arising out of that.
But such work is increasingly rare. On the one hand, the industry continues to follow a market and producer driven model, with a focus on low-risk, high-return projects. On the other, an age of AI undermines the very idea of image authenticity.
By sharing the experience of the panel, we ask what the place is, if there is one, for innovative and subversive filmmaking, and whether the ‘auteur’ can reclaim their voice in this cacophony, at a time when cinematic truths seem more important than ever.
Learn more and register your attendance
Togra: Live Demonstration
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 10:30-11:00, Burren Suite, The Galmont Hotel
Togra is a free, all-island production-management platform built for independent film and television companies in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Ten integrated modules carry a project from first idea to final residual. From development, through finance, funding applications, call sheets, accounting, rights and more. Togra is calibrated to the regulatory and funding processes producers actually work in, including S481, S487A, Screen Ireland, NI Screen, the broadcaster North and South, AVEC, the BFI Cultural Test and the co-production treaty network. In this live demonstration, Togra creator Niall Murphy of Scannain Media takes a production through the platform end to end, followed by audience Q&A.
Togra is free to use and currently invite-only — attendees can request an invite at the session or via togra.online
The demonstration uses sample project data. Open to all Fleadh industry delegates; of particular interest to producers, production managers, production accountants, and business affairs teams.
Learn more and register your attendance
Screen Futures: Creativity, Sustainability and Success in a Changing Screen Industry
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 10:30-11:00, Burren Suite, The Galmont Hotel
Creative Futures Academy will host Screen Futures, a public panel discussion exploring creativity, sustainability and the future of work within the evolving screen sector at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh.
Taking place on Saturday 11 July 2026 at 1pm, the event brings together practitioners, educators, producers and industry leaders to reflect on the opportunities and challenges shaping contemporary screen culture.
At a moment of rapid transformation across film, television, immersive media and digital storytelling, the discussion will consider how creative practice can remain sustainable amid technological disruption, economic uncertainty and changing audience behaviours.
Rather than seeking definitive answers, Screen Futures aims to create space for open and reflective conversation around the future of the screen industry and the human dimensions of creative work.
The panel will be hosted by Rónán Ó Muirthile, Dean of Engagement and Partnership at IADT.
- John Norton, Film & Television Producer | Head of Production, RedTed Media
- Camille Donegan, CEO of Eirmersive
- Kevin Fox, Writer & Producer
- Niamh Costelloe, CEO of Crew Digital
- Conn Holohan, Director of the Centre for Creative Technologies at the University of Galway
Learn more and register your attendance
Pitching for Games Workshop
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 14:30-16:00, Lough Atalia Suite, The Galmont Hotel
Learn how to approach and talk to potential investors and publishers in your video game project.
Presented in partnership with NEXUS, this ‘Pitching for Games 101’ workshop will look at the basics of how to approach and talk to potential investors and publishers in your video game project, with specialist input from top-level international talent.
Chair – Stuart Dempsey (NEXUS)
Panelists/Decision Makers:
- Elaine Dowman – IMIRT
- Tim Campbell – Strategic Alternatives
- Kevin Keating – former Global Account Director, Sony PlayStation
Learn more and register your attendance
Step into the Casting Room: A Self-tape Workshop with Thyrza Ging & Cassandra Han
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 14:30-16:00, Ballroom 3, The Galmont Hotel
As part of Galway Film Fair, Spotlight is offering actors a unique opportunity to gain direct insight from acclaimed casting directors Thyrza Ging and Cassandra Han.
Thanks to the support of Spotlight, Casting Society’s (CSA) Global Chapter and Filmmakers.eu, this workshop is completely free for actors to attend.
Actors are invited to submit a self-taped monologue for the chance to take part in this special session. Thirty actors will be selected to attend the workshop and learn directly from Thyrza and Cassandra, with three participants chosen to receive live feedback on their self-tapes during the event.
Using selected self-tapes as case studies, Thyrza and Cassandra will share practical advice and professional insight, offering attendees a rare opportunity to understand the casting process from the perspective of those reviewing auditions every day.
Topics will include:
- What casting directors look for in a self-tape
- Common mistakes that weaken otherwise strong auditions
- Creating effective self-tapes with limited resources
- Performance choices that help actors stand out
- Technical considerations including framing, sound and lighting
- Preparing material for screen opportunities
- Building confidence and authenticity on camera
- How self-tapes fit into today’s casting process
Whether you’re one of the selected participants or attending as an audience member, you’ll gain practical advice and industry insight that can be applied immediately to future auditions.
In Conversation: Stephen Rennicks with Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 14:30-15:30, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Award-winning composer Stephen Rennicks is joined by Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe of OscarⓇ-winning film and television drama production company, Element Pictures. Together, they discuss creativity, collaboration, and sustaining a career in an increasingly demanding industry – from navigating rejection and uncertainty to maintaining wellbeing, perspective and connection in the pursuit of artistic practice.
Presented by Toni O’Rourke and Killian Coyle, we join forces with Galway Film Fair, connecting Irish creatives across film, theatre, and the arts through meaningful conversation and community.
Learn more and register your attendance
The Business of Big Laughs: Developing and Producing Hit TV Series
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 16:00-17:00, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Comedy remains one of the most sought-after genres in television, yet it is also one of the most difficult to get right. What does it take to develop a comedy that can attract commissioners, build loyal audiences and sustain multiple seasons in an increasingly competitive market?
This Galway Film Fair conversation brings together three highly experienced comedy creators and producers working across the UK, Ireland and North America. Andrew Barnsley (Schitt’s Creek), Noah Findling (Platonic) and Peter Foott (The Young Offenders) will discuss the creative and commercial realities of developing successful comedy series, from finding a distinctive voice and building memorable characters to navigating broadcasters, streamers, financing partners and international audiences.
The discussion will explore how comedy projects are packaged and positioned in today’s marketplace, the role of the writer and producer in shaping a show’s identity, and how authentic, locally rooted stories can travel globally.
Featuring:
- Andrew Barnsley – Executive Producer of Schitt’s Creek and Son of a Critch
- Noah Findling – Writer of Apple TV+’s Platonic and Director of Special Boy
- Peter Foott – Creator, Writer & Producer, The Young Offenders
Learn more and register your attendance
Casting as a Financial Trigger: How to Attach Talent that Unlocks a Greenlight
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 16:30-17:30, Ballroom 3, The Galmont Hotel
Practical strategies for securing cast attachments that drive financing, funding, and pre-sales in international co-productions.
Presented by: Casting Society (CSA), Global Chapter, Spotlight UK and Filmmakers EU
The purpose of this panel is to explore the increasingly critical strategic role of casting in international film and television financing, particularly within the European co-production landscape. The discussion will bring together the key players in the “cast attachments” dance: casting director, world sales, talent rep and producer. Discussion will focus on how films are packaged, financed and greenlit through talent attachments, and the challenges of balancing market realities with creative vision.
Topics will include:
The goal is not to argue that casting alone finances films, but rather to delve into:
- when and why cast becomes existential to a film
- exactly how bankable actors influence pre-sales, financing and green lighting
- relationships between casting, producers, world sales and talent reps
- best practices for packaging in today’s market
- how to balance commercial realities and creative vision
Learn more and register your attendance
Crew at the Core: A Skills and Training Discussion for Below the Line Crew
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 17:30-18:30, Veranda Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Screen Guilds of Ireland will host a discussion, led by Jess Whelehan focusing on the skills and training landscape for below-the-line crew.
Join us to hear from crew members as they share their first-hand experiences of passport to production, shadowing, and developing and delivering training for their departments. This is an opportunity to engage, learn about the landscape, and collaborate on shaping the future of skills development in the industry.
Guests will include
- Jade Travers, Crew Academy East Manager
- Camila Gomes, Camera Assistant
- Conor Flannery, Assistant Director
- Ruairi Quinn, Passport graduate and new entrant
The panel will be followed by a Q&A, then an opportunity to network with a tea or coffee.
Learn more and register your attendance
Industry Mixer: Connecting Casting & Filmmaking Across Borders
Saturday, 11th July 2026, 17:30-18:30, Filmmakers Lounge, The Galmont Hotel
Join Spotlight, Filmmakers Europe and Casting Society (CSA) Global Chapter and for an informal industry mixer at Galway Film Fleadh.
Bringing together casting directors, filmmakers, producers, agents, performers and industry professionals from Ireland, the UK, Europe and beyond, this relaxed networking event offers an opportunity to make new connections, exchange ideas and build relationships across the international screen industries.
Whether you’re looking to meet potential collaborators, learn more about opportunities in different territories, or simply continue the conversations sparked throughout the festival, this is a chance to connect with fellow professionals in a welcoming and informal setting.
Galway Film Fleadh has long been a meeting point for creative talent and industry leaders, and we’re delighted to bring together members of our communities to celebrate collaboration, creativity and the growing connections between the Irish, UK and European film industries.
All industry delegates are welcome.
Hosted by Spotlight, Filmmakers Europe and Casting Society (CSA) Global Chapter
Learn more and register your attendance
Pitching Competition
Sunday, 12th July 2026, 11:00-13:00, Ballroom 3, The Galmont Hotel
The Pitching Competition at the Film Fair, the industry market of the Galway Film Fleadh, provides screenwriters at any stage of their career with an opportunity to pitch their projects in an open industry forum. The Pitching Competition has given new screenwriters a platform to connect with the wider industry while filmmakers at all stages of development have used the Pitching Competition to attach producers, receive mentorship, and win development funding.
Finalists will be selected to pitch their project as an ‘Elevator Pitch’ of 90 seconds, in front of an audience and a panel of industry judges at the Galway Film Fair. The winner will be announced at the Film Fleadh Awards Ceremony and will receive a cash prize of €3000 sponsored by Wild Atlantic Pictures.
Previous winners of the Pitching Competition have had their projects produced (Deadly Cuts, My Brothers), while others have received Screen Ireland development funding (Rainsong, What Would Rocky Do?) or been optioned by broadcasters (Billy Rubin + the Shunts). 2024 winner Zoe Gibney was invited to Stowe Story Labs’ Narrative Lab in Vermont with her project Dons Life Goes On. While 2025 winner Carol Murphy said winning the award with her project The Body & Blood “opened doors for me in the BBC, to festivals, producers and production companies in the Republic, the North and in the UK.”
Euro Connection at Galway Film Fair: Developing the Next Great European Short Film
Sunday, 12th July 2026, 14:00-14:30, Burren Suite, The Galmont Hotel
Join Julie Rousson, representative of the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Market, for an introduction to Euro Connection — Europe’s leading co-production forum for short film projects.
Held annually during the Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Market, Euro Connection brings together producers, filmmakers, broadcasters, distributors and festival representatives from across Europe to help promising short film projects secure international partners and financing.
This year marks a special milestone for Irish filmmakers, as the Galway Film Fair becomes Euro Connection’s new Irish correspondent, selecting and supporting Irish projects for consideration by the programme.
In this presentation, Julie will explain how Euro Connection works, who can apply, what opportunities it offers, and how Irish filmmakers can position their projects for international collaboration.
Whether you’re developing your first short film or looking to expand your European network, this session offers valuable insight into one of the most influential short film industry initiatives in Europe.
Learn more and register your attendance
Short Film Exchange
Sunday, 12th July 2026, 14:00-16:30, Burren Suite, The Galmont Hotel
The Galway Film Fair, and NTA Film & TV are excited to offer live-action fiction Short Film Writers, Writer/ Directors, and Producers an exclusive opportunity to connect through one-on-one meetings on Sunday July 12th. Following great success since its inception, The Short Film Exchange is returning to the Film Fair for the third-year running.
Format:
- One-on-one meetings where writers can pitch their scripts to producers in a speed-dating format.
- Each meeting will last approximately 5 minutes.
- After the meetings, participants will have the chance to mingle and continue conversations in a more relaxed setting with NTA networking drinks from 4:00pm.
Emerging and established Short Film Writers, Writer/Directors, and Producers must apply by completing the application form by June 29th.
Please find more information on application requirements HERE.
This is not recommended for new or entry-level talent to apply. Instead, new or entry-level talent are recommended to join the networking reception.
The NTA Film & TV will meet the access requirements of the selected applicants, while adjusting the event accordingly, and cover the associated costs.
The National Talent Academy for Film and TV Drama is an initiative of Screen Ireland managed by Ardán
National Talent Academy Networking Reception
Sunday, 12th July 2026, 16:30-18:30, Burren Suite, The Galmont Hotel
Join the National Talent Academies at the Galway Film Fair for our 2026 Networking Reception, an opportunity to meet fellow creatives, and expand your professional connections.
Whether you work in film and television drama, crew, animation or visual effects, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet the Academy teams, hear about upcoming training and events, and connect with talent from across the screen industry. This informal gathering offers a relaxed space to build relationships, share ideas and spark future collaborations, with all career levels welcome.
Advance registration is essential as places are limited, and demand is expected to be high.
Deadline to RSVP is Thursday, 9th July at 12 noon, or earlier if capacity is reached.
Once you submit your RSVP, you will receive a confirmation email on 9th July with full details and venue location. Please note that entry will be on a first come, first served basis.
If you have any questions, please contact: filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie
All guests must be over the age of 18 to register.
Please note that alcohol will be served at this event.