Four new short animated films selected to be produced and screened at Ireland’s pavilion in Expo 2025 Osaka
Posted: 4th December 2024
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, in partnership with Animation Ireland and the National Talent Academy for Animation, is delighted to announce the four successful recipients of the Osaka Expo 2025 Short Film Fund.
The fund was launched earlier this year as an opportunity for four filmmaking teams to bring Ireland to a global audience through a 90-second non dialogue animated short film. The submitted films could represent any aspect of the country, contemporary or historical, and explore new original ideas providing Expo visitors the opportunity to gain a better understanding of Ireland, its culture and its history.
Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said:
Ireland’s participation at Expo 2025 Osaka will give a unique opportunity to showcase Ireland and its creative talent to a global audience. Screen Ireland is delighted to support these four new short films, which will highlight the beauty of Irish animation, the immense talent of Irish creatives and the significance of filmmaking in our national culture to visitors from all around the world. Our huge congratulations to the four selected teams – we can’t wait to see your work come to life next year.”
Ronan McCabe, Chief Executive, Animation Ireland, added:
Animation Ireland is delighted to be associated with this short film scheme. The talent and creativity on the island of Ireland is exceptional and EXPO 2025 Osaka is a great opportunity for emerging and existing filmmakers to exhibit their work. Thanks to Screen Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the National Talent Academy for Animation for making this happen and the best of luck to the participants."
The four successful projects are:
- Boglach
Written and directed by Sarah Benson, produced by Claire Lennon for Eat the Danger.
A community of characters throughout a familiar green island are connected by their obsession with the weather.
- Akita and the Wolfhound
Written by Saoirse Anton, directed and produced by Joe Coveney and John O’Connell for Studio 9.
A tale of friendship.
- Ceol
Written and directed by Gary Gill, produced by Susan Broe from Wiggleywoo.
An old Irish man starts to play the Bodhran in the corner of an empty pub, setting off a sequence of events through music, place, and time.
- Open Éire
Written and directed by Walter Giampaglia, produced by Jonathan Clarke for Distillery Films.
Six-year-old would-be animator Dáire takes us on a doodle sketch journey across Ireland’s culture, heritage, and nature.
All short films will be produced to be screened at Ireland’s pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which is taking place from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Over the course of six months, millions of people will visit Osaka to absorb and participate in diverse experiences from more than 160 participating countries and international organisations.