Virgin Media Discovers finalists announced
Posted: 26th July 2023
Virgin Media Discovers, in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, is a competition that helps new and established filmmakers and content creators get their stories heard. We are delighted to congratulate the finalists of the competition, which were announced this week.
Shortlisted projects will be awarded mentorship and development funding to invest in their script. The panel of industry judges will select four winners, who will win between €35,000 and €50,000 to fund the production of their short film or documentary.
Screen Ireland and Virgin Media Ireland have invested €685,000 since 2019 in Discovers. To date, six filmmakers have been awarded funding to produce their short films, while a further 20 have been awarded development funds and mentorship to develop their projects, including Aisling Byrne's Headspace, which was honoured at the Cork International Film Festival is now on the longlist for Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2024.
Andrew Byrne, Head of Television at Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said:
Screen Ireland is delighted to continue its support for the bold and diverse collection of projects selected as finalists for this year’s Virgin Media Discovers competition, in association with Screen Ireland. Investing in new and emerging talent, building careers, and reaching wider audiences make up the heart of this film scheme – and we’re looking forward to seeing what new voices and stories can emerge from it.”
Kate McCullough, Director of Photography and judge for Virgin Media Discovers, said:
I'm excited at the prospect of discovering new, authentic and diverse filmmakers as part of the Virgin Media Discovers Award.”
All six previous films from Discovers are available to watch on Virgin Media Player now for free.
The 12 shortlisted projects for this round are:
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Battle for Life (Drama)
Writer/Director: Fiona Ashe (Louth), Producer: Lana Turianska (Ukraine, currently residing in Ireland)
When Russia launches military strikes against Ukraine in February 2022, Saoirse and Cathal’s heavily-pregnant Ukrainian surrogate Lyudmyla is seriously injured in an airstrike. The twins are born prematurely — one needs emergency medical treatment, unavailable in Ukraine. Saoirse and Cathal try everything possible to get Lyudmyla and the twins to safety.
- Give us a F**king House (Drama)
Writer/Director: Daragh Goan & Co-Writer: Ferdia MacAonghusa (Dublin)
Sophie and Alan try to find a space for themselves, to love and to live, in an increasingly inaccessible Dublin.
- Kiki (Drama)
Writer/Director: Naomi Sheridan & Producer: Lindsay Campbell (Dublin)
When four-year-old Adamma and her father Jide seek refuge in an asylum centre in Ireland, they are greeted by angry and potentially dangerous protestors, but things escalate further when Adamma ventures out into the neighbourhood alone in search of her missing cuddly toy, Kiki.
- Never Kill a Femboy on the First Date (Drama)
Writer: Lee-Loi Chieng (Kildare)
A crossdresser's one-night stand with an exhibitionist turns life-threatening when a group of voyeurs discover he's not a woman, forcing Mǐn to use his wit and charm to negotiate and survive.
- Serve (Drama)
Writer: Alexandra Conlon & Director: Cathy Dunne (Dublin)
When the unthinkable happens, can you ever truly find who you once were again? Former soldier Susie struggles to confront her traumatic past and the pressure to stay silent.
- The Head on Him (Comedy/Drama)
Writer/Director: Seán Gallen & Producer: Ciara Gillan (Dublin)
A story about a mixed-race teenager, Jamie, living in ‘90s Tallaght, who cuts off his Afro to fit in only to find it grows back bigger (much, much bigger) than it was before, leading to bewildering challenges and a journey to self-acceptance.
- We Could Not Survive Without Bees (Drama)
Writer/Director: Cathriona Slammon (Mayo) & Writer: Alan Markey (Louth)
When a new love interest seems to accept her unusual traits, a self-conscious woman who takes refuge in the world of plants and insects, is pushed to re-evaluate the body she hates so much and confront the surprising secret she’s been working so hard to hide.
- Beyond our Identities (Factual)
Director/Producer: Rana Sawalha (Dublin, originally from Palestine/Jordan)
This documentary offers an authentic look into the lives of diverse women in the diaspora, exploring the notions of Irishness and Otherness. We meet women from various backgrounds and ages, as they open up about their personal experiences, challenges, and desires to find belonging in Ireland.
- DIVA – The Rise of Gary Cully (Factual)
Director: Gerard Walsh (Dublin) & Professional Boxer: Gary Cully
Follows the rise of one of Ireland's most explosive talents in boxing that Ireland has seen in the past decade, as he overcomes adversity with a level head and humility, we will see how influential Gary Cully can be for the country and athletes in the future.
- From Rio to Rathmines - The Brazilian Story (Factual)
Producer: Barry Gibbons & Director: Luana Matos (Dublin)
Following the lives, lows and loves of Ireland’s Brazilian community as they overcome adversity and find their feet in their new home.
- Pregnant with a Drag Queen (Factual)
Director: Colin Brady & Producer: Steven Sheehy (Kildare & Dublin)
The story of how a queer kid in 1990’s Dublin discovers their true identity and inner strength when they give birth to Veda, a vibrant drag queen icon. Through laughter and self-discovery, their inspirational journey shows how drag doesn’t change who you are, it reveals who you are.
- Sex Buyers Anonymous (Factual)
Director: Mark Logan & Producer: Bettine McMahon (Dublin)
What drives men’s behaviour and desire to pay for sex? If there are a thousand women selling sex there are one hundred thousand men buying it. This documentary asks the question: “Why do men buy sex?”
The judges are:
- Aisling Walsh - Irish director known for her exceptional work in film and television. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made a remarkable impact on the industry. Walsh gained international recognition for her critically acclaimed film Maudie (2016).
- Kate McCullough - An accomplished Irish Director of Photography known for her exceptional work in film and television. With a keen eye for visual storytelling, she has contributed to numerous noteworthy projects, the most recent of which was Oscar nominated film An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) (2022).
- Grainne Humphreys - A distinguished arts professional and the Director of the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF). With a passion for cinema and a commitment to promoting cultural exchange, she has made a significant impact on the Irish film industry.
- Ross Whitaker - An accomplished documentary filmmaker, with a passion for telling compelling and thought-provoking stories, Whitaker has made a significant impact in the world of non-fiction filmmaking. His filmography includes notable works such as Unbreakable: The Mark Pollock Story (2014), which earned critical acclaim for its exploration of human resilience, and Katie (2018), a riveting documentary about Irish boxer Katie Taylor.
- Peter McKenna - A talented writer and executive producer recognised for his significant contributions to the television industry. With a knack for crafting engaging narratives and complex characters, McKenna has played a crucial role in the success of several acclaimed series. He is best known for his work on the hit Irish drama series Red Rock (2015-2019), where he served as both a writer and an executive producer. McKenna's writing credits also include the popular historical crime series The Last Kingdom (2015-2022). He is currently the co-creator of the hit Irish drama series Kin (2021 - Present).
- Anthony Nilan - As Channels Strategy Lead for Virgin Media Television, Anthony oversees the scheduling and promotion of VMTV's content. With an extensive background in factual entertainment, he was responsible for reshaping VMTV's fact-ent output and delivering brand defining commissions such as Gogglebox Ireland, Eating With The Enemy, The Guards and Ireland's Got Talent.
Our sincere congratulations to all the shortlisted talent.