In this Film Ireland Podcast, supported by Coimisiún na Meán, we shine a light on two powerful new documentaries. Beo Faoin Bhfód (Buried Alive) was supported by Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound & Vision Scheme, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. First, we catch up with director Daire Collins to discuss the film, which recently aired on TG4 and is now available to stream on the TG4 Player. Then, actor and musician Olivia Phoenix sits down with award-winning photographer and filmmaker Ian Thuillier to talk about his moving documentary Conflicted.

In this Film Ireland Podcast, we’re shining a spotlight on the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival (DICFF), which returns for its sixth edition from 27th - 30th November, to Tailors’ Hall, The Liberties. First up, festival director Mo O’Connell talks through this year’s jam-packed programme. Then we have a live recording from the first heat of the DICFF stand-up competition, held earlier this year in collaboration with Culture 8 and the Dublin Liberties Distillery. Finally, Film Ireland contributor Rachel Melita is in conversation with actor, writer, and filmmaker Laoisa Sexton. Laoisa’s short I Can't Go On screens as part of Shorts Block F on Friday, 29th November. As Mo mentions in the podcast, here is the GoFundMe link to support Haneen Koraz, as she empowers the children of Gaza through art. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-haneen-koraz-empower-voices-through-art And here's a link to support Aisling & her three boys, Ted, Sonny & Max. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-aisling-and-her-three-boys-ted-sonny-and-max This episode has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán and the Screen Ireland Stakeholder’s Scheme. Read more about this podcast here www.filmireland.net/podcast-festival-director-mo-oconnell-filmmaker-laoisa-sexton-at-dicff

In the latest episode of the State of the Arts Podcast, host filmmaker and writer Des Doyle chats with Steven S. DeKnight, acclaimed screenwriter, director, producer, and creator/showrunner behind some of the most influential genre series of the past two decades. Produced in partnership with Film Ireland and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme, the State of the Arts series explores the creative processes, industry challenges, and new opportunities that both Irish and international creatives face in today’s ever-evolving artistic landscapes. In this conversation, DeKnight reflects on his journey breaking into the entertainment industry as a writer on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He discusses his work writing, directing, and producing on iconic series such as Angel, Smallville, and Dollhouse, before creating the hit show Spartacus for Starz and showrunning season one of Marvel’s Daredevil. He also talks about making his feature directorial debut with Pacific Rim: Uprising and his return to the Spartacus universe with the upcoming Spartacus: House of Ashur. Chapters: 2:11 – Nerves for “House of Ashur” impending release 09:29 – Inside the Writers’ Room 12:25 – Season Orders & Long-Game Planning 13:32 – How the Strikes Shook Production 15:07 – Showrunner Writing Process Explained 16:46 – Running a Show: LA vs New Zealand 18:58 – Why DeKnight Hasn’t Yet Directed Spartacus 22:35 – 22-Episode TV vs Today’s 10-Episode Sweet Spot 25:19 – Sticking With “House of Ashur” + Other Projects 28:37 – DeKnight’s Comic Book Worlds 36:03 – Working With Comic Artists 37:08 – AI in Entertainment: Hot Takes & Concerns 40:30 – Showrunning in 2025: Budgets & Tech Shift 45:07 – Are Spec Scripts Still Worth It? 48:01 – Top Writing Advice: Passion, Persistence, Failure 51:33 – What Failure Really Looks Like in Hollywood 01:00:52 – Rapid-Fire Favourites: TV, Music & More Follow the journey of State of the Arts here: https://www.instagram.com/sotapod/ Read more about this episode here: www.filmireland.net/state-of-the-arts-podcast-showrunner-steven-s-deknight-spartacus-house-of-ashur-with-host-des-doyle

In today’s Film Ireland podcast, we are delighted to partner with two wonderful film festivals. Last month at the Dinard British & Irish Film Festival, we caught up with acclaimed actor Bríd Brennan to talk about her extraordinary career on stage and screen, as well as her powerful performance as Cait in her latest film, Aontas. We’ll also be reporting live next week from the Foyle Film Festival, running in Derry from the 19th to the 30th of November (where Aontas will also be screening). Later in the episode (Timecode: 15:30), we hear from Vicki Rock and Kris Kelly, the husband-and-wife team behind the award-winning boutique creative studio Enter Yes. Their bold coming-of-age short Bulls in Water - directed and written by Kris and produced by Vicki - is about to have its premiere at Foyle.

In this Film Ireland Podcast, we're delighted to partner with the Cork International Film Festival, which runs until the 16th of November. In this very special episode, we highlight some of the standout films in this year’s line-up. First, IMRO Award-winning journalist and reviewer Yuliia Riabova speaks with Aurélie Godet, Cork International Film Festival’s Director of Programming, about this year’s themes, approach, and the strong line up Irish and international films on offer. Then filmmaker and actor Oscar O’Sullivan chats with Brendan Canty about his Irish-language documentary Gealtra. Finally, festival correspondent Shane McDevitt sits down with director David Kittredge to discuss his film Boorman and the Devil, which documents John Boorman’s experience making The Exorcist II in Ireland. This chat was recorded after the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán. Check out the full festival line up at corkfilmfest.org.

In this episode of the Film Ireland Podcast, we are delighted to once again partner with the Dinard British and Irish Film Festival, which held its 36th edition last month in the picturesque seaside town of Dinard, Brittany. First, we chat with Dominique Green, Artistic Director of Dinard, who shares insights into the festival’s vision, programming, and what makes it such a unique event on the film calendar. At the festival, Associate Editor Gemma Creagh caught up with writer/director Damian McCann  to talk about his gripping feature Aontas, where three unlikely women rob a rural Irish Credit Union. Listen back to their conversation for a deep dive into the film’s themes and creative process. Finally, we sit down with writer/director Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor to discuss her powerful debut feature Dreamers, exploring ambition, belonging, and the pursuit of hope. Read more about this episode here: www.filmireland.net/podcast-a-look-back-at-dinard-british-irish-film-festival

In the latest episode of the State of the Arts Podcast, host filmmaker and writer Des Doyle chats with Catherine Doyle, internationally bestselling and award-winning author of The Dagger and the Flame, The Rebel And The Rose and The Storm Keeper trilogy. Produced in partnership with Film Ireland and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme, the State of the Arts series explores the creative processes, industry challenges, and new opportunities that both Irish and international creatives face in today’s ever-evolving artistic landscapes. In this conversation, Doyle shares insights into her creative journey - from inspirations, to the practical aspects of building emotionally rich, imaginative worlds for young readers, to writing Romantasy books with the City Of Fantome trilogy and co-authoring the bestselling Twin Crowns trilogy. She discusses her journey, becoming successful, and gives helpful insight into how she managed to pen 13 books in a decade. Follow the journey of State of the Arts here: https://www.instagram.com/sotapod/ Read more about this episode here: https://www.filmireland.net/state-of-the-arts-podcast-bestselling-author-catherine-doyle-with-host-des-doyle

In this episode of the Film Ireland Podcast, we’re celebrating filmmaking, storytelling, and cinema across the island of Ireland - with a special focus on the Belfast Film Festival, which runs from October 30th to November 8th. We begin with Rose Baker, Head Programmer of the festival, who shares insights into this year’s exciting lineup. Then, we’re joined by writer-director Stroma Cairns, whose moving debut feature The Son and the Sea screens at the festival. Stroma will be in Belfast for a post-screening Q&A. The Belfast Film Festival runs 30 October – 8 November. For the full programme, visit belfastfilmfestival.org.

In this Film Ireland podcast, Conor Bryce talks to Writer Rodney Lee & Director Bonnie Dempsey about their live-action family thriller TV series 'The Unreal'. Originally commissioned by RTE, series 2 begins airing October 26th. In the first series, the Kelly family discovered they were actually fictional characters who had escaped from a 1980s TV sitcom into the real world. Now, one year later, the Kellys are just trying to live a normal life. But when they visit a spooky, run-down hotel to attend an 80s Video Collectors Fair, they get more than they bargained for. Kevin catches glimpses of a ghostly boy and the family decide to go ghost-hunting. But when Kevin eventually comes face-to-face with the apparition, he makes a startling discovery; the ghost looks exactly like him! In Irish folklore, a ghostly doppelganger is known as a ‘Fetch’ and if you see one, legend has it you may soon meet a deadly fate… This is just the beginning of a supernatural comedy adventure as the Kellys uncover strange secrets, confront their fears, and fight to survive in a world where the line between real and unreal becomes increasingly blurred. Written by Rodney Lee, directed by Bonnie Dempsey, and produced by Nuala Carr and David O’Sullivan of Dyehouse Films Starring - Senan Jennings ( Kevin ) Joseph McKucken ( Tom ) Kathryn McKiernan ( Mary ) Kate Brady ( Katie ) with Patrick McDonnell, Daniel Nwambu ( Leo ) Lorena Montes and Don King Roganvilla

In this debut episode of the State of the Arts Podcast, host filmmaker and writer Des Doyle chats with Ciarán Donnelly, BAFTA and multiple IFTA award-winning Director/Producer, and co-creator of Kin. Produced in partnership with Film Ireland and supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Funding Scheme, the series explores the creative processes, industry challenges, and new opportunities that both Irish & international creatives face in ever-evolving artistic landscapes. In this discussion, Donnelly shares his experience and insight, having directed and produced some of the world’s most successful television series, including global hits such as Amazon’s The Wheel of Time, Netflix’s Vikings: Valhalla, and MGM/History’s Vikings. Read more about the podcast here: www.filmireland.net/state-of-the-arts-podcast-ciaran-donnelly-dir-wheel-of-time-vikings-co-creator-kin-with-host-des-doyle/ Follow the journey of State of the Arts here: https://www.instagram.com/sotapod/ Chapters: 2.37 Influences 5.00 College 11.25 Early Career in the UK 14.37 Getting Cold Feet 20.45 Getting a BAFTA 21.40 Working in the US 22.40 Directing The Tudors 26.04 Directing Camelot 26.45 The Importance of Directing a Pilot 29.05 Gaining Experience and Co-Directing Krypton 32.22 Working With Artists Like Eva Green & John Malkovich 36.06 Directing Wheel of Time 41.13 Being Producer/Director 42.30 Being a Writer 43.25 Kin 46.25 Artificial Intelligence 53.32 The Streaming Age 59.03 Current & Future Projects 1.04.05 T4 Productions 1.05.23 Creator's Choices

In this episode of the Film Ireland Podcast, we are delighted to partner with the Dinard British and Irish Film Festival, which held its 36th edition last weekend in the picturesque seaside town of Dinard, Brittany. The episode features filmmaker John Kelly, whose animated short Retirement Plan - winner of both the Jury and Audience Awards at SXSW - continues its successful festival run with a screening at Dinard. Our contributor Tanvi Gawali speaks with John about the film’s journey and creative process. We also hear from Myrid Carten, discussing her powerful documentary A Want in Her, which screened at the festival and is now showing in Irish cinemas. The Dinard British and Irish Film Festival is an annual celebration of cinema that takes place in the coastal town of Dinard, Brittany. Now in its 36th year, the festival showcases the best of contemporary British and Irish filmmaking, highlighting emerging talent alongside established voices. Known for its warm hospitality and discerning audiences, Dinard provides a unique platform for filmmakers to connect with international industry figures and audiences in France.

There was a lot to celebrate this Culture Night, as Newcastle West Film Club in Limerick marked 16 years of screening an impressive programme of films. Meanwhile, Coimisiún na Meán’s Sound and Vision Scheme has just turned 20 - and what better way to honour both occasions than with a screening of the scheme’s recent success, documentary Birdsong? In Desmond Complex on 19th September, Coimisiún na Meán hosted a brilliant evening of music, conversation, and cinema, culminating in a live Q&A with the film’s producer, Ross Whitaker, hosted by Film Ireland Associate Editor Gemma Creagh. Listen back to these highlights of the evening: Chatting with Coimisiún na Meán’s Brian Furey — [00.35] A history of the club with founding member Mary Carroll — [08.18] Live Q&A with Ross Whitaker — [23.55] A word from the members — [38.53] About Sound and Vision Over €300 million awarded to almost 5,000 projects. Coimisiún na Meán is celebrating 20 years of the broadcasting funding scheme, Sound & Vision. The Scheme, which was first launched in 2005, has played a crucial role in shaping the Irish media landscape by supporting the creation of diverse, culturally relevant, and innovative content for Irish TV and radio audiences. Over the last two decades, nearly 5,000 projects have been offered funding of just over €300 million to make programming in Ireland, for Irish audiences. These include: 659 drama projects, 94 animation projects, just over 3,200 documentaries, 268 educational projects and 445 entertainment projects, as well as targeted funding rounds to support the commercial and community media sectors. Sound & Vision remains a vital source of funding for producing Irish language content with over 800 hundred of the projects funded classified as Irish/bilingual.

Today, we are partnering with Words Across Europe to welcome Johnathan Young, Executive Producer at May One and former VP of Original Programming and Production at HBO Central Europe. Words Across Europe is an innovative, paid programme that provides participants with a deep understanding of the broader industry landscape, along with the confidence to navigate series writing for television. Most exciting of all, the programme takes place entirely in virtual reality. Johnathan is one of the industry experts and guest speakers involved in the programme To learn more about Words Across Europe and how to apply, visit www.wordsacrosseurope.eu

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Dave Byrne, Director of Sunphlowers. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. Set against an agricultural backdrop, Catherine finds her husband dead in one of their glasshouses. In putting his affairs in order, the extent of secrecy and destruction her late husband Michael has left in his wake, forces Catherine to take a long hard look at the direction of the remainder of her life. In the days that follow, Catherine must deal with very real life issues such as rural isolation, organised criminals targeting vulnerable people and financial ruin. Catherine initially struggles to deal with the overwhelming responsibilities that lay ahead, whilst also providing emotional support to her three adult children. Pride and determination brings out a strength of character beyond Catherine’s own expectations, as she deals with each problem head on, resulting in a new found sense of freedom and the power to forgive and move on with her life. Cast: Anne McCrudden, Patrick Bergin, Jerry Fish, Paul McQuaid, AbigaIl O'Regan. Sunphlowers is in cinemas from 26th September 2025.

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks with Donncha Gilmore, Director of 'Girls & Boys' Girls & Boys tells the story of rugby player Jace meeting aspiring filmmaker Charlie at a college party. Both attend Trinity, but their worlds couldn’t be more different—Charlie is trans, her circle full of queer artists and creatives, while Jace sticks with the more straight-laced camaraderie of his rugby teammates. When the party is suddenly shut down by the Guards, the two find themselves alone in the streets of nighttime Dublin.As they wander the city, sharing secrets, dreams, and fears about life after college, a surprising revelation from their shared past threatens to upend their fragile connection. Jace must confront not only his past, but the social identity he’s long taken for granted. Girls & Boys is in cinemas from 19th September 2025.

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Ciarán Kissane, Director of Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO). This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. https://www.filmireland.net/essay-in-the-name-of-the-censor/ IFCO & Screen Ireland: Classify an Irish Short Film As part of this year’s Culture Night, the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) and Screen Ireland invite visitors behind the scenes of the world of film classification for a one-of-a-kind experience. Step into IFCO’s intimate onsite cinema and take part in classifying a Screen Ireland short film alongside an official IFCO Film Classifier – a rare opportunity to see exactly how IFCO comes to a decision and why a particular age rating would be applied. Each screening will be followed by an interactive discussion, where audiences can explore the guidelines and decision-making process that determine whether a film gets a G, PG, 12A, or 15A classification and debate where they would draw the line themselves! With multiple screenings running between 16:00 – 20:00, there’s something for everyone, including options suitable for younger audiences. Booking is essential – make sure to reserve the screening that’s right for you and your family for this unmissable Culture Night event.

The Meath Film Festival takes place at the Solstice in Navan on 13-14 September 2025, full details are on the website at Meathfilm.ie In this Film Ireland podcast, shorts programmer for the festival and Film Ireland contributor Mick Jordan talks to director Steven Benedict about his new film A Lady of Paris, which is screening at the festival. Steven Benedict Steven Benedict is a multi-award-winning writer, producer, and director of several short films and co-director of an award-winning feature. Steven lectures part-time at the National Film School of Ireland, where, among other subjects, he teaches in the Masters in Screenwriting program.Steven also curates his own website, www.stevenbenedict.ie, hosting over 400 podcasts and several video essays. In addition, he is a regular contributor to RTE radio’s arts program, Arena.

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Alan O'Gorman, Writer of 'Christy'. 17-year-old Christy is at a crossroads.  Kicked out of his suburban foster home, he moves in with his estranged older brother Shane and his young family.  As far as Shane is concerned this is a temporary arrangement, but Christy begins to feel at home on Cork's working-class Northside. As he makes friends and begins to let the community in, he also reconnects with his past through his seemingly more corrupting extended family, despite Shane’s efforts to protect him. Shane wants something better for Christy at any cost – even if it means he has to push him away.  As the brothers look to reconcile their turbulent past, their family and the community around them offer hope for Christy’s future. Christy is in cinemas from 29th August 2025. https://filmireland.net/ Fundraiser Mentioned : Help Asmaa & her little girls survive in Gaza and rebuild https://chuffed.org/project/112878-help-asmaa-her-little-girls-survive-in-gaza-and-rebuild-their-destroyed-lives Read Alan's article for rundale.org https://www.rundale.org/2025/05/29/human-animals-dehumanisation-and-ireland/

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to Producer Peter Kilmartin & Director Ailill Martin, whose film 'The Good Farmer and the Failed Son' won the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund. This podcast has been made possible with the support of Screen Ireland. This story follows Jack, a performance artist, and his father Bryan, as they face an uncertain future for their farm and questions around Jack’s place in it. In the traditional world of farming much is expected of Jack as the family’s only son, however up until this point Jack has never really considered farming an option. Last December, Netflix announced the six teams of winners of the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund, which included the winning Irish team: filmmakers Ailill Martin and Peter Kilmartin from Dublin & County Roscommon. Now in its third year, the Netflix Documentary Talent Fund supports emerging filmmakers to nurture their talent through making a short documentary. The six recipients were challenged to respond to the prompt  “you’re never gonna believe this…”. Each team was supported by Netflix to produce a short documentary between 8-12 minutes long with a budget of £30,000 each.  As part of the process the team participated in a boot camp which provided training from experts at Netflix who coached them and host workshops covering Creative, HR and Production. The initiative provides filmmakers with a personalised experience to best suit their levels of expertise and help them further their careers. The Netflix Documentary Talent Fund films had their global premiere on the closing night of London’s Raindance Film Festival on 26th June 2025. Netflix has released the six films on the Still Watching Netflix YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGie8GMlUo3kBKIopdvumVQ

In this Film Ireland podcast, Naemi Victoria talks to Paul Sng, Director of Irvine Welsh: Reality Is Not Enough, which had its World Premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival on 20th August 2025. This intimate documentary explores the life, legacy, and creative genius behind groundbreaking novels like 'Trainspotting', 'Crime', and 'Filth'. Narrated by an all-star cast including Liam Neeson, Maxine Peake, Nick Cave, Ruth Negga, and Stephen Graham, the film follows Welsh as he embarks on a profound psychedelic journey, reflecting deeply on his upbringing in Edinburgh, his wild years in London's 1970s counterculture, and the fame that followed his global literary success.