Film In Limerick has announced its selection of local producers to attend the event
By Ciara McKenna
The Berlin International Film Festival will host a delegation of film producers from the Mid-West of Ireland for the first time since 2020, thanks to the Film in Limerick initiative.
Film in Limerick was founded to support the film industry in the Mid-West. They aid production companies in finding filming locations and selecting crews as well as training and up-skilling emerging filmmakers and production companies based in the region.
Local producers Alanna MacNamee, Gregory Burrowes and Pius McGrath will be travelling to the European Film Market at the Film Festival which kicks off this weekend.
This is one of the top film markets in the world, hosting more than 8,300 international professionals from the industry. The market allows for attendees to find partners and funding for their projects.
Commenting on the new initiative, Regional Film Manager Paul C. Ryan said: “The key to a successful and sustainable independent film scene in the Mid-West is to invest in developing our creative producers here. They are the ones who will ultimately find and develop ideas and talent and help to drive new projects.
“This initiative, with the support of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, will allow more of our producers to begin to work at an international level and to build their networks and knowledge.”
The delegation have culminated years of industry experience. Alanna MacNamee, a producer and freelance journalist, is currently working on a documentary project for RTÉ1 and has worked with both RTÉ and TG4 previously.
Pius McGrath has been a producer for over 10 years and his first feature film is in the works with Irish and US creative partners.
Gregory Burrowes’ company, Carbonated Comet Productions, has become a successful producer of short films, screening at several film festivals. Gregory is also a nominee for the Discovery Award at this month’s Dublin Film Festival.
Paul Patton, Director of Further Education & Training at Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board commented on the upcoming trip,
“we are delighted to be partnering with Film in Limerick again to support these talented local producers who will have the opportunity to develop their careers and professionalise their practice through attending the European Film Market in Berlin and by taking part in industry training and events there.”
