Women Take the Spotlight at Foyle Film Festival’s 37th Edition in Derry, Northern Ireland
The Foyle Film Festival, one of Northern Ireland’s premier cultural events, celebrates its 37th edition this year by turning the spotlight on women in film and the creative industries. Held at the Nerve Centre in Derry on November 29, the festival’s Industry Day offers a dynamic platform for discussion, collaboration, and inspiration, with women leading many of the conversations.
A central feature of the day is the panel discussion "Leading From the Front," which showcases the contributions of four trailblazing women shaping the creative landscape. Participants include Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society; Dearbhla Regan, Head of Film and Talent Development at Wild Atlantic Pictures and Executive Producer of An Cailín Ciúin; Andrea Harkin, a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker; and Shannon Welby, a screenwriter with notable credits including Blue Lights. The panel will address storytelling, talent development, leadership, and the unique perspectives women bring to the industry.
Another key session, "If You Build It, They Will Come," presented by Donegal Film Office and Errigal Studios, features actor and writer Dorothy Duffy and line producer Eileen Rafferty. This discussion focuses on the transformation of the North West into a thriving hub for both local and international film productions.
Women in Film & TV UK (WFTV), the leading membership organization for women in creative media, will host an evening networking event to celebrate female talent in the industry. Directed by Alison Millar (Lyra), the event aims to foster connection and inspire collaboration among attendees.
Prominent industry figures will also delve into production success stories, such as That They May Face the Rising Sun, which has grossed over £650,000 in the UK and Ireland. Producer Tina O’Reilly will join Brendan J. Byrne and Robert McCann Finn to discuss the film’s achievements.
Documentary filmmaking will also take the stage, with director Roisin Agnew (The Ban) and BFI Doc Society’s Hannah Bush Bailey examining the challenges of funding and developing non-fiction features in today’s industry. Agnew’s film The Ban will screen at the Nerve Centre as part of the evening program.
Eavan King, Industry and Competition Programmer for the Foyle Film Festival, highlights the significance of the event: “The North West is a hotbed of creative talent... Bringing together industry leaders and celebrating local talent is an absolute privilege.”
Katie Bailiff, CEO of WFTV, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of connection and representation: “It’s a privilege to celebrate the achievements of women in film and television. Events like this drive change and foster inspiration.”