deadlines loom for the Fleadh

I notice from the Galway Film Fleadh web site that a number of deadlines are approaching that screenwriters and/or filmmakers in Ireland should note.

Applications for attendance at the 2006 Galway Film Fair are due by June 2nd.

The fair co-ordinates pre-scheduled meetings between film-makers with projects in development and invited Film Financiers, Distributors and Major Producers. Last year, the Galway Film Fair organised 500 meetings over the course of two days where 55 Irish and European production companies pitched 80 projects to the 40 financiers who attended the Fair.

Confirmed financiers for this year’s event: Beyond Films, Future Film Sales, High Point Film & TV, The Works, Moviehouse, Magnolia Pictures, Atom Films, Guerilla Films, Glasgow Film Office, Film I Väst, the Polish Film Institute, and Sweet Sixteen Productions.

“The Real Deal”, a film-financing seminar, will precede the Fair on Thursday 13th July. It will feature a case-study of Ken Loach’s film The Wind That Shakes the Barley, and focus on Film finance in Eastern Europe and on European Regional Funds. Download your application form now.

After the success of last year, the Stella Artois Pitching Award–valued at 5,000 euro–is returning to the Fleadh. One of my fellow classmates, Keith Bogue, won the inaugural award with the pitch of his script, Rugby Days.

Screenwriters have to submit a one-page story idea to the Fleadh, and only five projects will be selected for the competition. The writer must pitch his/her story within 15 minutes to a panel of experts, and a public audience. Yes, this is a challenge that won’t suit the more introverted of writers. Once again, the deadline for submissions is June 2nd.

Filmmakers who want to submit a short film (30 minutes or less) for the Fleadh’s short film competition have to have their film/documentary/animation into the Fleadh office by May 19th.

I’m disappointed I’ll miss the Fleadh this year. I recommend the experience to lovers of cinema who want to enjoy a wide range of films in the mellow and welcoming city of Galway.