Screen International and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland have unveiled the first filmmakers and actors to be selected for the inaugural Rising Stars Ireland talent spotlight.
An offshoot of UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow, the spotlight takes a selection of up-and-coming actors, directors, producers, and writers, who are on the verge of their major professional breakthrough. The 10 chosen for this spotlight are all either Irish nationals and/or based full-time on the Island of Ireland.
The inaugural Rising Stars are: Dónal Finn (actor), Thaddea Graham (actor), Éanna Hardwicke (actor), Ella Lily Hyland (actor), Patrick Martins (actor), Collie McCarthy (producer), Katie McNeice (writer/director), Mia Mullarkey (writer/director), Rioghnach Ní Ghrioghair (writer/director), and Derek Ugochukwu (writer/director).
The selection was made by Screen’s executive editor, reviews, and talent, Fionnuala Halligan, who has overseen the trade publication’s UK talent selection for the last 13 years and who, during that time, has selected Irish talent at early stages of their careers including recent Oscar nominees Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, and Barry Keoghan, alongside Niamh Algar, Aisling Franciosi, and Daryl McCormack.
Speaking about the initiative, Halligan said: “It has been my ambition since the day I started work on UK Stars of Tomorrow to break Ireland out, and it’s certainly the year for Irish breakout success. It’s a delight to select these passionate Irish storytellers for this first edition of Rising Stars Ireland and get a look at the force which is brewing there through the many thoughtful applications we received. My thanks to Screen Ireland for their great support in putting this all together, and everyone who applied.”
Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said: “Screen Ireland is delighted to congratulate the actors, directors, writers, and producers selected for Rising Stars Ireland. This partnership with Screen International is a showcase of the incredible range of emerging talent working in Ireland and an opportunity to provide an international platform for new voices. We’re looking forward to seeing what comes next from these filmmakers – both on screen and behind the camera.”
Click here to find out more about Screen Rising Star Ireland.
