The Catalyst International Film Festival has announced that Ruth Negga, will join as Festival Ambassador in 2021.
“I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to be an ambassador for the 2nd Catalyst International Film Festival in Limerick,” said Ruth Negga, when speaking about her ambassadorship. “I feel that the Catalyst International Film Festival can and will act as a compass, a beacon, a buoyant celebration of the multitude of exciting stories that are brimming in modern Ireland.”
“And I am thrilled of course, that this is all to take place in Limerick,” Negga added. “A city of determination, of grit and resilience, of uncowed beauty with a modern and multicultural identity, that has a diverse and supportive artistic community. It’s the perfect place for a meeting of all these waters.”
Dr Susan Liddy, film festival founder and co-director, is enthusiastic about the festival’s association with Ruth Negga. “We are very proud and honoured to welcome the talented actor, Ruth Negga, to the role of Ambassador for Catalyst International Film Festival,” Dr. Liddy said.
“Ruth is hugely supportive of the festival’s ethos so there is a real meeting of minds in this partnership. Ruth also has strong ties to Limerick, having lived in the city for many years as a child,” Dr. Liddy added. “Her connection remains strong and, indeed, she still has extended family living here. We look forward to working with her to focus attention on the need for a more diverse and inclusive industry.”
Based in Limerick, Catalyst International Film Festival will host the 2nd edition of the festival virtually on 19th/20th March 2021, presenting a film programme that prioritises stories and storytellers currently under-represented on screen and behind the camera. The Irish premiere of feature films, Bandar Band and MAXIMA will take centre stage at the festival along with a programme of Irish and international short films, interviews, panel discussions, and an awards ceremony.
The Iran/Germany produced feature film, Bandar Band, premiered at TIFF in 2020 and follows a road trip through the devastating floods in Iran in 2019. Director, Manijeh Hekmat will participate in an ‘In Conversation’ following the screening.
Maxima follows Peruvian indigenous farmer Máxima Acuña in her fight to protect her land as she stands up to the largest gold producer in the world: US-based Newmont Mining Corporation. Director/producer, Claudia Sparrow will join the festival team for a post screening ‘In Conversation’ during the festival.
With diverse short films from Ireland, Brazil, USA, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Iran, and the UK, the festival believes that equality is key to enriching filmmaking and audiences. We will support films and filmmakers that embrace a different vision and practice. Led by Dr. Susan Liddy and Vanessa Gildea, the festival will present a more inclusive and often unseen film programme for local and national film communities and endeavour to create a more inclusive industry. Films screened at Catalyst will promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion whether in content, key creative roles or crew.
