The Catalyst International Film Festival has launched with an introductory speech from its ambassador, Ruth Negga.
The festival will host its 2nd edition virtually from Limerick on 19th/20th March 2021. Gender equality, diversity and inclusion are key to enriching filmmaking and audiences alike and this is the backbone of the festival programme.
With a festival programme that includes Irish and International short films, feature films premieres, panel discussions, and In Conversation events with feature film directors, Catalyst International Film Festival is encouraging change in the range of films presented to film festival audiences.
“Gender equality, diversity and inclusion are key drivers of Catalyst International Film Festival,” said Festival founder and director, Susan Liddy. “We want to see change embedded in all areas of the industry, the Irish industry particularly. To that end, the Catalyst International Film Festival team will work to identify the gaps and behind the camera. We’ll showcase the best work, but work that supports our ethos and we’ll engender debate about the issues underpinning an imbalanced industry.”
Director, Manijeh Hekmat brings the Iran/Germany produced feature film Bandar Band, which follows a road trip through the devastating floods in Iran in 2019; MAXIMA, a feature film from director/producer Claudia Sparrow, follows indigenous farmer Máxima Acuña in her fight to protect her land as she stands up to the largest gold producer in the world. Both screening will be followed by In Conversation.
As has been the case with other recent festivals, moving online for the 2nd edition of the festival has provided an opportunity for a larger audience to see films and events at the festival. Films will be geo-locked to the island of Ireland, but panel discussions and events including the awards ceremony will be available to view across the world.
The festival will return to the physical experience in 2022.
