IFTN talks to Felim MacDermott about his experiences of programming, personal highlights of the festival, and how confident and versatile the Irish titles are in this year's Fleadh.
How have you found the experience of programming for a big festival?
"The experience has been very rewarding. My goal was twofold – to programme films that would be of interest to Galway’s local audience, and to curate a festival have that members of the Irish film community would find engaging. The ethos of the Fleadh has developed over the last 18 years, so I am trying to remain true to its ideals, while introducing some new elements. But really, the experience of programming is intuitive - like a matchmaker: I pick films that I feel will work with an audience, and hope they fall in love!
You have various strands in this year's programme - how did you decide on each of these?.
Each year we focus on a particular country and celebrate its cinematic heritage. And obviously, Italy offered us so much in this context. It is part of our wider goal to engage local audiences. So when we made the initial decision to have a gay/lesbian strand we happened to meet Colm O’Callaghan and Kim Merriman - so we worked together in programming this strand. The Amnesty strand are films or documentaries that highlight human rights abuses; there has always been a strong tradition of socially conscientious work being screened at the Fleadh, which is a tradition I am honored to continue. This year we have introduced a new element whereby a noted academic will introduce the work of a dead filmmaker – this year will see Ray Carney from Boston University give a presentation on Cassavettes prior to a screening of A Woman Under The Influence.
How do you feel the Irish programme stands against the international strands?
The Irish films are incredibly diverse in terms of their style, content, themes etc. In a way, looking at contemporary Italian work, one could see a certain themes present in many of them. There is very little in common between 'Once', 'Small Engine Repair', 'Middletown', 'Pride & Joy' and 'The Front Line', except that I feel they demonstrate a film industry that is incredibly versatile and confident. As a punter – this is great to see, and as a programmer it is really exciting to share in the success of Irish film.
What has been your highlight working with the Fleadh over the years?
Listening to Paul Schrader’s lecture on Screenwriting last year. I found it really funny, engaging and intelligent. He was very generous with both his time and through sharing his epiphanies on the craft of screenwriting. I was really pleased to be involved in making that happen.
The Fleadh is a real Irish industry festival - how do you think it compares with other Irish festivals in that regard?
From the start, the Fleadh has always had real fidelity towards the Irish film industry. Over the years the Fleadh has cultivated this aspect through the Film Fair, the Masterclasses and industry related seminars etc. I think it has been a prudent decision to hone the Fleadh’s identity, for instance, the same way the Cork Film Festival has done with it’s international shorts programs. It seems to me that each film festival in Ireland has differing nuance, emphasis and ultimately offers a different experience, which is a very good thing.
What are you most looking forward to during the Fleadh?
There will be unforgettable moments that I can’t plan for – that I certainly can’t programme, where people or circumstance gain their own magnitude and momentum and a audience will share in this experience. I am really looking forward to these moments!
The Galway Film Fleadh opens on Tuesday 11th July, and runs until Sunday 16th July.
www.galwayfilmfleadh.com
