As 2013 draws to a close the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) reflects
on its milestone 10th year in 2013, consolidating its work in recognizing
and rewarding excellence, and showcasing to the world Irish creative talent
and production and building its annual education and learning programme of
events and activities.
One of the significant successes of the year was the great showcase of the
Irish industry's work within the Academy's 10th annual IFTA Awards Ceremony
earlier this year, which attracted a record audience of 1.24 million viewers
in Ireland alone, promoting and showcasing Irish creative talent and
homegrown production to the public at large, both in Ireland and
internationally.
Throughout the year, the Academy hosted almost 28 IFTA Members Events across
its Education & Learning Programme. These included public interviews &
masterclasses with international talent such as Steve Coogan (Philomena),
director Neil Marshall (Game of Thrones) and screenwriter Guy Hibbert (Prime
Suspect); panel discussions with the creator and producers of BBC series
Ripper Street and industry breakfast with Bob Collins of BAI. IFTA London
also hosted 'A Celebration of Irish Craftmanship' which included panel
participants such as Ros Hubbard (casting director), Lorna Marie Mugan
(costume design), director Aisling Walsh cinematographer Suzie Lavelle and
Aidan Farrell (colourist).
IFTA brought the spotlight again on Ireland when it hosted the 2nd annual
John Ford Ireland Film Symposium (The renowned filmmaker whose legacy
continues to influence and inspire young filmmakers across the globe) with
Screenings, Masterclasses, Public Interviews and Lectures. The Symposium has
thus featured guests including Peter Bogdanovich, Bertrand Tavernier, Joel
Cox, Sean Bobitt, Julian Jarrold, Dan ford, Patrick & Marisa Wayne (son and
daughter of John Wayne), and more.
IFTA has announced several events of it's early 2014 programme, including an
'In Conversation with Allen Leech', the launch of new daytime discussion
series 'Lunchtime Labs' with IFTA-winning screenwriter Malcolm Campbell,
First Look Screenings of Irish feature films 'The Stag', 'Run and Jump' and
international titles including Brian Percival's 'The Book Thief' and the
first of their quarterly Industry Breakfasts.
The 11th Irish Film & Television Awards will take place on Saturday 5th
April 2014 in Dublin with Call for Entries are open until January 13th.
See the IFTA website www.ifta.ie for more details.