The Galway Film Fleadh, in association with Screen Skills Ireland, has announced three ‘in conversation’ events with Gabriel Byrne, Mark Cousins, and Mark Fergus.
These events offer audiences opportunities to learn from acclaimed experts in fields of acting, directing, and screenwriting respectively.
This year’s Galway Film Fleadh is a blended programme, with events taking part outdoors, online, and in-cinema. The Fleadh is offering the series of ‘in conversation’ events online and for free after registering in advance.
Galway Film Fleadh board member and Irish actor and writer Kate O’Toole talks to renowned actor Gabriel Byrne, who recently won the IFTA for Lead Actor Film for his role in ‘Death of a Ladies’ Man, which will be featured in the Fleadh programme.
From ‘90s blockbusters such as The Usual Suspects and Into the West, to recent hits such as Hereditary and Lost Girls, Gabriel Byrne is a distinguished Irish Actor whose career has spanned across cinema, television and theatre. In his latest film Death of a Ladies’ Man, Byrne plays Samuel O’Shea, a lifelong womaniser who begins experiencing strange visions that disrupt his world and begin to alarm him.
This year’s Galway Film Fleadh will also see Irish-Scottish documentarian Mark Cousins give a directing ‘in conversation’ event hosted by acclaimed Irish editor and director Declan McGrath.
Cousin’s documentaries are known for pushing boundaries, in both content and form. He is currently chair of the Belfast Film Festival and some of his films include Women Make Film: A New Road Movie Through Cinema and What Is This Film Called Love. Cousin’s newest documentary The Story of Looking is in the 2021 Fleadh programme. It is a personal film which explores the significance of vision as Cousins undergoes eye surgery.
The third ‘in conversation’ announced by the Fleadh is Irish-American screenwriter Mark Fergus, who will talk to award-winning screenwriter and screen consultant Mary Kate O’Flanagan.
Mark Fergus is the co-writer of stand-out features such as Iron Man and Children of Men, the latter of which earned him an Academy Award ® nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Other writing credits to Fergus’ name include sci-fi thriller Cowboys and Aliens, and popular television series The Expanse. Fergus will discuss his distinguished career during the screenwriting ‘in conversation’.
This trio of ‘in conversations’ are supported by Screen Skills Ireland. Gareth Lee, Manager at Screen Skills Ireland said: "Screen Skills Ireland are delighted to support three fantastic ‘in conversation’ events across screenwriting, directing and acting at the Galway Film Fleadh. Attendees are sure to gain great insights from Gabriel Byrne, Mark Cousins and Mark Fergus."
The Acting ‘in conversation’ with Gabriel Byrne will take place on Saturday 24th July at 12pm, the Directing ‘in conversation’ with Mark Cousins will take place on Saturday the 24th July at 2pm, and the Screenwriting ‘in conversation’ with Mark Fergus will take place on Sunday 25th July at 2pm.
All sessions are free but must be booked in advance via the Galway Film Fleadh website.