Explore the Galway film fleadh at the Clybaun
First of all, what is a Fleadh? In Gaeilge, our native tongue, this means a feast / festival or celebration. So aptly naming this the Galway film fleadh is a fitting tradition.
Founded over 35 years ago in 1989, this festival is a platform to showcase the boldest new films. Bringing an audience and a panel of film makers from across the globe to the emerald isle.
Highlighting Irish Film Talent
Since the creation of the Galway Film Fleadh, the Irish film industry has exploded in unison. The annual film fair runs in tandem with the Fleadh and allows Irish talent to attend industry events. There are pitching competitions, case studies, masterclasses and a conference held each year.
Each year, Generation Fleadh screens films and hosts events aimed at budding young talents in Ireland. This is alongside hosting the European Film Academy’s Young Audience Award each spring.
Generation Fleadh with the Family
If you’re coming to the Galway Film Fleadh with a younger crowd, then Generation Fleadh is a must.
Targeting the new generation of producers in Ireland, this 4 day event engages the youth in a never seen before way. There are daily film programmes, along with educational movies too.
There is an outreach programme each year to schools in Ireland to encourage involvement. Maybe this year’s Generation Fleadh has produced the director of Ireland’s next big film titles.
Audience Enrichment Activities
Each year there are a number of panel discussions after the films, particularly with Irish produced films. The post show discussion allows the audience to engage with the cast and director of these productions.
Workshops and seminars are held as part of the Galway Film Fair. Talks are used to discover the attitude of the community in the heart of movie production.
Where is the Galway Film Fleadh held
A congregation of Film Buffs descend into Galway each July in a couple of key areas. The film screening takes place in the Town Hall Theatre and in the Pálás cinema. These two venues are just off Shop Street and Eyre Square.
The industry events take place at the Galway Rowing Club, and in one of the local hotels in Galway. There is plenty of action in bars around the city, with industry professionals coming together in the evenings post screenings.
The Galway Film fair is one of the many events within the fleadh. It is a unique networking opportunity for debut directors and budding actors to meet with executives from screen Ireland and abroad.
Within the Galway Film Fair there is a marketplace which boasts a unique opportunity to meet financiers in an informal setting.
Awards and Recognitions
The central goal of producing films is not to win an award, but at the Galway Film Fleadh you don’t need to be one of the big budget films to win one.
At the Galway Film Fleadh 2024, there were a number of high profile winners, and a couple of new directors that shot to the fore of programming.
Best Irish Film was awarded to Kneecap, while the Best Irish Documentary went to Housewife of the Year. Fidil Ghorm won the Best Irish First Feature,
Since 2011, the Fleadh has been recognised as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards Short Film Category. Recipients of the James Horgan Award for Best Animation, The Best Short Documentary Award and the Tiernan McBride Award for Best Short Drama will qualify for consideration.
People Also Ask about the Galway Film Fleadh
What is the closing film of the Galway movie Fleadh?
In the 2024 film fleadh, the closing film was ‘To A Land Unknown’, an international film exploring the theme of immigration, smuggling and fraud.
Is Galway a good film festival?
Yes, this festival celebrates creativity from all of Ireland and the world. Showcasing important themes and topics of life. International shorts, native language films and so much more.
Where to stay for the Galway Film Fleadh
The Clybaun Hotel is on the outskirts of the city, offering a unique blend of Galway landscape, paired with the fun of Salthill but still close to the Fleadh.
Unwind each morning with a freshly cooked breakfast. Slip into the outdoor courtyard jacuzzi to ensure you’re refreshed from the night before!
Our stunning rooms have recently been refurbished to the highest standard in the city. Book your stay for the Galway Film Fleadh 2025 now and discover what the Clybaun is like!
