Irish Film & Television Academy launches bilateral industry and talent network.

The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) is launching a creative network between London and Ireland designed to foster relations between the Irish and UK film and TV industries.

The aim of IFTA London will be to “provide a platform to help build new opportunities for creative collaboration and strong working relations” between the two industries.

Speaking at the IFTA London launch event last night [Aug 31] at BAFTA in London, IFTA Chief Executive Áine Moriarty said: “There is a great spirit of partnership, business and cultural links, between Ireland and the UK that makes us so much more than just neighbours – and this is especially true when it comes to the links that exist between the creative industries and communities. The IFTA LONDON initiative aims to help build a new network for the film & television communities.”

Jim Sheridan, Ken Loach, Dearbhla Walsh, Elaine Cassidy, Robert Sheehan, Eileen Walsh and Ciarán Hinds were among the attendees at yesterday’s event.

The Irish Academy also unveiled details of its planned events in London, including a season of IFTA premiere screenings of films from new Irish filmmakers; a series of spotlights on Irish creative talent behind the camera which includes work from cinematographer Seamus McGarvey (Atonement) and costume designer Consolata Boyle (The Queen); a Jim Sheridan season which will include a masterclass and retrospective of the director’s work; and an exploration of Irish co-production.

IFTA London is supported by the Irish Film Board, Enterprise Ireland, Fuji Film and Philips.

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