Screen International, together with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, has today announced a new talent spotlight for Irish actors and filmmakers.
Applications are now open for Rising Stars Ireland, which will aim to identify and promote the next generation of Irish film talent to the international industry as the country’s film infrastructure and output continues to surge. Applications are open now.
Rising Stars Ireland will select 10 up-and-coming actors, directors, producers and writers who are on the verge of their first major professional breakthrough. Those chosen will be either Irish nationals and/or based full-time on the Island of Ireland, south and north.
Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive of Screen Ireland, said: “Screen Ireland is so proud of the incredible range of emerging talent working in the Irish screen industry. We’re delighted to launch this collaboration with Screen International to shine a spotlight on Rising Stars across the industry, from acting talent to directors, screenwriters and producers, creating a major opportunity for upcoming storytellers and filmmakers to connect with the international industry.”
Ireland is enjoying a wave of emerging local talent, as well as becoming an established hub for international productions. A surge in Irish-language filmmaking was capped this year by the huge domestic box office success of The Quiet Girl, which now goes on to compete for an international Oscar. The Rising Stars Ireland initiative will aim to both celebrate the talents selected and put them on a stronger international footing.
The selection will be made by Screen’s executive editor, reviews and talent, Fionnuala Halligan, who has overseen the trade publication’s UK talent selection for the last 13 years and who, during that time, has selected Irish talent at early stages of their career including Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley, Barry Keoghan, Aisling Franciosi, and Daryl McCormack.
The selection of the inaugural Rising Stars Ireland will be announced in Screen International during the 2023 Berlinale.
Applicants will need to submit a brief bio, headshot, contact details, an explanation of eligibility to be a Rising Star Ireland and an outline of their professional development objectives. Although there is no upper or lower age limit, applicants should be at an early stage in their film career, demonstrate exceptional promise and be ready to progress to the next level.
Screen International editor Matt Mueller said: “We are delighted to partner with Screen Ireland to select 10 rising Irish talents and we look forward to raising their profiles in the international industry. As our long-time curator for UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow and an Irish national herself, Fionnuala Halligan’s track record in talent-spotting is second to none - and I can’t wait to see the list she pulls together for this new Rising Stars: Ireland programme at such a pivotal time for the Irish industry.”
Submissions will close on December 1, 2022. Halligan can be contacted at screenstarsireland@gmail.com.
The UK and Ireland Stars of Tomorrow programme turns 20 in 2023 and has an unrivalled track record of finding the world’s top creative film talent across the British Isles.
About Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
As the national agency for the Irish film, television drama, animation and documentary industry, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is the creative partner to the sector, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise. Through a wide range of practical funding supports across development, production, distribution, promotion and skills development, Screen Ireland supports the sector at every stage.
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