Reflections on Catalyst International Film Festival 2020 – Friday 20th March 2020

Tonight, Friday 20th March, the inaugural Catalyst Int. FF should be in full swing. But as we know that wasn’t to be. The devastation caused by COVID-19 will leave an indelible legacy across the word and we’re all caught up in it, one way or another.

In the scheme of things, the cancellation of events, like Catalyst, is a small price to pay for the safety of our filmmakers, our industry professionals, family, friends, and communities. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t disappointed. We had looked forward to welcoming you all; basking in your wonderful films, debating the ins and outs of your work and enjoying the debate and chat that will be a feature of the festival going forward.

In advance of the announcement of the awards tomorrow night, Saturday 21st March, we want to thank you all for so warmly embracing the Catalyst Int. FF and its mission. We have done all we can under the circumstances, and given our limited resources, by continuing the festival ‘behind closed doors’ and circulating your trailers to promote and support your work.

We thank our jury members for their time and professionalism: Marissa Aroy, Barry Dignam, Timara Lawless.

Thank you to our advisory board Zelie Asava, Liz Gill, Mark O Halloran and particularly Maeve McGrath without whom the festival may never have launched in 2020.

Sincere thanks to our sponsors Screen Ireland, Screen Skills Ireland, Creative Europe Media (Ireland), Innovate Limerick, Troy Studios, iadt, One Pery Square and The George.

Finally, thanks to our volunteers Chloe Liddy Judge and Eleanor McSherry for their work and enthusiasm.

We will be back with a bang next year – and that’s a promise! In the meantime, we will arrange to present you with your prizes when we are all free to roam again!

International Women’s Day

Vanessa Gildea & Dr. Susan Liddy meet President Michael D. Higgins at a event marking International Women’s Day in Áras an Uachtaráin.

Catalyst Film Festival Launch

The official launch of the 2020 Catalyst Film Festival took place Monday March 2nd in One Pery Square Hotel. Thanks to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you on 20/21st March!

#

No responses yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *