Event News
PHOTOS 6th Catalyst International Film Festival wraps with resounding success in Limerick
6th Catalyst International Film Festival wraps with resounding success in Limerick. Dr Susan Liddy, Founder & Creative Director (front row second from left) with award winners. Photo: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
The 6th Catalyst International Film Festival officially wraps after a successful and dynamic three-day run across Limerick from April 3-5
The 6th Catalyst International Film Festival celebrated an incredible three-day run from April 3 to 5, transforming Limerick’s venues into a vibrant hub of storytelling, education, and a celebration of diversity in local and international film.
The festival has gone from strength to strength since it was founded by Dr Susan Liddy in 2020 with this year’s event proving to be the team’s most ambitious and impactful yet.
Festival Director Dr. Susan Liddy noted that the organisers, lead by festival manager Aoife O’Toole, were happy following what was a “fantastic three days”, saying the enthusiasm of audiences and industry professionals brought a real excitement to the city.
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Dr Susan Liddy said, “We’ve just come through our sixth year, which is quite an achievement when you consider we had to abandon our first in -person festival in 2020 and move online with just a couple of weeks notice because of Covid! ” She adds, “Catalyst is all about excellence in filmmaking while prioritising equality, diversity, and inclusion, and we’ve had tremendous support from across the city. We’re grateful to Film in Limerick, the LCETB and Limerick City and County Council for backing us.”
From a packed student-focused opening day to a powerful closing night premiere, the festival’s programme offered something for everyone. Thursday’s events included an engaging slate of short Irish films curated for younger audiences, an interactive masterclass, the inspiring NextGen Perspectives screening and a buzzing award event in the Belltable on Saturday night.
Friday marked a standout day for the industry, with Shaping the Future in Screenwriting 2025 drawing a full house to the Savoy. Screenwriters, actors, and script editors and producers, including Jade Jordan, Jimmy Smallhorne, Sinead Collopy and Maria O’Neill delivered thought-provoking discussions on class, representation, and the screenwriting craft, with the festival director commenting, “ these were vibrant and thought provoking panels delivered with great good humour to an absolutely packed house in the Savoy. And then we went on to talk with screenwriter and chair of the Writers Guild of Ireland, Jennifer Davidson and script editor Lena Byrne, moderated by screenwriter, Miriam Devitt, reflecting on what you need to do to progress a writing career. And why writers need a script editor. And that was really welcomed by the emerging screenwriters who were present.”
Other highlights of the festival included the “Big Conversation” with Sheffield based writer-director Paul Fraser (Once Upon a Time in the Midlands, A Room for Romeo Brass ) in association with the National Talent Academy for Film and TV. Dr Liddy observes , “Paul has an impressive and respected body of work much of it with collaborator, director, Shane Meadows. More recently he is the writer of the keenly anticipated film Saipan about the famous rift between Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane resulting in Keane’s departure from the 2002 World Cup.
“It was a really engaging interview expertly undertaken by screenwriter Ursula Rani Sarma (Bodkin, The Split Up, ) who grew up in Lahinch in the 80s and 90s. It was a brilliant conversation, which really enthralled the room. It was also great to have a networking event afterwards and have our guests mingle and chat with the audience.”
The festival director noted another highlight which was introduced in 2024, the Catalyst Bursary Award. She said, “We introduced the bursary last year for those who wanted to make a short documentary with a theme, and team, that reflected the festival remit! The worthy winner of that bursary was Nicola Leddy and her film Boobs. We were very excited to welcome her and her family and friends to the Belltable for a reception in advance of the premiere.”
For the 6th edition, the festival launched its inaugural Catalyst Lab for Emerging Screenwriters, supported by Coimisiún na Meán, giving ten promising writers the chance to polish their scripts under expert mentorship.
Reflecting on the weekend and looking to the future, Susan Liddy said, “ It’s been a fantastic three days but we won’t be resting on our laurels! We aim to build an even bigger and more engaged audience year on year here in Limerick. And that process has already begun!”
DAY TWO:
Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
DAY ONE:
Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
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