Cineposium global film conference coming to Limerick this September

Mayor Francis Foley presenting Minister Catherine Martin with some Limerick-made gifts in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon ahead of the Cineposium announcement

Limerick City has won the competitive bid to host the major global film conference, Cineposium this September

The announcement comes today in Los Angeles, where Screen Ireland and Minister Catherine Martin, T.D. have been leading a trade mission to promote the Irish screen industry. Minister Catherine Martin (TD) met with the Executive Director of the AFCI, Jaclyn Philpott, along with Yvette Estrada from NBC Universal, one of the major studios who sit on the advisory board of the organisation, who filmed Cocaine Bear in Ireland last year.

Minister Catherine Martin, T.D., said, “This is an excellent opportunity to build on the current wave of success that is happening across the screen industry and to further strengthen our partnerships with international production companies and studios around the world.”

The Minister said showcasing Ireland as a “global production hub” is a great way to “drive more international production to all parts of the country, further developing skills and opportunities for Irish talent and our skilled crew base here”.

AFCI’s Cineposium event, which will take place in the last week of September 2023, brings Film Commissions and industry leaders from around the world together to discuss policy, economic development and screen production and will serve as an opportunity to showcase Limerick and the west coast of Ireland to major studio execs.

Hosting the event is the result of a competitive bid process open to all AFCI Film Commission members, won this year by Film in Limerick. Over the past decade, Cineposium has taken place in the US, France, New Zealand, Spain, South Korea, Russia and Colombia. The annual Cineposium conference connects AFCI members and film industry professionals with production industry partners and policymakers worldwide.

News from LA – Ireland has won the bid to host #Cineposium, a major global film conference📽️

It comes to Limerick City in Sept bringing global industry leaders together

The first time in its 46 year history that the conference comes to Ireland, a great boost for our film sector pic.twitter.com/sgY7JphLrw— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) March 11, 2023

Screen Ireland has put a key strategic focus encouraging the growth of film and television production nationwide, and recently announced the establishment of a new fund to support regional activity, ring-fencing €3.5 million from the agency’s budget for the fund.

Designed to develop crew resources and skills all around the country, the fund will require commitments in the areas of Diversity and Inclusion, sustainable production and on-set initiatives.

Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, welcomed the news saying it was “significant recognition” of Ireland’s position in location and film production.

Miss Finnegan said, “Limerick winning this bid is a significant recognition of Ireland’s position as a world-class location for film production, both in terms of the range of talent and skilled crew and craftspeople available across the country, as well as our country’s renowned landscapes and diverse locations.  

“Consistent investment in the film industry over decades has created incredible opportunities in terms of employment, skills development, local investment and the generation of cultural value and visionary storytelling.

“The screen industry Cineposium is an excellent opportunity to showcase the strength and power of the Irish screen industry and we look forward to welcoming the global film industry representatives to Limerick this year.”

Jaclyn Philpott, Executive Director of the AFCI, said, “Screen Ireland joined AFCI in June, 2018.  Their office has consistently exemplified leadership in sustainability, workforce development programs and providing production support for filmmakers and content creators filming in the country, as well as being an active and valued member of AFCI.  

“I’m enthusiastic that Ireland has been selected to host Cineposium, where a diverse mix of screen sector professionals will merge to  learn, build connections and explore new methods of collaboration.”

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Councillor, Francis Foley, added, “This is brilliant news for Limerick and once again shows that Limerick is a home for Film, a home for innovation and a vibrant place where massive organisations can collaborate on projects such as these.

“Limerick City and County Council, Film in Limerick and the LCETB locally, along with the Western Development Commission and MSL ETB look forward to welcoming the Cineposium to Limerick in 2023.”

Mayor Francis Foley pictured with Marcella Smyth Consulate General of Ireland,Los Angeles at the Consulate’s Oscars viewing party. The final event following the announcement of Limerick’a winning bid for the AFCI Cineposium 2023. #oscar pic.twitter.com/5UnuHLUkcp— Limerick Council – Comhairle Luimnigh (@LimerickCouncil) March 12, 2023

Paul C. Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Innovate Limerick / Film in Limerick said, “Working together with Screen Ireland, we have ambitious plans for the development of the sector in the Mid-West. As well as the infrastructure, crew base and tax incentives, we are blessed with stunning locations made for cinema.

“From the dramatic coastal areas of Clare to the rich Georgian heritage of Limerick City and the lush countryside and castles in Tipperary, the Mid-West and regions have so much to offer. Film in Limerick winning the bid to host Cineposium in Limerick is a wonderful opportunity to showcase these regions as the perfect locations for film and TV production.

“With our host partners, Screen Ireland, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, and support from MSL ETB and the Western Development Commission, we are planning an exciting and memorable week of events and we look forward to offering a warm welcome to industry leaders and film commissions.”

The film sector is a priority focus for Limerick City and County Council and working closely with Clare Council and Tipperary Council, film and TV production has grown rapidly in the Mid-West region in recent years. Leading this development is Film in Limerick, a project of Innovate Limerick, set up to develop the sector.

Limerick is home to the largest studio in Ireland, Troy Studios, and with a generous tax incentive and added regional funding available through Screen Ireland and the Wrap Fund, it is an attractive location for productions. Key to the success of the region has been partnerships with Screen Ireland and with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, to deliver training through a Crew Academy and targeted training initiatives that react to industry needs. Building a strong local crew base to support inward productions is a key priority for Film in Limerick.

This is the first time in the organisation’s 46-year history that the conference has taken place in Ireland. Cineposium 2023 will take place in the last week of September. Further information about Cineposium sessions, speakers and early registration will be announced shortly.

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Find out more about Cineposium here.