A Limerick-based producer and an emerging screenwriter have been chosen to join this year’s Film in Limerick delegation at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, where they will pitch their feature film projects to international film financiers.
The initiative by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick and in partnership with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, selected local producer Tara Doolan and local screenwriter Richard Lynch to attend the prestigious event.
Held alongside the Berlinale Film Festival, the European Film Market is one of the world’s leading platforms for film financing and distribution. It attracts over 8,300 industry professionals, including 1,500 buyers and more than 480 exhibitors, offering independent filmmakers a unique opportunity to secure partners and funding for their projects.
Speaking about the news Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training at Limerick and Clare ETB, said: “We are delighted to continue this innovative initiative with Film in Limerick, providing real world training and experience for producers and screenwriters who are actively developing their feature and TV projects. Along with our other film training supports, we continue to partner to address skills gaps and to create pathways into working in the screen industries in the Mid-West.”
Producer Tara Doolan and screenwriter Richard Lynch who will be attending the prestigious Berlinale Film Festival with Film in Limerick.
Producer Tara Doolan will pitch her TV project, Bluebell Fields, which is supported by Screen Ireland, while screenwriter Richard Lynch will present his feature script, The Crier, also backed by Screen Ireland.
Tara Doolan expressed her excitement, saying, “I am thrilled to attend Berlinale and the EFM this year, thanks to the support of Innovate Limerick, Film in Limerick, and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. This experience is invaluable, and the strong local support is crucial for emerging filmmakers and production companies in the Mid-West.”
Richard Lynch said it was an honour to be selected to go to the Berlinale, EFM this year: “It has been a dream of mine since I was a young child to make a horror movie. I wrote the screenplay with two of my best friends Gary O’Donnell and Tracy Aspel and we have poured our heart and souls into this story. To have our work acknowledged by two respected film organisations such as Film In Limerick and Screen Ireland is a dream come through. Much thanks to Film in Limerick, Innovate Limerick and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board.”
Paul C. Ryan, Regional Film Manager, added: “In partnership with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, we continue to support local producers and writers to develop new projects and IP and to build their networks and knowledge at an international level. The participants attend industry training events and learn how to attract finance for their future projects. We look forward to seeing new projects produced in the region driven by our locally based creatives.”
The European Film Market and Berlinale will run from February 13–23, with American filmmaker Todd Haynes serving as Jury President and British actress Tilda Swinton receiving the Honorary Golden Bear.
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