GALWAY CITY is set to welcome filmmakers, programme-makers, broadcasters and media students from the Republic, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany for a major international media festival next month.
The 29th Celtic Media Festival will take place in the city from April 16th to 18th, and is described as a celebration of broadcasting and film-making.
The industry-only event will feature awards, sessions, panel discussion and screenings. It is expected to attract up to 400 delegates, including some big name guests and prestigious industry speakers.
Supported by broadcast, film, cultural and economic organisations throughout the Celtic countries, including RTÉ and TG4, the event moves to a different Celtic location each year. It was held last year on the Isle of Skye.
Cathal Goan, the RTÉ director general, who serves as festival chairman, said "the Celtic Media Festival is an opportunity for film- and programme-makers to see and hear productions and meet practitioners from other Celtic countries and elsewhere".
He added: "It is fitting that Galway, a city rich in cultural heritage is the host city for this year's Celtic Media Festival." One of the highlights of the event is the presentation of bronze Torcs for Excellence in 18 festival categories for film, television, radio and digital media. The awards will be presented by RTÉ Mary Kennedy and TG4's Daithi O'Sé.
Film and television entries from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany were shortlisted for the awards, with projects required to have at least one-third of the production in a Celtic language.