Catalyst International Film Festival takes centre stage in Limerick

CATALYST International Film Festival will host the 6th edition of the festival presenting films, panel discussions, workshops and networking events in venues across Limerick this week, April 3-5. Festival organisers promise a programme that prioritises stories and storytellers currently under-represented on screen and behind the camera. Dr Susan Liddy, festival founder and director, said: “The festival has gone from strength since our launch in 2020 – it's wonderful to be announcing our 6th programme! We have an action packed few days and I’m particularly proud to present the world premiere of Boobs, which was awarded the inaugural Short Documentary Bursary Award last year and will be one of the closing films of the festival.

“Championing diversity and inclusion behind and in front of the camera, a key part of Catalyst’s mission, Boobs is a bold and deeply intimate short documentary that reclaims the narrative around representation of women's bodies,” said Dr Liddy. READ MORE: Casting call for Limerick public to feature in two 'major' TV productions The festival includes the inaugural Lab for Emerging Screenwriters, with support from Coimisiún na Meán, which will take place over two days. Ten promising screenwriters who had previously entered the Catalyst Short Screenplay Award are taking part.



They will join script editors Lena Byrne and Sam Atwell visiting producers Fiona Kinsella and Leeona Duff and facilitator Jennifer Davidson (Chair Writers Guild of Ireland) for an immersive two day focus on polishing their work and getting it screen-ready, forging links in the industry, creating a writing community, learning from successful career stories and developing the qualities necessary to thrive as a screenwriter in the industry. “We are delighted to be able to offer this exciting opportunity to emerging screenwriters. Our thanks to Coimisiún na Meán for supporting this inaugural initiative.

Too often, promising voices are not identified or supported. As a result, potential talent isn’t developed and can fall off the radar resulting in a loss of authentic voices and fresh stories. Catalyst is taking the first step towards changing that,” said Dr Liddy.

The festival programme and tickets are available at catalystinternational filmfestival.com.