Spotlighting Women in Film and the Creative…

As the Foyle Film Festival celebrates its 37th year of cinematic excellence, this year’s Industry Day takes an exciting step forward, shining a well-deserved spotlight on women in the film and creative industries.

Taking place on Friday 29 November at the Nerve Centre, the event will bring together some of the brightest minds and talents in the screen industries to explore pressing topics, share insights, and inspire the next generation of storytellers.

A Platform for Women Leading the Way

A highlight of the day’s programme is the panel discussion Leading From the Front, featuring four trailblazing women who have made significant contributions to the creative landscape. This discussion will showcase their work, explore the opportunities and challenges they have encountered, and examine how they are shaping the future of the industry.

The panel includes:

Shona McCarthy — Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and a passionate advocate for arts and culture.
Dearbhla Regan — A creative force with extensive experience in production, currently Head of Film and Talent Development at Wild Atlantic Pictures and Executive Producer of the Oscar-nominated An Cailín Ciúin.
Andrea Harkin — A BAFTA-nominated filmmaker from Derry, known for Time (BBC Studios) and The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC/Ecosse).
Shannon Welby — A dynamic screenwriter from Donegal, with credits including Blue Lights (Gallagher Films and Two Cities for BBC) and The Gone (RTÉ, produced by Keeper Pictures).

Together, the panel will discuss storytelling, nurturing and developing local talent, leadership, representation, and the unique perspectives women bring to the screen industries. This session is a must-attend for anyone passionate about creating a more inclusive and vibrant future for the arts.

Representation Across the Programme

Another exciting session, If You Build It, They Will Come, presented by Donegal Film Office and Errigal Studios, will feature leading voices such as actor and writer Dorothy Duffy (Fréwaka, dir. Aislinn Clarke, and Peterloo, dir. Mike Leigh), alongside Line Producer Eileen Rafferty (Crá, BBC Gaeilge/TG4). They will discuss how the North West is evolving into a thriving hub for both local and international productions.

We are super excited to welcome Women in Film & TV UK (WFTV), the leading membership organisation for women working in creative media in the UK. WFTV will host an evening of networking with industry friends and colleagues over a drink to celebrate the talents of women working in film with a welcome from director Alison Millar (Lyra).

Producer Tina O’Reilly from Frontroom Films will join Brendan J. Byrne and Robert McCann Finn in conversation about the success of That They May Face the Rising Sun, which has grossed over £650,000 at the UK and Ireland box office since its release in early 2024.

In addition, director Roisin Agnew (The Ban) will join Hannah Bush Bailey of BFI Doc Society to discuss the challenges of funding and developing non-fiction features in a rapidly changing landscape. The Ban will screen at Nerve Centre at 7 pm on Friday 29 November as part of the festival.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Foyle Film Festival Industry and Competition Programmer Eavan King says:

“Foyle Film Festival through the Light in Motion competition provides a direct pathway to Oscar and BAFTA recognition for talent from this island and beyond. The North West is a hotbed of creative talent both on and off the screen and to bring together so many people at the top of their game in the screen industries, many of them from this region, to celebrate on Friday and inspire the next generation of talent is an absolute privilege”.

Katie Bailiff CEO of WFTV comments:

“We are delighted to join the Foyle Film Festival and to host this networking event. It’s a privilege to bring together such a talented community of creatives to celebrate the achievements of women in film and television. Events like this provide an essential platform for connection, inspiration, and driving change in the industry.”

Why It Matters

Representation in film and television isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the stories we tell and how we tell them. Women bring unique experiences, perspectives, and creativity that enrich the fabric of the screen industries.

Join the Conversation

Foyle Film Festival has always been about more than films; it’s a celebration of ideas, talent, and community. This year’sIndustry Day promises to be an inspiring day of collaboration and discussion, with women at the forefront of many key conversations.

If you would like to attend, please complete the expressions of interest form.

See the full day’s schedule via What’s On