About Us
Showcasing the best of Irish culture
An chuid is fearr de chultúr na héireann á léiriú
Formerly known as IRISH FILM LONDON, Irish Film & Television UK (IFTUK) showcases and celebrates the best of Irish culture through the digital medium. We promote world class Irish Film, Television and Animation throughout the UK
Our events throughout the year include:
The Irish Film Festival, a five-day event held each November
The Irish Film Awards, held each November
The Brigid’s Day Film Festival, held each February in celebration of women
The St. Patrick's Day Film Festival, held each March in association with the Mayor of London
We hold workshops and seminars throughout the year to inform, educate and engage with the Irish diaspora and those interested in Irish culture
Festival Director's Vision
There has been much talk about the mighty achievements of Irish cinema in the last few years, about a country punching above its weight in terms of technical artistry, awards nominations and an ability to attract international productions. While all this is undeniably worth celebrating, it is still the case that so much vital work produced by or featuring Irish talent does not get to screens in the UK. While many would suggest cultural and historical reasons why that might be the case, increasing collaborations between filmmakers and funding bodies suggest growing professional respect across the nations, while every Irish success story empowers the notion that there’s a fascination from UK audiences.
Irish Film and TV UK exists to promote the boldest and best work Ireland is producing in the countries that are its nearest neighbours. With festivals and year-round work, we plan to ensure Irish filmmakers have a credible platform in the UK, be they established voices or young artists taking their first steps into film production. IFTUK wants to encourage collaboration and support Irish filmmakers living and working in the UK. We will continue to challenge perceptions of what Irish film and TV is, acknowledging that the country is producing incredible work in all forms and genres of the visual arts.
Michael Hayden, IFTUK Festival Director
THE TEAM
Michael Hayden
Festival Director
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Michael is a writer and film programmer who lectures on the film studies, programming and curation MA course at the National Film and Television School. He was previously Programmer of the BFI London Film Festival, Head of Programming at the Irish Film Institute and Programme Director at Cork International Film Festival. He is also an acquisitions advisor for Ireland's Wildcard Distribution.
Email: mh@irishfilmuk.com
Julie Delaney
Marketing & Operations Manager
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Julie has decades of experience in the Global Film & TV industry, having managed Sales Teams in Rights Management, Film & TV Sales, Pre-sales, Financing and Global Distribution. She also manages the TV catalogues for a number of international companies including Hollywood Classics, Silver Mountain, Bankside Films & Star Media to name a few.
Email: julie@irishfilmuk.com
Sean Mahoney
IT & Systems
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Sean is a proud ‘super geek’ whose passion is all things technical and digital. With an extensive collection of ‘tech toys’, Sean can often be seen reviewing the best of new technology via his online posts and road-tests.
Emma Jones
Social Media
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Emma graduated with a first in fashion design which led her into the worlds of Instagram and Pinterest, and from there a passion for Social Media. Emma has traveled extensively to support the rights and career opportunities of girls and young women from the developing world.
Board Of Directors
Carey Fitzgerald
Chair
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Named by The Irish Post Business Year in Review as a "Game Changer" and one of the fifty influencers who made their mark in 2022, industry veteran Carey is a highly experienced Film & TV Entrepreneur, Executive Producer, Mentor & Lecturer in Film & TV. She has a long history in all areas of production, distribution, advertising, financing & global sales and marketing. She has enjoyed Oscar Nominations and A List Festival Selections, along with a wide range of commercially successful TV commissions. She is the Founder of Silver Mountain Productions, the Irish production, distribution and training business and Partner and Producer at Ballpoint Films as well as co-founder of the female empowerment social enterprise, Wise Women. In 2022 she co-founded and produced the inaugural SHOUT LONDON - the mental health film & arts festival with the London based social inclusion charity, Ashford Place, where she is the Chair Person. She is a Mentor for various organisations including Screen Skills Ireland, Minding Creative Minds & WIFTV.
Email: CF@irishfilmuk.com
Steven Greenfields
Vice Chair/Director of Development & Legal Affairs
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Steven Greenfields leads on Development and Legal & Business Affairs and is one of the judges for feature film submissions at the Irish Film Festival. Steven studied film at university in England, France and Italy and was Head of Legal and Business Affairs at leading independent production company, Scala Productions, putting together and managing numerous feature films at every stage of production as a key part of the Oscar-winning team. He then moved to the City to advise on some of the biggest deals of his generation, setting up award-winning international law firm, SZ Greenfields in 2009. Steven is delighted to bring his experience back to the film industry and excited to be working with this talented team to promote and develop such wonderful creative talent.
Email: SG@irishfilmuk.com
David Clark
Treasurer/Finance Director
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Highly experienced as a Management Accountant, David has specialised in management and royalty accounting for film, television and music companies over many years. With clients ranging from the UK's Sky TV, to independent production and distribution companies such as Silver Mountain Productions, Eureka Video, Miracle Films and Peccadillo Pictures, David's track record is second to none.
Email: DC@irishfilmuk.com
JoJo Dye
Director of Communications
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With over 25 years of film and TV industry experience, JoJo has consistently been called upon to produce some of the biggest and best events at Cannes, Abu Dhabi LA and Berlin film festivals. In Cannes, she has created parties and conferences for varied clients, governmental agencies and finance houses, amongst many others.
Her JJDConsultancy commands significant loyalty through the infrastructure of amazing creatives, PRs, designers and production companies that JoJo has built over the years.
Email:JD@irishfilmuk.com
Peter Curran
Director of Production & Broadcasting
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Peter Curran is a BBC Radio 4 broadcaster, writer & documentary maker. His great-grandfather was an Irish Cinema pioneer, building and operating movie theatres from 1913 onwards across the North of Ireland. He has produced and directed many UK projects on Irish history, language and culture for institutions such as The Imperial War Museum and the BBC, including The Past is a Foreign Country; Collecting the Troubles; The Hidden History of Irish Place Names. He is co-host of the BBC Sounds comedy podcast, Bunk Bed
Email: pc@irishfilmuk.com
Martin Myers
Director of Exhibition & Distribution
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Martin Myers is the fourth generation of his family to enter the movie business; his great grandfather and grandfather owned cinemas across London and Martin followed his own father into distribution at an early age, working in a Soho office during school holidays.
Since then he’s worked at 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Universal and MGM, and founded his own companies, delivering numerous memorable films. Martin currently works with Miracle Communications as well as Demand Film UK. He is a BAFTA member and a patron of Raindance and BIFA.
Email: Martin@irishfilmuk.com
Tara Gaule
Director of Television
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Tara has over 25 years experience in TV distribution sales selling scripted, non-scripted and kids content to International Broadcasters. She has worked in organisations such as BBC Studios, Zodiak Rights (now Banijay) & A&E Networks to name a few. She has also worked in the Film distribution sector at High Point and Handmade Films where she was Head of Library Sales. Tara is passionate about bringing great stories onto our screens.
Nicola Waddell
Director of Sponsorship
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As a Show Runner and Executive Producer, Nicola Waddell has produced and directed feature length specials, documentaries, studio talk shows and factual entertainment series from Jonathan Ross to How to Cheat at Athens for Channel Four UK, BBC, ITV, SKY, Discovery (US), CNBC (US & EMEA), Nat Geo (US), MTV Italia, S4C Sweden, Canal Plus, Channel 9 Australia. Over the years her experience has included developing projects, securing co-productions and producing teams worldwide, spearheading productions in USA, India, North Africa, Spain, Italy and Australia. She is currently concentrating on scripted projects and brand-led content for international Broadcast through Boxty Films. She has been a committee member for Edinburgh International TV Festival, completing training with an SAS Survival Team and is a graduate of the Robert McKee Scriptwriting course. Waddell also Mentors for Women Breaking Barriers (NI), Production Trainees for Grand Scheme Media and volunteers with The Mix (mental health charity for young people).
Advisory Group
Mary Carson
Advisor
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Mary Carson is a journalist and multimedia producer from Derry, Northern Ireland, who has produced short and long form journalism across all platforms. She co-produced Barbaric Genius with Irish director Paul Duane in 2011, returning to journalism to produce, direct and commission short and long form content at The Guardian before being enticed back to the world of independent documentary.
Michael Sheridan
Advisor
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Michael is a Digital Producer, podcaster, presenter, and social media manager with experience at Netflix, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, NBC, and Gay Times. He is passionate about entertainment and social impact, with a keen interest in multiplatform storytelling and AI. As Chair of Channel 4's climate network 4Earth, he represented the channel at global conferences including the United Nations COP. He also produced numerous industry events, securing high-profile figures such as Chris Packham, Ade Adepitan, and government ministers, which garnered praise from Channel 4’s Executive Board and CEO, Alex Mahon. Michael has presented podcasts for Audi and Edinburgh TV Festival, and has delivered public speaking engagements for the BBC, Royal Television Society, Media Trust and The Sustainability Show. He is also an ambassador for the NGO One Campaign an the LGBTQ+ charity Just Like Us.
Mark Costello
Advisor
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Mark Costello is a trained corporate and commercial lawyer from Dublin. He currently works as Legal Counsel for Sony Pictures in London, focusing on TV and film distribution within the EMEA region. Mark is also a member of the advisory group for IFTUK, where he contributes to various work streams such as funding applications, partnerships, and sponsorships.
Kevin Law
Advisor
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KEVIN LAW has been actively involved in international Film and TV sales and acquisitions for the past twenty years. Currently consulting for London based genre specialists Jinga Films he attends all the major film markets and festivals working with and alongside distributors and producers from throughout the world. Prior to Jinga Kevin spent eight years as Territory Sales Manager at High Point Films & TV. More recently Kevin has taken on the role of event management for trade body Film Export UK where he will be responsible for the planning and implementation of the Berlin EFM UK umbrella stand. Kevin has extensive experience of every part of the industry and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Working Across the UK