PRIDE FILM FESTIVAL 2026
The Irish Pride Film Festival London had everyone wishing it was one more day! Held at the Irish Cultural Centre and Century Club, the festival celebrated the voices of Irish queer creatives alike on June 23, 26, and 27.
Irish Pride Film Festival London is proudly presented for the second year in a row by Q-IFTUK, the LGBTQ+ branch of the IFTUK and the only company dedicated to promoting Irish queer media, led by Derek Murphy, who also hosted the festival events. The festival worked in partnership with Screen Ireland and Culture Ireland.
The festival kicked off Tuesday with an Irish Queer Shorts Programme, screening shorts like “I Can Fix You” and Q-IFTUK Best Short film winner “Boobs,” an emotional exploration and rebellion against body shame in her documentary series depicting 100 nude portraits.
Friday started strong with more shorts, including favorites like “Night Glances” and hilariously brilliant “Mean Girls Gaelic Parody.” Last but certainly not least, the evening concluded with a drag extravaganza performance by Dragstar Orla Nothin’, with her iconic high energy shows keeping the audience lively well into the night.
The festival culminated with the award winning film “Girls and Boys,” and the “2026 Q-IFTUK Irish Pride Awards” Saturday evening, hosted by Q-IFTUK head Murphy. One final celebration to end the festival was celebrated with a rooftop DJ set by Groove Detective.
“The diversity of films and talent portrayed at the Q-IFTUK Irish Pride Film Festival was brilliant. I went from tears of laughter to little hiccoughing sobs and back again in a matter of seconds,” one attendee said.
Between the film screenings, networking events, and excellent sponsors like Madame F cocktails, the festival truly had something for everyone.
"We are beyond delighted about this year's festival, the love and support that we have received has been overwhelming and it is an absolute honour and joy to be able to spotlight and promote the huge amount of LGBT+ Irish Talent there is out there” Murphey said. “A massive congratulations to all our winners and to all the filmmakers and artists who were involved in this year’s festival. And a HUGE thank you to our audiences that came out to support us and help us grow. It has been an incredible three days. Let’s do it all again next year!”
Event Gallery
St Patrick's Festival 2026
What an amazing St Patrick's Film Festival we had this year! It all kicked off in London's Trafalgar Square on Sunday 15th March with the Mayor of London's St Patrick's Parade arriving in the Square. The IFTUK stand was busy all day with queues of people from 12 until 6pm having their selfies taken with their favourite Irish stars from our stand.
We partnered with our friends at the Irish Creative Collective and screened two Irish Short Film Programmes during the day.
On St Patrick's Day itself we launched a separate free programme of eighteen Irish Short Films from the IFTUK App. The Programme will be running until the 30th March so download the IFTUK App for free from the App store and enjoy!
Our Partners, the Century Club, launched their Hibernia week and on St Patrick's Evening itself held a Trad evening in the Club. Irish actor & musician who starred in the Irish Film Festival London 2026 opening film, TRAD, Labhras Sonnai Cholm Learraí headed the music line up with the Galway Paddy's.
Also at the Century we had a lively and entertaining St Patrick's Special MASTERS AT WORK where we screened another separate programme of short Irish films. IFTUK's Advisory Group member Dominique Murphy - de Neef interviewed six of the filmmakers, followed by a lively and engaging Q & A and networking late into the night.
This is what the filmmakers said:
“Thrilled to be asked, the team were amazing. Having the chance to see them in action in Trafalgar Square as part of the St Patrick's Day celebrations was great has a truly encouraging effect.” - Ruth Carnegie
“Loved our experience at the St Patrick's Film Festival London with One Last Show in Taghmon. A big thank you to everyone involved.” Alan Walsh
Event Gallery
Previous Events
Q-IFTUK LAUNCH @ MASTERS AT WORK
Thanks ever so much to all those who joined us on Tuesday 24th February for the official launch of Q-IFTUK with a special LGBT History Month edition of MASTERS AT WORK at the exclusive Century Club. Q-IFTUK is our dedicated LGBTQ+ division to celebrate, support and amplify queer Irish talent working across film, television, writing, and performance in Great Britain.
Hosted by actor, broadcaster, presenter, Q-IFTUK’s Derek Murphy, the evening featured a deep-dive conversation with three of the most exciting queer Irish writers working in the industry today: Amy Clarke, Alan Flanagan, and Jack C Irwin.
The three award-winning wordsmiths shared their knowledge and experiences of writing for TV, film, and theatre, spoke of how their identities have shaped their storytelling, and delighted the audience with their razor-sharp wit and flair for the creative.
A fun-filled and light-hearted Q & A was also held, followed thereafter with lively networking into the night.
This is what the audience said:
“The event was exceptional; thank you Q-IFTUK!”
“Derek is a brilliant interviewer, the whole thing was so down to earth, inspiring and honest.”
“What a breath of fresh air!”
“The audience's questions were also the best of any event I've ever been to.”
“Amy, Alan, and Jack were entertaining, informative, and totally authentic. Thank you for a wonderful evening.”
Shout Cymru 2025
What a success our first Welsh Masters At Work Event in Pontypridd was! Partnering with SHOUT Cymru with the support of The Ireland Funds & with special thanks to the Consul General of Ireland in Cardiff, Denise McQuade, for introducing & supporting the Event. Thank you also to Irish Filmmakers Patricia Kelly, Denise Deegan & Maeve Murphy who thrilled the audience with their film screenings, lively Q & A's, sharing their stories & networking.
This is what some of the totally engaged audience said:
“We need more events like this in Wales. I was blown away by the programme and people who were in the room. It was so interesting to meet Irish Filmmakers as we would love to work more with Ireland and Irish Filmmakers.”
“An inspiring Event.”
“I was absolutely drawn in from the beginning of the film screenings. It was special to have the Irish filmmakers in the room and to be able to talk with them.”
“I can’t wait for the next Event!”
“I just want to say thank you to everyone who brought this experience to us. I love the idea of challenging conversations around mental health through film – for me, it was powerful, inspiring, and meaningful.”
“The films were so funny and moving at the same time. It was such a relief to see issues on the screen that I could relate to and discuss afterwards with the Filmmakers.”
Thanks also to Wise Women & Gravida Collective for working with us.
MASTERS AT WORK - 10th September
Another successful MASTERS AT WORK! In partnership with The Century Club, on 10th September 2025, Irish Actor/Broadcaster/Presenter Derek Murphy chatted with Veteran Producer, Michael Ryan about how some of the most successful independent films were financed & sold. Even a total London Tube Strike did not deter the audience from coming along to be enthralled by Michael Ryan's fascinating insight to the world of international movie making.
MASTERS AT WORK AT THE CENTURY CLUB
On Tuesday 27th May, International PR and Communications Consultant Patrick Keegan regaled a packed audience at the Century Club with entertaining tales of his insights and experiences working in the Film and TV Industry today.
Audience feedback included:
“Patrick was brilliant at teasing out stories. What shone through was [PR] is about integrity, honesty and the truth, who’d have thought it!”. - Dermot Murnahan, News Reporter, TV host, Journalist,
“Absolutely illuminating and shone a light on an area I hadn’t thought of much before” - Gina de Ferrer, Producer
“Patrick gave a fascinating, insightful and honest appraisal into the mechanics behind the industry” - Garo Berberian, Director
ST.PATRICK'S FESTIVAL MASTERS AT WORK - WITH AMY HUBBARD & HEIDI LAWRY
With an absolute full house In celebration of IFTUK’s St Patrick's Festival, Globally recognised Casting Director Amy Hubbard and her Associate, Heidi Lawry, thrilled the audience with their knowledge and stories, moderated by IFTUK's Nicola Waddell.
This is what the audience thought:
“Smashing event last night. You guys are really doing so much to bring the Irish filmmaking community together, we love it!” Aidan O’Callaghan
"Another fantastic evening filled with insight and inspiration. Amy and Heidi were amazing—so passionate and committed to their work and to actors. Your dedication to bringing great people together is exactly what the industry needs right now. Actors rarely get the opportunity to connect with casting in this way, so events like this are incredibly valuable. Thank you so much!” Tracy Coogan
ONLINE ST PATRICK'S 'MAKING IT HAPPEN' WORKSHOP
In celebration of our St Patrick's Film Festival and in partnership with Wise Women, we enjoyed an informative and animated evening from the Wise Women Platform with renowned published writer of nine novels and numerous award-winning screenplays, Denise Deegan, and multi-award-winning writer/director Maeve Murphy. These legendary women thrilled the audience with stories of their experiences and anecdotes on how they arrived to where they are today. Our audience spanned from the USA, Germany, Italy, France, Ireland and the UK and this is what some of them said:
"What an inspiring event, thank you for sharing with us!"
"Thank you, this has been a fascinating evening."
"Maeve and Denise have been so generous with their advice and tips and even shared their contacts with us. Thank you so much."
MASTERS AT WORK: STEVEN GREENFIELDS INTERVIEWS LINEN MILL STUDIOS FOUNDER AND GAME OF THRONES STUDIO TOUR CREATOR, ANDREW WEBB
On Tuesday, 18th February, international lawyer and filmmaker, and IFTUK’s non-exec vice-chair, Steven Greenfields, welcomed legendary studio director, Andrew Webb, to a lively interview in the company of a thoroughly engaged and well-informed audience in the beautiful surroundings of the cocktail lounge at the Century Club.
As creator of both Linen Mill Studios, where much of Game of Thrones was filmed continuously over an eight-year period, and the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, now Ireland’s biggest indoor visitor attraction preserving and sharing the Game of Thrones legacy for future generations, Andrew provided plenty of fun facts and stories, which we all washed down with lots of great questions, networking and cocktails.
“Thanks so much for a really enjoyable talk” - Catherine Cunning, Producer and Writer
“It was fascinating to hear from a person in the industry how suddenly you can become a part of such a grand project. It was lovely to hear him talk about his experiences and challenges in managing a set as versatile as the one in Game of Thrones.” - Matei Coniac, Physicist
"Thank you so much for this event, it was fascinating to hear about the studio's incredible journey and behind-the-scenes of the show" - Hannah Louie, Musician
“I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, as did my guest. He wants to be invited to all future evenings. I am really looking forward to my trip in May, to bring the whole experience to life.” - David Clark, Financial Controller
Photography by Rowena Medlow and Harold Greenfields
ONLINE MASTERCLASS IN CELEBRATION OF ST BRIGID'S DAY
As part of the IFTUK St Brigid's Film Festival and in partnership with Wise Women, we enjoyed a packed online masterclass from the Wise Women Platform. Sadly, because of the violent storms in Ireland resulting in no power or water, legendary Casting Director Maureen Hughes was unable to jump on. Producer Edwina Forkin & Global Distribution Expert, Tara Gaule thrilled the participants with their insight into the film & TV industry and their respective roles on TIS THE SEASON TO BE IRISH .
This is what the audience said:
"Thank you so much for sending , it was wonderful! Great to get all of your insight on things. It's a pity Maureen couldn't make - she is the Queen of casting in Ireland and has certainly paved the way for those behind her." - Tracy Coogan
"I really enjoyed the session and Q & A this evening, thanks so much." - Pat Garrett
"Thank you so much for adding me to the event, it was priceless! Amazing women in an amazing industry for sure" - Gillian Fischer
"I very much enjoyed listening to the discussion last night. It was so helpful to get a behind the scenes look at tv & film production." - Jackie Pulford
"Thanks so much for organising the talk last night—it was really insightful, and I took away a lot of valuable information." - Aidan O'Callagan
MASTERS AT WORK: IN CELEBRATION OF THE ST BRIGID'S FESTIVAL - MASTERS AT WORK: Nicola Waddell meets Julie Baines, Maeve Murphy & Farah Abushwesha
On Tuesday 21st January, IFTUK launched the St. Brigid's Festival in partnership with the Century Club, with a lively Masterclass. Nicola Waddell interviewed three of the film & TV industry's most successful filmmakers. Julie Baines, Maeve Murphy & Fara Abushwesha, who thrilled the audience with their stories of how they put together their productions in a challenging environment, followed by an informative and entertaining Q & A.
"It was so inspiring to hear how three women smashed through the glass ceiling, also do informative, particularly understanding how Irish and UK co-productions are put together." - Deidre Costello, Writer
"Thank you IFTUK for another brilliant evening. I learned so much and received good advice on the short film I am currently making." - Naimh O'Sullivan, Director
"I took away so much from this session and am looking forward to the next one, thank you IFTUK!" - Rory O'Neill, Film Student
Photography by Archie Friend
MASTERS AT WORK: STEVEN GREENFIELDS AND PETER CURRAN OPEN THE STORY VAULTS OF VISIONARY PRODUCER, STEPHEN WOOLLEY
On Friday, 4th October, IFTUK welcomed Stephen Woolley to a record crowd at the wonderful Century Club, hosted by former colleague and Vice Chair of IFTUK, Steven Greenfields, and interviewed by BBC Radio 4 presenter and IFTUK director, Peter Curran, with stories, smiles, lessons and laughs aplenty.
As well as several insights into his famous partnership with legendary Irish director, Neil Jordan, from the financing of their first film “The Company of Wolves” to the casting of "Mona Lisa" and "Michael Collins", Stephen had us all in raptures with tales from his own journey from cinema usher to chair of Bafta.
This was the first of a two part production, the second part to be announced in IFTUK's programme for The Irish Film Festival 13-17 November, coming soon…
“That was a great talk tonight…” - Maeve Murphy, writer and director
“An amazing evening… Stephen Woolley was an inspiration. I loved listening to his journey.” - Breandán O’Connor, actor and singer
“So generous with his thoughts and experience…” - Paul McQuaid, actor
“Very rewarding masterclass today. Thanks to you and all at IFTUK.” - Eugene Doyen, Senior Lecturer in Film Practice
MASTERS AT WORK: NICOLA WADDELL MEETS JOHN NOLAN
On the 17th September, IFTUK's Director of Sponsorship and veteran Show Runner & Executive Producer, Nicola Waddell, chatted with Global Industry Funding Expert, John Nolan, on the important subject of finding the money for Film & TV production.
A lively Q & A and networking followed, as the audience heard how productions such as “Tell them you love me!” with Sky, “The Masked Singer” with ITV, “Let’s Dance!” with RTL, “Jimmy Kimmel Live” with ABC, “I am Ruth”, “Help!” and “Frank of Ireland” reached our screens.
“So informative! John was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. Though some of it was very eye opening and a little daunting it did not strip us of the hope that a great, though provoking, entertaining, innovative idea could find its way in this industry against the odds.” - Tracy Coogan
“Very good event last night. It covered a big gap in my knowledge of the funding process today.” - Eugene Doyen, Senior Lecturer Film Practice
“Thanks for inviting us to the excellent event on Tuesday – we enjoyed it very much. ” - Tatevik Ayvazyan
"John ‘can-you-see-it-on-the-side-of-a-bus’ Nolan generously and candidly tackled the business of funding with gentle humour and razor sharp insights, stuff you can’t just pick up. Brilliant." - Joyce Greenaway (Writer-performer-creator WHISK(E)Y WARS)
MASTERS AT WORK: Tara Gaule, James Braham & Joel Atley
Another packed MASTERS AT WORK was enjoyed by all at the Century Club this July. IFTUK’s Director of Television, Tara Gaule, had a lively & entertaining conversation with James Braham (former Vice President of Endemol Shine) and Joel Atley (Commercial Director at Hello Deer Productions).
The three Global TV Industry Legends shared their knowledge and experiences working on titles such as Father Ted, David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Luther, Sherlock, Death in Paradise, Wife Swap, The Inbetweeners, Kitchen Nightmares, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Doc Martin, amongst others.
Followed by an animated Q & A and Networking, the evening was an enormous success.
Photography by Bea Cook
“It was so interesting to hear how the business side of the television industry works, I will now be better prepared when pitching my projects in future.” - Sadbh Lyons, Screenwriter
“I love Masters At Work. I have been to all three so far and all have been totally different and equally fascinating. It’s great to see how IFTUK is expanding. I am looking forward to the next one.” - Jack Irwin, Actor
“This is the first time I’ve attended this event, please invite me to the next one as I’ve learned a lot and met some really interesting people this evening.” - Lorna O’Sullivan, Executive P.A.
David Arnold Interview with Peter Curran
On Friday 28th June, BBC Radio 4 Presenter, Peter Curran, interviewed the Grammy-winning Irish composer and musician, David Arnold, who thrilled the audience by sharing his insights on a creative life in the music, film, theatre & TV industries. David’s credits include scoring five James Bond films alongside acclaimed scores for Stargate, Independence Day, Zoolander, and the tv series’ Sherlock and Good Omens to mention a few.
Photographer Ajay Chowdhury
"David Arnold's conversation with the excellent Peter Curran was part of IFTUKs 'Masters At Work' was breezy and bright. From Luton to Los Angeles, the 2012 Olympics to 007 via Van Morrison, Don Black, Scott Walker and Sammy Kahn, Arnold was unpretentious yet enlightening." - Ajay Chowdhury, co-author Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films & global spokesperson for The James Bond International Fan Club
"It was an absolute pleasure to hear the stories, process and inspirations behind some of the greatest scores, themes and songs by prolific ( 5 Bond movies, Sherlock , Zoolander he’s done it all) composer, musician and great raconteur, David Arnold. Once again, hosted with wit and charm by BBC Radio’s Peter Curran . Thanks IFTUK for the invite. Looking forward to your next event." - Bunmi Akintonwa, Producer, Writer & Diversity Consultant
"Thank you IFTUK for a lovely evening, we found it to be insightful and the anecdotes were source a of discussion and left food for thought. " - Tania Freimuth, Cinematographer
VERDIGRIS, A CASE STUDY
On the 18th June in partnership with Wise Women and from the Wise Women Platform, Patricia Kelly (writer/producer/director), Geraldine McAlinden (lead actress) & Tania Freimuth (Director of Photography) shared their experiences on how they managed to create the multi-award-winning Irish feature film. With 5 IFTA Nominations, 9 Major Festival prizes and 10 Festival selections to date, the audience was thrilled to hear how this ground breaking film is taking the world by storm.
“What an inspiring story! This workshop was entertaining and enlightening. Congratulations to all involved.” - Siobhan Murphy, Executive P.A.
“Such an interesting evening, it has spurred me on to follow my dream of making my debut film.” - Aoife O’Sullivan, Writer
“I’m a big fan of Irish Film and it was great to hear the process involved in making and marketing an independent film.” - Lynne Raimbault, CEO, Picnics & Vines
MASTERS AT WORK: Adam Gee & Peter Curran
On April 23rd, BBC Radio Four Presenter Peter Curran met Adam Gee, Emmy and 6-time BAFTA winning producer and commissioning editor. Adam's latest feature documentary is ‘The Pilgrimage of Gilbert & George’, going out on Sky in May. His most recent scripted project is futuristic drama on which his fellow producers were Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Besides film and television, he has been a pioneer in digital and interactive media, with expertise ranging from multiplatform TV to AI. Adam has commissioned at Channel 4, Little Dot Studios, Red Bull Media and CAA (Creative Artists Agency).
Joe Comerford Career Interview
Sunday 19 November. Location: Century Club, 61-63, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 6LQ.
BBC Radio 4 Broadcaster Peter Curran will interview the legendary filmmaker, Joe Comerford.
As an independent filmmaker in Ireland, Joe Comerford has spent more than 50 years giving a voice to marginalised people in Irish society. With a social conscience admirably evident, his work remains compelling and relevant. As his films have been made available again via IFI’s International portal and ahead of a rare cinema screening of the digitally restored Reefer and the Model at the Festival, this year’s recipient of The Súil Eile Award acknowledging an outstanding contribution to the Irish film industry, this event sees Comerford reflect on a singular career and a striking body of work.
