OUR MISSION

 DIVERSE STORIES | DIVERSE STORYTELLING
Catalyst International Film Festival focuses exclusively on films that address under-representation on screen and behind the camera; gender equality, diversity and inclusion are core to our programming. We want to create a more inclusive industry and films screened here will promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion whether in content, key creative roles or crew. 

• We prioritise stories and storytellers who may struggle for visibility in the film industry and in mainstream film festivals.

• We believe that talent is plentiful but opportunities can be limited. Catalyst films will entertain and engage audiences - but they will also challenge and inspire.

• Panel discussions, workshops, interviews, Q&A and special events are an integral part of Catalyst International Film Festival. 

• We seek to generate new audiences and discussion around gender equality, diversity and inclusion and the practice of that by individual filmmakers.

• Our targeted festival guests will themselves speak to diversity whether in the vision, themes and characters explored in their films (content) and/or in the diversity of their personnel and crew (behind camera). 

• This is a place where diverse filmmakers, emerging and more established, can connect and maybe even collaborate. 

• Diversity is welcomed, not merely accommodated.

• Catalyst International Film Festival is also keen to engage with emerging filmmakers, ‘new’ rather than inevitably ‘young’, in order to broaden the horizons of potential future filmmakers and audience members. 

• Filmmaking can be enriching as an art form, in and of itself; new technology has democratised filmmaking to some extent and we hope to capitalise on that in time. 

• Films screened at Catalyst demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and meet the criteria both on-screen AND creative leadership.

"It swells the heart to welcome everybody back and to growing our Shannon side film festival, Catalyst International Film Festival and celebrating the many different faces of our film industry and its future.  As our industry experiences a resurgence of exciting attention, it has become increasingly clear that Ireland has extraordinary talent. Let’s nurture and support it so we can continue to explore our ever-evolving identity and culture through the collective in film by encouraging and supporting all Irish voices! Join us for Catalyst International Film Festival, 2023!"
Ruth Negga, Catalyst International Film Festival Festival Ambassador.  

Dr Susan Liddy, film festival founder and Director, is enthusiastic about the festival’s association with Ruth Negga. 

“We are very proud and honoured to welcome the talented actor, Ruth Negga, to the role of Ambassador for Catalyst International Film Festival. Ruth is hugely supportive of the festival’s ethos so there is a real meeting of minds in this partnership. Ruth also has strong ties to Limerick, having lived in the city for many years as a child. Her connection remains strong and, indeed, she still has extended family living here. We look forward to working with her to focus attention on the need for a more diverse and inclusive industry.”