Full details and Registration can be found here.
Recognising the pivotal role of screenwriting in diversifying the industry and promoting representation, we emphasise the importance of facilitating authentic stories as the initial and most crucial step in creating dynamic, diverse screenplays and characters.
We are in search of new voices, diverse perspectives, and untold narratives. The event will encompass a range of events from panel discussions, talks, Q&As, presentations and carefully curated breakout workshop. All with the opportunity to chat and network with guests and peers.
LINEUP:
While the full schedule is to be announced, we are excited to confirm the some of the speakers for Shaping the Future in Screenwriting: Industry Day include:
- Ursula Rani Sarma (screenwriter Delicious 2016; Smother 2021; The Split Up forthcoming BBC)
- Niamh Moriarty (actor Best Interests BBC 2023)
- Victoria Thomas (screenwriter and producer/founder Republic of Story)
- Patricia Kelly, Paul Fitzsimons and Geraldine McAlinden (Verdigris (2023) team)
- Jennifer Davidson (screenwriter Fair City and chair of WGI)
- Tony Schumacher (screenwriter BAFTA award winning The Responder (2022) and season 2 on the way)
- Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor (screenwriters and directors – Baltimore (2023)
SCREENPLAY AWARD
Catalyst International Film Festival recognises the power of the screenwriter to change the conversation. Everything starts with the writer. In focusing on the short screenplay our goal is to promote new stories, new voices and new perspectives. We at Catalyst are working towards more equal and diverse screen industries. We call on screenwriters, emerging and established, national and international, to help us create that change.
In association with the Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI), the festival is pleased to continue the partnership with the Writers Guild of Ireland in presenting the SHORT SCREENPLAY AWARD. Chair of the WGI, Jennifer Davidson, says,
“On behalf of the Writers Guild of Ireland, I am delighted that we are continuing our partnership with the Catalyst International Film Festival’s Screenplay Award. This screenwriting award, and the festival’s emphasis on diversity echoes our own principles of diversity, equity and equality within the Guild, and our core belief that writers are the heart of the film industry.”
Pictured: Catalyst 2023 Screenplay Award Winner Amy Joyce-Hastings with WGI Chair Jennifer Davidson
SCREENPLAY AWARD PRIZES:
Winner
- Cash Prize of €1,500
- Membership of Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) for one year
- Book Voucher – Value €150 (Kindly sponsored by WGI)
- Catalyst Trophy
Runner Up
- Cash Prize of €500
- Membership of Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) for one year
- Catalyst Trophy
Special Mention (If decided by Jury)
- Membership of Writers Guild of Ireland (WGI) for one year
- Catalyst Trophy
Catalyst 2023 Screenplay Award Runner Up Méabh De Brún
Supports for Screenwriters
Every year Catalyst strives to be instrumental in helping diverse writers break into the industry and thrive as storytellers.
By offering networking opportunities (in a non-competitive relaxed atmosphere), professional one to one support, panel discussions, workshops and masterclasses.
Learning from seasoned professionals can help them develop their screenwriting skills and better navigate the industry and this is of critical importance to Catalyst's remit as a film festival addressing under-representation.
"I am thrilled beyond measure that my script 'Perspective' won the Best Short Screenplay Award for the 2023 Catalyst International Film Festival in association with the Writer’s Guild of Ireland. It’s a huge honour and means so much to me, as ultimately the goal is to take this story from the page to the screen, and I feel confident this award will help me do that. "
- Catalyst 2023 Screenplay Award Winner Amy Joyce-Hastings