A film festival founded by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) academic, Dr Susan Liddy, is set to return to Limerick this week, with an exciting programme dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices in film.
The Catalyst International Film Festival (CIFF)—which promotes and prioritises films, debates and workshops from sidelined groups—will run from 3 to 5 April at a number of venues in Limerick but primarily in the Belltable Theatre.
According to Dr Liddy of the Department of Media & Communications Studies, who is also the festival Director and the President of Women in Film & Television International, CIFF is dedicated to creating a more inclusive film industry embracing a range of voices and experiences.
Ahead of the festival, Susan said: "This year’s programme brings a mix of screenings, workshops, and discussions designed to challenge, inspire, and celebrate diverse voices in film. We are also delighted to offer valuable industry insights through our screenwriting and workshop events, ensuring that underrepresented creatives have the support and space to thrive. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Belltable for what promises to be an exciting and impactful festival."
Susan also expressed her thanks to the EDII Office at MIC, which has sponsored a pre-screening networking reception in the Belltable Foyer on Friday night, as well as to Fís Éireann, Comisiún na Meán, Limerick & Clare ETB, the Arts Council and more for their continued support for CIFF.
See list of CIFF events below
CIFF events
Thursday 3 April
Interactive Filmmaking Masterclass
Engine, Cecil Street, Limerick, 9am and 11.30am
A masterclass in the art of shooting a scene with award-winning director Nell Hensey, videographer & editor Orlaith Martin, and actor Síofra Ní Eilí.
An Afternoon of Film
Belltable Theatre, 1.15pm
Featuring Shorts from: Crescent College Comprehensive; Desmond College; Ardscoil Mhuire; Rice College; Presentation Secondary School Castleisland; St. Joseph’s Secondary Ballybunion; Newport College and Comeragh College.
Friday 4 April
International Short Film Programme
Belltable Theatre, 10am
Demons (2024, Dir. Emmanuel Imani, Nigeria/United Kingdom)
Free Your Yony (2024, Dir. Clara Planelles, Italy)
Grandma’s House (2024, Dir. Ashling Ocampo Colvin, Spain)
Packing Away (2024, Dir. Mykea Fairweather Perry, United Kingdom)
House Hunters (2024, Dir. Joe Warner, United Kingdom)
Vor dem Fenster (Outside The Window) (2024, Dir. Isabella Marquart, Germany)
Living on the Edge (2024, Dir. Jishnu Nandanan, Writer: Gbenga Chesterman, United Kingdom)
Documentary Short Film Programme
Belltable Theatre, 11.30am
Fake Blood (2024, Writer & Director: Maria Webb, New Zealand)
Gael Force (2024, Writer & Director: Tara Hegarty, Ireland)
Making It Up As We Go Along (2024, Writer & Director: Chris Buckley, Ireland)
Knuck & Knuckle (2024, Writers: Ellie Marron, Sean Horgan, Directors: Ellie Marron, Sean Horgan, Ireland)
Hold On (Not Specified, Writer & Director: Cathy Dunne, Not Specified)
Cahā (2024, Writer & Director: Chak Hin Leung, United Kingdom)
Butterflies (2025, Writer & Director: Zav Jenabian, Canada)
My Kind of People (2024, Writer & Director: Ella Louise Ward, Ireland)
Being Put Back Together (2023, Writer & Director: David McDonagh, Ireland)
KIN (2023, Writers: Tim Corrigan, Esther Springett, Directors: Tim Corrigan, Esther Springett, United Kingdom)
Shaping the Future in Screenwriting
The Savoy Hotel, 1pm
Screenwriting, Representation, and Class Panel
- Jade Jordan, Actor (You Are Not My Mother; Kin; Blackshore)
- Jimmy Smallhorne, Actor, Screenwriter (The Miracle Club; Love/Hate; Taken Down)
- Sinead Collopy, Screenwriter (Smother; Hidden Assets; Every Five Miles)
- Maria O'Neill, Producer (The Black Guelph; John Connors - The Travellers; Garech Browne - Last Days of Luggala)
Building a Career in Screenwriting Panel at 2pm
With Jennifer Davidson, Screenwriter and Chair, Writers Guild of Ireland and Lena Byrne, Script Editor
Masterclass with Paul Fraser at 3.15pm
Catalyst Connect & Network Drinks Reception
Belltable Foyer, 6.30pm
Join us for a complimentary glass of vino and a chat, meet up with fellow filmmakers, and discuss the day of panels.
Fréwaka (Horror, 2024, 1h 43m, Dir. Aislinn Clarke)
Belltable Theatre, 8pm
An Irish-language (English subtitles) horror film from acclaimed director Aislinn Clarke (The Devil’s Doorway). This unsettling tale of folklore and generational trauma follows a home care worker sent to a remote village, where she encounters paranoia, rituals, and supernatural forces. Followed by a Q&A session with director Aislinn Clarke, moderated by MIC Alumna Vanessa Gildea.
Saturday 5 April
Irish Short Film Programme 01
Belltable Theatre, 10am
The Island (2024, Writers: Fionnuala Gygax, Directors: Kate Gilmore, Fionnuala Gygax, Ireland)
Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky (2024, Writer & Director: Aisha Bolaji, Ireland)
St Pancras Sunrise (2024, Writer & Director: Maeve Murphy, United Kingdom)
West of the Horizon (2024, Writer & Director: Barra Convery, Ireland)
The Room of Forgotten Voices (2024, Writers: Conor Madden, Emma Fisher-Owen, Ivan Fisher-Owen, Directors: Emma Fisher-Owen, Ivan Fisher-Owen, Ireland)
Nay Day (2023, Writer & Director: Derek Ugochukwu, Ireland)
National Student Award 2025 Short Film Programme
Belltable Theatre, 11.30am
Sunflower (2024, Director: Leonardo Oliveira, Ireland)
Mob the Trench (2023, Writer: Eoin Harrison, Director: Niamh Collins, Ireland)
Between Two Tides (2024, Writer & Director: Zara Burdon Yeates, Ireland)
For Séamus (2025, Writer & Director: Seán Leahy, Ireland)
Florence (2024, Writer & Director: Tess Doolan Burke, Ireland)
We Beg to Differ (2024, Director: Ruairi Bradley, Ireland)
Irish Short Film Programme 02
Belltable Theatre, 1pm
Turnaround (2024, Writer & Director: Aisling Byrne, Ireland)
Kiki (2024, Writer & Director: Naomi Sheridan, Ireland)
Brón (2024, Writer: Gareth Lyons, Director: Catherine Mangan Williams, Ireland)
The Knife (2025, Writer & Director: Joy Nesbitt, Ireland)
All That's Carried (2024, Writer: Eimear Reilly, Director: Rosie Barrett, Ireland)
Premiere of Boobs (Short Documentary, 2024)
Belltable Theatre, 7.30pm
This deeply personal and thought-provoking short film, led by Irish artist Geraldine Carton, explores themes of body image, identity, and self-acceptance. Winner of the Catalyst International Film Festival Short Doc Bursary Award.
Housewife of the Year (Documentary, 2024, 1h 21m, Director Ciaran Cassidy)
Following immediately after previous documentary
A compelling documentary examining Ireland’s treatment of women through the lens of a surreal live TV competition. Former contestants share firsthand experiences, reflecting on societal change, resilience, and empowerment. Followed by a Q&A session with director Ciaran Cassidy and cinematographer Jaro Waldeck, moderated by director Sinead O’Brien.
