A record nine films, including When Brendan Met Trudy, H3, Disco Pigs and About Adam, which received funding from the Irish Film Board, were released in Irish cinemas during 2001, taking more than $3.1m (£2.2m) at the Irish box office to date.

Rod Stoneman, chief executive of The Irish Film Board said: "2001 has been an unprecedented year for the Irish Film Industry. With a record nine theatrical releases, excellent TV viewership figures and explosive growth in the video and DVD market, 2001 was a year that domestic audiences embraced the best of new Irish cinema. In addition, there is a significant volume of new talent emerging from films made and produced here in Ireland, and we see no reason why such talent cannot enjoy continued success on a wider, international scale. The figures released today justify our belief that continued support from all sectors is needed to ensure continued growth and success in the industry."

Irish-based distributors such as Clarence Pictures, Buena Vista International and Abbey Films accounted for the release of eight of the films funded by the Board. Financial support from the Board not only involves development and production

funding but also includes prints & advertising support whereby it matches the distributors financial investment in marketing and releasing a film.

In addition to a record year in cinemas, 2001 has also proved to be an outstanding year for the TV and Video/DVD markets. In March of this year, RTE ran its 'Ireland on Screen series' showcasing the best in new Irish cinema. Total viewership figures for the series reached over 1.9 million and films included The General, Park, Crushproof, The Boxer and A Further Gesture.

Title'''''''''''..Irish gross

Accelerator'''''''.''...£177,485
About Adam''''''''.'.£660,000
When Brendan Met Trudy''.'.£740,000
Peaches'''''''''..'..£118,000
If I Should Fall From Grace'''£33,000
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland'£200,000
H3'''''''''''''..£140,000
Disco Pigs''''''''''£102,000
On The Nose'''''''''£55,000