Rita Ann Higgin, Zoe Gibney

Source: Stowe Story Labs/Screen Ireland

Rita Ann Higgin, Zoe Gibney

Irish poet Rita Ann Higgins and Zoe Gibney, the winner of the pitching award at the Galway Film Fair this year, are among the 10 Irish writers taking part in the Connemara Writers’ Retreat, organised by US non-profit Stowe Story Labs and Screen Ireland, with Galway Film Fleadh and Film Fair. 

The fourth edition of the writers’ programme, taking place from October 13-17, includes mentorship, script note sessions, workshops and talks from speakers, with 10 writers from Ireland, and 10 based internationally.

Stowe Story Labs was co-founded in 2013 by David Rocchio and David Pope, who will deliver the Connemara programme. Stowe is a Vermont-based nonprofit that aims to help screenwriters and filmmakers from all backgrounds, with programmes also running in Vermont and New Mexico.

Mentors for this edition from Ireland include Ciara Appelbe, head of development at O’Sullivan Productions, Wild Atlantic Pictures producer Conor Barry and head of development and development producer at Newgrange Pictures, Ali Doyle. Further mentors will include  UK screenwriter Olivia Hetreed, whose credits include Mrs Harris Goes To Paris, Greek producer Amanda Livanou of Neda Film and US TV showrunner Sanjay Shah.

Connemara Writers’ Retreat 2025 line-up

  • Denise Deegan, Young Doctor Sullivan (TV, medical drama)
  • Zoë Gibney, Dons Life Goes On (feature, drama/comedy)
  • Ellius Grace, Halfcast (feature, body horror)
  • Deborah Grimes, The Promised Land (feature, drama)
  • Ali Hardiman, Private Lies (TV, comedy)
  • Rita Ann Higgins, The Fracture (feature, dark comedy)
  • Nóra Ní Fhlatharta, The Disruptor (feature, dark comedy/road movie)
  • Brian O’Riordan, Beyond (TV, thriller)
  • Sarah-Jane Scott, Small Holdings (TV, drama)
  • Naomi Sheridan, The Pass Of The Birds (feature, drama)

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