Former Galway Film Fleadh and Pálás cinema programmer William Fitzgerald has taken on the role of director of the Galway Film Fair.
The film fair runs alongside the Galway Film Fleadh each July, offering selected producers pre-scheduled meetings with financiers, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters, film funds, major producers and festivals. The Fleadh runs this year from July 8-13.
He takes over from Liz Quin and will work alongside Galway Film Fair manager Debbie McVey, who stays on in a part-time role after 30 years developing the fair.
Fitzgerald most recently held the post of cinema programmer at Pálás, Galway’s three-screen arthouse venue, from 2022 until it was forced to close in February of this year. The Pálás was part of Element Pictures’ Light House Cinema Group, and cited rising costs, Covid and “oversaturation” of commercial cinemas as contributing factors to its closure.
A campaign to save the cinema, which was used as a key screening venue during the Fleadh, is underway, with Fitzgerald and Fleadh CEO Miriam Allen among the group calling for the cinema’s revival.
The Pálás, while no longer operating as a commercial venue, will continue to serve as a key festival hub this year. Allen said: “Thanks to the support of Galway City Council and Screen Ireland, we have agreed a plan of action that will see the Pálás re-open its doors for the duration of our 37th edition. The cinema’s continued operation was provided for by the Lighthouse Group when they pulled out in February, and the building’s owners at Galway City Council recognise its cultural value and its importance to the festival.”
Fitzgerald rejoins the Fleadh, having hold various roles at the Irish festival, including programmer from 2018-2022. While programmer, Fitzgerald oversaw the launch of several partnerships including Peripheral Visions European Cinema competition with the Europa Festivals network, and the annual Connemara Screenwriters Retreat with Stowe Story Labs.
“William is a true-blue part of the Fleadh team, having served the festival and fair in many roles over the years including shorts programming, festival marketing, as head of programming and now as head of industry. I’m delighted he’s taking on this important role,” said Allen.
Fitzgerald added: “Taking on the film fair – this whole other side of the Fleadh – is an exciting opportunity after spending the last few years on the front lines in exhibition; witnessing the unique challenges of the current moment for independent cinema. I’m eager to use our platform at the film fair to uplift our whole industry, from filmmakers and funders, through to distributors and exhibitors.”
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