The Limerick Film Lab, has announced the participants for its inaugural edition, taking place in Limerick, Ireland next month.
The initiative, run by Film in Limerick, the film office for the Mid-West of Ireland, is designed to foster collaboration between first and second-time feature producers, who are based in Ireland, Scotland, and Canada.
Taking place at Innovate Limerick's Engine Collaboration Centre in the city from 6th to 9th July, Limerick Film Lab will serve as a dynamic space for creative exchange, fostering business opportunities across borders and building lasting relationships between film producers from three culturally rich nations.
Developed in partnership with Screen Scotland and Picture NL (Newfoundland and Labrador's film agency), participants will have the opportunity to take part in a series of workshops to stimulate creative partnerships, explore internationally focused business partnerships and gain insights into each country's funding landscapes. Participants will also attend a number of networking events set against Limerick’s vibrant creative backdrop.
The selected Scotland-based producers are:
Reece Cargan (Randan), Lena Vurma (Skye Films), Zam Salim (Incidental Films), Laura McBride (Compact), Rakasree Basu (Momentum Films) and Ciara Barry (Barry Crerar)
The selected Ireland-based producers are:
Steve Hall (Dark Day Pictures), Anna Manion (Tri Moon Films), Melissa Collins (Bostwest Productions Lin Hong (Made Image), Tara Doolan (Honest Arts), Ronan Cassidy (Carbonated Comet) and Lara Hickey (Copper Alley Productions).
The selected Newfoundland and Labrador producers are:
Wanda Nolan (Ruby Line Productions), Ruth Lawrence (Blue Pinion Films), Amanda Bulman (Melted Kettle Media), Tara Lee Gerhard (TL Productions), Mallory Horsman (Fireside Pictures) and Michael Peers (MUN)
Limerick Film Lab is led by Paul C Ryan of Film in Limerick, with Sarah Smyth and Leslie Finlay of Screen Scotland and Jennifer Dempsey and Laura Churchill of Picture NL in Canada.
Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick commented:
“The Limerick Lab is all about connection – not just between filmmakers, but between cultures, storytelling traditions, and industry ecosystems. The time is right to further develop our regional producers, supporting them to work on a bigger stage with international partners and bigger budgets. Building strong links with Scotland and Canada will help regional producers to attract the partners and international finance needed to realise their growth ambitions". It’s a huge opportunity to develop new business between the countries and to create work that can travel far beyond national borders."
Leslie Finlay Screen Officer at Screen Scotland said:
“This international co-production lab in Limerick represents a powerful opportunity for creative exchange between Scotland, Ireland and Canada. We're proud to support emerging voices and experienced storytellers as they collaborate across borders, deepen cultural connections, and develop films that resonate far beyond their origins. Initiatives like this are essential to strengthening the future of independent cinema on an international scale.”
Jennifer Dempsey, Industry Development Manager at Picture NL, Canada said:
“Newfoundland and Labrador has a thriving screen industry powered by deeply rooted stories and a new generation of bold, imaginative filmmakers. We’re thrilled to see local talent engaging with peers from around the world at this international co-production lab in Limerick. Picture NL is proud to support opportunities that foster global collaboration, expand creative horizons, and spotlight the unique voices emerging from our province on the international stage.”
The Limerick Film Lab is supported by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Limerick City and County Council, Screen Scotland and Picture NL, with further support from Screen Ireland and Screen Producers Ireland. It builds on Film in Limerick’s mission to position the Mid-West of Ireland as a leading hub for international screen collaboration and innovation.