A major milestone in the development of the Mid-West of Ireland's screen industry was marked today as the first-ever Limerick Film Lab officially launched at the Engine Collaboration Centre in Limerick City.
The Lab brings together 18 talented producers from Ireland, Scotland, and Canada for a week of international collaboration, creative exchange, and industry development.
Organised by Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick, the regional film office for the Mid-West, the Lab is designed to support experienced producers and foster new co-production partnerships between three countries with strong storytelling traditions and dynamic screen sectors.
Opening the Lab this morning, Cllr. Maria Donoghue welcomed participants and highlighted the Lab as “a landmark moment for film in the Mid-West and indeed, for a film training collaboration across Ireland, Scotland and Canada.”
“At the heart of this film lab is a simple but vital idea: connection,” said Cllr Donoghue.
“Connection between producers, across borders, backgrounds, and approaches. Connection between cultures, with their distinct perspectives and voices. And connection between our film industries, through co-production, shared learning, and international collaboration.”
Running from 6–9 July, the programme features keynotes, case studies, and networking opportunities that support producers in developing creative and financial partnerships while deepening their understanding of the international co-production landscape.
Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick, commented:
“The Limerick Film Lab is all about connection – not just between filmmakers, but between cultures, storytelling traditions, and industry ecosystems. This is a huge opportunity for our regional producers to step onto the international stage and collaborate on stories that travel.”
Participants were selected from across Ireland's regions, from Scotland, and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, with each region represented by six producers. The Lab provides a space for these producers to explore new creative relationships and potential future feature film collaborations.
The initiative is delivered in partnership with Screen Scotland and Picture NL (Newfoundland and Labrador’s film agency), with additional support from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, and Limerick City and County Council.
Jennifer Dempsey, Industry Development Manager at Picture NL, said:
“We’re thrilled to see local talent from Newfoundland and Labrador engaging with peers from Ireland and Scotland at this Lab. It’s an exciting opportunity to expand creative horizons and spotlight emerging voices from our province on the international stage.”
Leslie Finlay, Screen Officer at Screen Scotland, added:
“This international co-production lab in Limerick represents a powerful opportunity for creative exchange. Initiatives like this are essential to strengthening the future of independent film on an international scale.”
The Lab is hosted at Engine Collaboration Centre, a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the city, and forms part of a wider strategy to position the Mid-West as a leading destination for film and television production.
By hosting this groundbreaking initiative, Limerick is not only showcasing its capacity as a world-class centre for screen collaboration, but also signalling a bold vision for the future of film in the Mid-West.
With its growing creative sector and proud storytelling tradition, Limerick, is now firmly positioned as a meeting point for global talent and ideas. As the Lab unfolds, it sets the stage for future co-productions, deeper cultural exchange, and a stronger, more connected independent film community across Ireland, Scotland, and Canada.
In closing remarks at the launch, Cllr Donoghue said:
“We are incredibly proud that Limerick is hosting this event. Limerick is a place with deep roots and big ambitions. Let’s make something extraordinary together.”