The Limerick Film Lab has announced the participants for its second edition, taking place in Limerick City this July.
Building on the success of its inaugural programme in 2025, the initiative continues to foster collaboration between feature film producers from Ireland, Scotland and Canada, creating opportunities for international co-production, creative exchange and long-term industry partnerships.
The initiative is run by Film in Limerick through Innovate Limerick, the film office for the Mid-West of Ireland, and is designed to support emerging and established producers working at an early stage of feature development, with a focus on building international relationships and developing projects with global potential.
Taking place at Engine in Limerick City, the Limerick Film Lab will once again provide a dedicated space for creative and business development, bringing together producers across three culturally rich screen territories. Through a programme of workshops, industry sessions and networking events, participants will explore international financing models, co-production opportunities, and pathways to market.
Developed in partnership with Screen Scotland and Picture NL (Newfoundland and Labrador’s film agency), the Lab reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cross-border collaboration and supporting the next generation of independent feature producers.
The selected Atlantic Canada-based producers are:
Mary Sextonand Caroline Godin (Rink Rat Productions) – Vigilante Aunties
Mark O’Neill (Panoramic Pictures) – Jennie's Boy
Christian Sparkes (Southcott Pictures Inc.) – Urchins
Mary Walsh (Torbay Ponies) – Come Home Year
Ruth Lawrence (Blue Pinion Films) – Wolfsbane & The Eyes of the Gull
Emily Bridger (Road de Luxe Productions Inc.) – Adults
Mary Lewis (From Here Productions Inc.) – Flannery
Wanda Taylor (First day Films) - The Sacred
The selected Scotland-based producers are:
Ryan Hendrick (Wild Solstice) – Seasons Catch
Ken Anderson (TG Entertainment) - Tom Gates: Monster Rock Musical
Wendy Griffin (Selkie Productions ) – In the Kingdom of the Isles
Fraser Coull (Silly Wee Films) – Call of the Laoich
Ciaran Lyons (Forest of Black) – Cabinet
The selected Ireland-based producers are:
Aoibhin Murphy (Failsafe Film) – Bad Blood
John Norton (Red Ted Media) – Shadows of War
Nathalie Lichenthaler (Wide Eye Films) – But We Were Right
Adam O’Keeffe (Wavewalker Films) – Pilgrim Soul
Eloise Powell (The Talk House) – Hoor
Stephen Hall (Dark Day Pictures) – Fiddle Face
Darach Ó Tuairisg (Fibín Films) – No Priest Land
Lorraine Higgins (Rye Films) – Sound of the South
Evan Horan (Keeper Pictures) – Come and Be a Winner
Limerick Film Lab is led by Paul C Ryan of Film in Limerick, alongside Leslie Finlay and Sarah Smyth of Screen Scotland and Laura Churchill and Cyril Butler of Picture NL.
Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick, said:
“The success of the inaugural Limerick Film Lab demonstrated the appetite that exists for meaningful international collaboration between independent producers. We are delighted to welcome an outstanding group of participants from Ireland, Scotland and Atlantic Canada for the second edition of the Lab.
This year’s cohort brings together producers with a diverse range of stories, perspectives and ambitions. By creating opportunities for them to connect, share expertise and explore co-production possibilities, we are helping to build relationships that can lead to new creative partnerships and sustainable business growth.
The Mid-West of Ireland has become an increasingly important location for screen production, and initiatives such as the Limerick Film Lab ensure that local producers are connected to international opportunities and positioned to compete on a global stage. We look forward to seeing the projects and partnerships that emerge from this year’s programme.”
Leslie Finlay, Screen Officer at Screen Scotland, said:
“It is fantastic to be able to continue our partnership with Film in Limerick and Picture NL on this international initiative. The Limerick Film Lab offers producers an invaluable opportunity to build relationships beyond their own territories, gain a deeper understanding of international financing and production models, and explore future co-production opportunities.
“The strength of this year’s participants highlights the wealth of producing talent across Scotland, Ireland and Atlantic Canada. We are excited to see the connections formed during the Lab develop into future collaborations and screen projects that can reach audiences around the world.”
Laura Churchill, CEO & Film Commissioner at PictureNL, Canada, said:
“The Limerick Film Lab has quickly established itself as an important platform for international collaboration and industry development. We are delighted to support another talented group of producers from Atlantic Canada as they engage with peers from Ireland and Scotland.
Building international relationships is increasingly important in today’s screen industry, and the Lab provides a welcoming environment where producers can exchange ideas, discover new opportunities and lay the foundations for future partnerships. We look forward to seeing how these connections continue to strengthen the ties between our regions.”
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. The initiative forms part of Film in Limerick’s ongoing mission to position the Mid-West of Ireland as a leading hub for international screen collaboration, production and innovation.
Film in Limerick is the film office for the Mid-West of Ireland, supporting and attracting screen production across the region. Working with national and international partners, it develops initiatives that grow talent, strengthen industry infrastructure and position the Mid-West as a competitive hub for film and television production. Through production support, skills development and international collaboration, Film in Limerick plays a key role in building a sustainable and globally connected screen sector in the region.