Film Ireland Podcast

In this episode, we are delighted to once again partner with the Dinard British and Irish Film Festival, which held its 37th edition in the picturesque seaside town of Dinard, Brittany.At the festival, Film Ireland's Associate Editor Gemma Creagh caught up with Philippa Lowthorpe, the three-times BAFTA-winning director, to discuss her acclaimed career in film and television and some of her most celebrated work.Philippa chats about directing the multi-award-winning series Three Girls, alongside Irish editor Una Ní Dhonghaíle - and their BAFTA, as well as her work on The Crown, and her most recent feature film, H Is for Hawk, starring Claire Foy alongside Irish actors Denise Gough and Brendan Gleeson. Listen now on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Acast and Amazon, subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts or watch the original recording here: https://www.filmireland.net/podcast-filmmaker-philippa-lowthorpe-h-is-for-hawk-three-girls-prisoner-951Philippa LowthorpePhilippa Lowthorpe is a three-times BAFTA winner and the first female director to win a BAFTA for directing TV fiction. Most recently, Philippa directed H Is for Hawk for Plan B/Film4. Based on the memoir by Helen Macdonald, it stars Claire Foy and Brendan Gleeson and is produced by Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner. Following its world premiere at Telluride, the film was selected for the prestigious Patron’s Gala at the London Film Festival. The film was released on 23rd January 2026 and received a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding British Film. Philippa directed the critically acclaimed limited series Prisoner 951 for BBC/Fremantle, written by Stephen Butchard, telling the powerful and revelatory true story of Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, who was taken hostage in Iran, and her husband Richard’s fight for her release. The series was broadcast in December 2025, and stars Joseph Fiennes and Narges Rashidi, who won the Royal Television Society Award for Best Female Lead Performance and has also been nominated for Best Lead Performance at BAFTA and BANFF, where the series also has a nomination for Best Limited Series.Philippa directed the multi-award-winning mini-series Three Girls, written by Nicole Taylor, about the Rochdale grooming scandal, which won five BAFTAs, including Best Limited Series and Philippa’s second BAFTA for directing. She directed Claire Foy in The Crown season two, and Naomie Harris and Jude Law in The Third Day: Winter for HBO/Plan B, written by Dennis Kelly. Her film Misbehaviour starred Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Jessie Buckley. Set in 1970, it tells the true story of the first Black woman to win Miss World and the young feminists who infiltrated the event in order to disrupt and demonstrate.Philippa was lead director of the very first series and feature-length special of international hit Call the Midwife, for which she won her first directing BAFTA in 2013. Other work includes Five Daughters, written by Stephen Butchard; Swallows and Amazons, written by Andrea Gibb; and The Other Boleyn Girl, starring Jared Harris, Natascha McElhone, and Jodhi May. Starting out as a documentary maker, Philippa has always been drawn to telling real-life stories. One of her early films, Three Salons at the Seaside, was chosen by the Grierson Trust as one of the Must-See Documentaries of the last 50 yearsand can be seen on BBC iPlayer.Dinard British and Irish Film FestivalThe Dinard British and Irish Film Festival is an annual celebration of cinema that takes place in the coastal town of Dinard, Brittany. Now in its 37th year, the festival showcases the best of contemporary British and Irish filmmaking, highlighting emerging talent alongside established voices. Known for its warm hospitality and discerning audiences, Dinard provides a unique platform for filmmakers to connect with international industry figures and audiences in France.Over the years, the podcast has featured acclaimed guests such as Phyllida Lloyd, Lenny Abrahamson, M. Night Shyamalan, John Boorman, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Aisha Tyler, Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Niamh Algar, David Freyne, Ciarán Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, John Crowley, Niamh Algar, Gene Stupnitsky, and Terence Davies, alongside many of the most influential voices working in film and television today.So make sure to subscribe and listen back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Film Ireland Podcast, we are delighted to once again partner with the Dinard British and Irish Film Festival, which held its 37th edition the weekend before last in the picturesque seaside town of Dinard, Brittany.At the festival, Film Ireland's Associate Editor Gemma Creagh caught up caught up with Eric Lagesse, CEO of Pyramide Films, to discuss Eric's passion for storytelling, the French film industry and the opportunities and challenges of bringing Irish films to international audiences.With decades of experience in independent film distribution and international sales, Lagesse shares his insights into the art of selling films across markets, the complexities of film financing, and the role of independent distributors in supporting filmmakers and bringing distinctive stories to audiences around the world. Listen now on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Acast and Amazon, subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts. Or you can watch the original recording back here: https://www.filmireland.net/podcast-eric-lagesse-ceo-of-pyramide-at-dinard-british-irish-film-festivalPyramide FilmsPyramide was founded in 1989. Eric Lagesse became President of the company in May 2008, buying Pyramide from its founder, Fabienne Vonier, who decided to focus on production with Pyramide Productions. As a French distributor, Pyramide releases approximately 12 to 15 films per year and is one of the biggest independent French distributors. From the very beginning, Pyramide also focused on new directors such as Jim Jarmusch (Mystery Train), Sean Penn (The Crossing Guard), Claire Denis (Beau Travail), Catherine Breillat (Sale comme un ange) and Aki Kaurismäki (all his films were released in France by Pyramide, including Le Havre).Other directors whose films have been distributed by Pyramide include Youssef Chahine (Destiny), Nikita Mikhalkov (Burnt by the Sun, Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film), Wayne Wang and Paul Auster (Smoke and Blue in the Face), Alain Resnais (Smoking/No Smoking), Patrice Chéreau (Un frère – Best Director, Berlin 2003), Shohei Imamura (Warm Water Under a Red Bridge), Claude Miller (La Petite Lili), Tony Gatlif (Exiles – Best Director, Cannes 2004), Denys Arcand (The Barbarian Invasions, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film), Elia Suleiman (Divine Intervention – Jury Prize, Cannes 2002), Nuri Bilge Ceylan (Uzak – Grand Prize, Cannes 2003; Climates; Three Monkeys – Best Director, Cannes 2008), Fatih Akin (The Edge of Heaven – Best Screenplay, Cannes 2007; Soul Kitchen – Jury Prize, Venice 2009), Hirokazu Kore-eda (Still Walking), Stephan Elliott (Easy Virtue), Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives – Palme d’Or, Cannes 2010), Mahamat-Saleh Haroun (A Screaming Man – Jury Prize, Cannes 2010), Michael Rowe (Leap Year – Caméra d’Or, Cannes 2010) and, more recently, Gianni Di Gregorio (The Salt of Life) and Céline Sciamma (Tomboy).As a world sales agent, Pyramide International (formerly FPI) has deliberately focused on film d’auteur, promoting films by emerging directors internationally. These include Sandrine Veysset (Will It Snow for Christmas?), Wang Xiao-Shuai (Beijing Bicycle – Silver Bear, Berlin 2001), Naomi Kawase (Shara), Éléonore Faucher (The Embroiderers – Grand Prize, Critics’ Week, Cannes 2004), and Alix Delaporte (Angèle and Tony).Pyramide now manages a library of nearly 250 titles for domestic and international distribution.Dinard British and Irish Film FestivalThe Dinard British and Irish Film Festival is an annual celebration of cinema that takes place in the coastal town of Dinard, Brittany. Now in its 37th year, the festival showcases the best of contemporary British and Irish filmmaking, highlighting emerging talent alongside established voices. Known for its warm hospitality and discerning audiences, Dinard provides a unique platform for filmmakers to connect with international industry figures and audiences in France.Over the years, the podcast has featured acclaimed guests such as Phyllida Lloyd, Lenny Abrahamson, M. Night Shyamalan, John Boorman, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Aisha Tyler, Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Niamh Algar, David Freyne, Ciarán Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, John Crowley, Niamh Algar, Gene Stupnitsky, and Terence Davies, alongside many of the most influential voices working in film and television today.So make sure to subscribe and listen back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode of the Film Ireland Podcast, we’re delighted to be partnering with the Roscommon International Film Festival (RIFF) to discuss a very important topic.As part of Dyslexia Awareness Month, RIFF is teaming up with Dyslexia Ireland to showcase films created by dyslexic filmmakers and raise awareness of dyslexia.We’re delighted to welcome Christine (CC) Braithwaite, a BAFTA-winning filmmaker, writer, director and producer, and co-founder of the Roscommon International Film Festival; and Keith Dunphy, an award-winning RADA-trained actor working across theatre, film and television. His screen credits include Star Wars: Rogue One, Children of Men and The Wind That Shakes the Barley. He is currently touring with his one-man play, Word Against the Word.In this episode, we discuss filmmaking, dyslexia, representation, and the importance of creating space for diverse voices within the film industry.Roscommon International Film Festival (RIFF) takes place from 22–24 October 2026 at Roscommon Arts Centre. Check out the full programme and get your tickets now at roscommonfilm.com.Listen now on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Acast and Amazon, subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts or watch the original recording here: https://www.filmireland.net/podcast-actor-keith-dunphy-filmmaker-festival-founder-christine-braithwait-on-dyslexia-riffKeith DunphyKeith Dunphy is an award-winning actor with over 25 years’ experience across theatre, film and television in London and Ireland. A RADA-trained actor, his extensive theatre work includes the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe, Abbey Theatre Dublin, Bristol Old Vic, Royal Exchange and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. His screen credits include The Winter King, Professor T, Peaky Blinders, The Hollow Crown, Beowulf, No Offence and Rebellion, alongside feature films including Star Wars: Rogue One, Les Misérables, Children of Men, The Wind That Shakes the Barley and Inside I’m Dancing. Most recently, Keith filmed the feature Improper Bastards for Fire in the Whole Productions and toured Ireland with his acclaimed one-man play Word Against the Word, written and performed by Keith.Christine “CC” BraithwaiteFestival director, Christine is a writer, director, producer, festival director and workshop facilitator with over 30 years of experience across television, film, theatre, radio and creative writing. She recently directed for Channel 5’s Milkshake! children’s documentary series Love Nature and delivers creative film workshops for organisations including Screen Yorkshire, Leeds Film Festival, Roscommon International Film Festival, Foróige and Foxford Youth Drama. She also specialises in interactive workshops for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), using puppetry and shadow puppetry.Roscommon International Film Festival (RIFF)The Roscommon International Film Festival returns for its fourth year with two days of exceptional independent cinema from Ireland and around the world. Experience specially curated screening blocks featuring drama, comedy, horror, thriller, documentary, animation, children’s films and much more. Alongside exciting new voices in filmmaking, the festival showcases work from established talent, creating a programme that celebrates creativity, imagination and powerful storytelling. Whether you’re a lifelong film lover or simply looking to discover something new, the festival offers an unforgettable weekend of cinema, conversation and celebration in the heart of Roscommon.Over the years, the podcast has featured acclaimed guests such as Phyllida Lloyd, Lenny Abrahamson, M. Night Shyamalan, John Boorman, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Aisha Tyler, Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Niamh Algar, David Freyne, Ciarán Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, John Crowley, Niamh Algar, Gene Stupnitsky, and Terence Davies, alongside many of the most influential voices working in film and television today.So make sure to subscribe and listen back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Film Ireland Podcast, we’re joined by Irish director and novelist Stephen Burke, whose work has explored some of the most complex and turbulent chapters of Ireland’s recent history.Stephen’s latest film, Chasing Millions, is inspired by the Northern Bank robbery. The film follows veteran Northern Irish detective Crayford and ambitious young Australian police officer Diana as they investigate what becomes the biggest bank job in British, Irish and Australian history.Starring Emmy-winning actor Christopher Eccleston (28 Days Later, The Leftovers, True Detective: Night Country) and Australian actress Madeleine Madden (The Wheel of Time, Dora and the Lost City of Gold), Chasing Millions is a true(ish) story of a legendary bank job.Chasing Millions is in cinemas from Friday 9th October 2026.Listen now on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Acast and Amazon, or subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts or watch the origional recording here: podcast-co-writers-director-stephen-burke-chasing-millionsHere's the last podcast with Stephen about Maze which was referenced in the episode: https://www.filmireland.net/stephen-burke-writerdirector-of-maze/About Stephen BurkeStephen is a director and novelist born and raised in Dublin. He studied film at the Dublin Institute of Technology before making short documentaries on aspects of The Troubles, including After 68 (1994) and 81 (1996). His feature film Maze (2017) dramatises the 1983 escape of 38 IRA prisoners from Maze Prison. Burke has since transitioned to novel writing.Over the years, the podcast has featured acclaimed guests such as Phyllida Lloyd, Lenny Abrahamson, M. Night Shyamalan, John Boorman, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Aisha Tyler, Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Niamh Algar, David Freyne, Ciarán Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, John Crowley, Niamh Algar, Gene Stupnitsky, and Terence Davies, alongside many of the most influential voices working in film and television today.So make sure to subscribe and listen back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Film Ireland Podcast, we're joined by Irish screenwriter and actor Niall Cassin, whose career has taken him from the Irish financial sector to film and television productions on both sides of the Atlantic - and now to the world of feature filmmaking.With credits including Mister Mayfair, Spice of Life, A Song to Kill For, and History Channel’s Colosseum, as well as production experience on major titles including Deadpool and War for the Planet of the Apes, Niall brings a mix of writing, production, and industry experience to the creative practice.Niall’s latest project, LOVE/HATE/HUNT/KILL, is a survival thriller with an ominous premise: a romantic escape into the desert becomes a fight for survival when a young woman finds herself hunted by a masked killer, all against the backdrop of an impending, world-ending comet strike.Listen now on SoundCloud, Apple, Spotify, Acast and Amazon, or subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts - or watch the original recording back here:https://www.filmireland.net/podcast-writer-niall-cassin-on-shooting-love-hate-hunt-killThe film is set to have its World Premiere at the Louth International Film Festival on September 25th, followed by a special in-person Q&A with Niall.Niall CassinNiall is an Irish-born screenwriter based in Los Angeles, bringing a distinctive blend of creative vision and deep industry experience to his work. His 2022 credits include Mister Mayfair, Spice of Life, and A Song to Kill For. He was also a key member of the writing team behind Colosseum, History Channel’s acclaimed docuseries, which appeared on the 2023 Emmy ballot for Outstanding Limited Series.Niall founded his production company, May 15th Productions, in 2024. In 2025, the company released the crime thriller Deadly Vows, starring Billy Zane, Peter Facinelli, Shane West, and Oscar nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, to critical acclaim. Niall is currently developing an action-adventure feature for a major streaming platform with director Roel Reiné, while his survival thriller LOVE/HATE/HUNT/KILL is in post-production ahead of its 2026 release. Before transitioning to screenwriting, Niall spent a decade working in the Irish financial sector before gaining extensive production experience in Vancouver, Canada. During that time, he contributed to more than 30 major productions, including Deadpool, War for the PlaneOver the years, the podcast has featured acclaimed guests such as Phyllida Lloyd, Lenny Abrahamson, M. Night Shyamalan, John Boorman, Saoirse Ronan, Colin Farrell, Aisha Tyler, Colm Meaney, Paul Reiser, Niamh Algar, David Freyne, Ciarán Donnelly, Joshua Oppenheimer, John Crowley, Niamh Algar, Gene Stupnitsky, and Terence Davies, alongside many of the most influential voices working in film and television today.So make sure to subscribe and listen back! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.