Catalyst Film Festival Brunch Club

In collaboration with Film in Limerick & Crew Academy South (National Talent Academies)

Join us for a morning of inspiration, learning, and creative connection at this year’s Catalyst Film Festival Brunch Club—a unique industry gathering spotlighting strategy, craft, and emerging documentary talent.

This event is free, but registration is required for catering purposes  via this LINK 

Date: Saturday 25th April

Schedule

10:00 - 13:30

Cooked breakfast and refreshments available throughout this event.

Designing Your Film Festival Strategy

Workshop with Varun Raman & Charlene Lydon
Catalyst 2026 Short Film Programmer / London Short Film Festival / Galway Fleadh Festival Programmer

Kick off the morning with a focused workshop designed to help filmmakers build a thoughtful, impactful film‑festival strategy. Varun Raman will share insider insights on programming, positioning your film for success, and navigating the international festival landscape.

Documentary Filmmaking Panel: New Voices, New Stories

A dynamic panel of acclaimed documentary filmmakers explore the power of nonfiction storytelling and the opportunities it offers emerging voices.
Expect a deep dive into story selection, creative approaches, and practical advice on getting started with your own documentary project.

Panellists include:

• Pat Collins (Henry Glassie: Field Work, 2019)
• David McDonagh (Being Put Back Together)
• Cara Holmes (Notes from Sheepland, Lesbian Lines)
• Vanessa Gildea – Contributing moderator (The 34th, 2017)

Together they’ll discuss their work, passions, and processes—while offering invaluable guidance on choosing and shaping compelling documentary stories.

Documentary Pitching Event 

Emerging filmmakers will have the chance to pitch their documentary ideas directly to the panel—receiving immediate feedback and guidance.
Participants (selected by prior application) will present a short pitch, including their story concept, creative approach, and envisioned style.

A rare opportunity to stand in front of industry professionals with a live audeince and develop your project in a supportive, constructive environment.

Please apply for the pitching opportunity here: LINK

Who Should Attend?

• Emerging and early‑career filmmakers
• Documentary creators developing new ideas
• Anyone interested in film festival strategy
• Students and artists seeking industry insights
• Creative professionals looking to connect and collaborate
• Crew

Anyone who has an interest in any of the subjects covered during the day is welcome to register their attendance. 

How To Register:     

This event is free, but registration is required for catering purposes  via this LINK 

Further Information:   

For any questions, please email rachael.power@nationaltalentacademies.ie

Crew Academy South is Managed by Film in Limerick and is an initiative of  Screen Ireland 

The Catalyst International Film Festival runs from 23rd-25th of April, with more info  HERE.