First Take is a training and development platform for newly established film professionals, film and media students, and the wider film industry, comprising case studies, presentations, and panel discussions.
At this year’s Cork International Film Festival, NTA is proud to present a case study of Run of the Mill’s new short film Mary is Missing, from director Aisling Byrne , which features a cast and crew of adults with intellectual disabilities.
The event will include a focus on the art of editing short film, in collaboration with Irish Screen Editors. Also featured will be a look into the initiatives and organisations supporting the development of sustainable regional film production in Cork city and county, in partnership with Screen Producers Ireland, and a conversation with leading Irish writers about building a career in screenwriting, in collaboration with Storyhouse.
About The Event:
Mary is Missing | A Case Study of Run of the Mill’s Film School
This session presents a case study of NTA’s collaboration with Run of the Mill’s Film School project, which has culminated in the new short film Mary is Missing. The production features a cast and crew of adults with intellectual disabilities and is directed by CIFF Award alumnus Aisling Byrne.
The discussion will explore the process behind the making of the film, offering valuable insights from members of the creative team and cast.
Speakers:
- Aisling Byrne – Director
- Killian Coyle – Producer
- Dan Keane – Cinematographer
- Cast Member of Mary is Missing.
- Hosted by Filmmaker, Sinéad O’Loughlin
Mary is Missing screens Saturday, 8 November as part of Irish Shorts 1: In Competition
Additional Industry Sessions as part of First Take:
10:00 – Doors Open & Registration
10:30 – Introduction
10:35 – Building Our Film Industry in a Regional Setting
11:25 – Mary is Missing | Case Study of Run of the Mill’s Film School
12:15 – Light Lunch provided by the National Talent Academies
13:00 – The Art of Editing Shorts
14:00 – Storyhouse | Carving a Career as a Screenwriter
15:00 –Why Film Criticism Matters
16:00 – Drinks Reception
Key Dates and Duration:
Date: Thu 13 November 2025
Time: 10:30 – 16:00
Venue: Triskel Cinema, Tobin Street, Cork
Tickets can be booked HERE.
About CIFF:
Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) is Ireland’s first and largest film festival, and one of Cork’s most significant annual cultural events. CIFF 2025 takes place from Nov 6 -16.
A local, national and international celebration of cinema, the festival takes place each November in venues across Cork and online. Its curated programme features award-winning films from the global festival circuit, new discoveries, and beloved classics, screened both in cinemas and on the Festival Digital Platform, accessible to audiences nationwide.
CIFF is proudly supported by principal funder The Arts Council of Ireland, along with Cork City Council, Creative Europe MEDIA, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, Cork County Council, ESB Energy for Generations Fund, and the HSE. Media Partners include RTÉ Supporting the Arts and the Irish Examiner.
Further Information:
Please address any questions to filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie
The National Talent Academies is an initiative of Screen Ireland .
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