starGAZE 2026

starGAZE, a professional development initiative supporting six emerging LGBTQIA filmmakers, returns for its third year

starGAZE will provide a platform for LGBTQIA talent through an internationally recognised film festival with access to Irish and international creatives, with the ambition to increase the number of Irish LGBTQIA stories on screen and showcase the next generation of Irish queer and trans voices. starGAZE will accept applications from LGBTQIA people of all backgrounds, particularly encouraging applicants from the global majority, trans and non-binary people, people from working-class communities, the Travelling community, people with disabilities and all equity-seeking individuals facing additional challenges within the film industry.

The cohort of last year’s starGAZE were featured during the 2025 GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival, where we hosted a starGAZE lab day which included a screening of our participants work and discussions with filmmakers such as Donncha Gilmore and Liath Hannon (GIRLS & BOYS), Joy Ghararo-Akpojotor (DREAMERS), and Darren and Colin Thorton (FOUR MOTHERS). The participants also received festival passes and special access to industry talks at Café au GAZE, as well as roundtable discussions with filmmakers including Carmen Emmi (PLAINCLOTHES), Travis Alabanza (BURGERZ), Charlene Lydon (Storyhouse), Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese (LESBIAN SPACE PRINCESS) and Angelo Madsen (A BODY TO LIVE IN). After the festival, the programme provided mentorship from industry experts such as Colin Thornton (FOUR MOTHERS), Damian McCarthy (HOKUM), Jim Archer (BIG BOYS), Prano Bailey-Bond (CENSOR), Evan Horan (LESBIAN LINES) and Reece Cargan (A NIGHT LIKE THIS), offering invaluable guidance and exposure to the participants.

Dates/Duration:

You must be available to attend GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival. Which takes place from 28th July – 3rd August 2026

Applications close: Monday 20 April, 5pm

Who Can Apply:

LGBTQIA directors, producers and writers working in film, TV, radio, online content, animation, documentary, theatre, comedy, performance, visual arts using film/video who want to make work for the screen.
Have written, produced or directed a short film which has screened at a recognised Irish or international film festival within the last 3 years, or has screened at a number of international LGBTQIA film festivals, or that has been broadcast on an Irish or international network or streaming service.
- Note: If your film has not screened at a recognised festival but has received specific recognition from LGBTQIA communities or platforms, we encourage you to reach out to info@gaze.ie for further discussion.
Or, for writers only: have had one piece of full-length theatre work performed professionally in Ireland or one professional radio credit.
Be working towards a debut feature-length project or television pilot/online commission.
You must be available to attend GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival 2026 (July 28 – August 3).
Be an Irish resident.

The starGAZE Programme will:

To offer participants a year-long mentorship programme, for consistent and meaningful support from experienced LGBTQIA filmmakers.
To offer LGBTQIA filmmakers access to experienced Irish and international creative talent able to guide emerging filmmakers at crucial points in their careers.
To use the platform of GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival 2026, to raise the profile of the filmmakers and their work.
To offer participants access to unique talks, screenings and networking events at GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival 2026 and year-round.

The application form asks important, though sensitive, demographics like gender, sexual orientation etc. This will help us understand the diversity within our participants and how we’re supporting everyone equitably.