X-Pollinator, Strandhill Film & Folk Festival and National Talent Academies are thrilled to host a panel with director Neasa Ní Chianáin, one of Ireland's most established documentary talents, moderated by the wonderful Marian Quinn.
About The Panel & Event:
Neasa Ní Chianáin is a documentary film director and writer, who has directed nine single docs (five feature length) and one TV series, including FRANK NED & BUSY LIZZIE, which sold around the world, including ZDF, ARTE and YLE; the award-winning FAIRYTALE OF KATMANDU which world premiered at IDFA 2007; and THE STRANGER which had its world premiere at the 67th Locarno Film Festival.
Her film IN LOCO PARENTIS (aka SCHOOL LIFE), an observational documentary following the lives of two inspirational teachers in Ireland’s only remaining primary-age boarding school, premiered in competition at both IDFA 2016 and Sundance 2017, and won the Special Jury Prize in the Golden Gate Awards at the San Francisco Film Festival, and the Audience Award at Visions du Réel in Nyon.
YOUNG PLATO, set in post conflict Belfast’s Ardoyne, charts the dream of Headmaster Kevin McArevey and his dedicated visionary team, illustrating how critical thinking and pastoral care can empower and encourage children to see beyond the boundaries and limitations of their own community. The IFTA-winning documentary played at over seventy film festivals, and was theatrically released in seven countries, including a six month run in Japan; winning 14 awards, and was nominated for IDA, BIFA, Grierson and Satellite Awards in 2023.
Neasa's last feature documentary, THE ALEXANDER COMPLEX, had its world premiere at Thessaloniki Documentary Festival 2024, and tells the story of when the tomb of Alexander the Great, which was believed to be lost to history, is allegedly discovered by an enigmatic, amateur French treasure hunter, an international group of experts is assembled and attempts to locate the lost tomb and the treasures inside.
The Panel will be followed by a NTA Networking Reception.
Key Dates and Duration:
Friday 29th August 2025
- Registration - free welcome drink on arrival: 7:00pm - 7:30pm
- Panel Discussion: Director in Focus: Neasa Ní Chianáin: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
- National Talent Academies Networking reception. Nibbles provided by Shells Café, with drinks available for purchase: 8:30pm - 10:00pm
Advance registration is essential as places are limited, and demand is expected to be high. Please RSVP to confirm your attendance.
How to Register:
Register for Director in Focus: Neasa Ní Chianáin AND networking reception HERE.
Register for networking reception ONLY: HERE
The talk with Neasa is now at capacity. You can still register for the networking event (only) HERE or join the waiting list for the talk HERE. If you have any questions, please contact: filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie
Please be aware that places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Deadline to RSVP 28th August at 12 Noon or when capacity is reached
Further Information:
X-Pollinator is supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholders Scheme and Coimisiún na Meán.
The National Talent Academies is an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. NTA Film & TV is managed by Ardán and NTA Crew Academy West managed by Atlantic Academy.
The Strandhill Film & Folk Festival 2025 is proudly sponsored by the Arts Council, the Creative Ireland Programme and Sligo County Council.
If you have any questions, please contact: filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie
Please note that alcohol will be served at this event.
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