GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival and the National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama today announced the 2026 starGAZE recipients, a professional development initiative to support emerging LGBTQIA filmmakers, returning for its third edition. Aileen Ye, Carys D Coburn, Luke Faulkner, Ross O’Donnellan, Shannon Haly and Thomas Purdy were announced as the six filmmakers who will be platformed during the 2026 festival, as well as access to talks, screenings and networking events and receiving mentorship throughout the following year.
Designed to provide a platform for LGBTQIA talent through an internationally recognised film festival, the recipients will have written, produced or directed a short film which has screened at a recognised Irish or international film festival within the last three years, and be working towards a debut feature or television/online project. The initiative offers access to Irish and international creatives at a crucial point in their careers, with the ambition to increase the number of Irish LGBTQIA stories on screen and showcase the next generation of Irish queer and trans voices.
The six starGAZE recipients will receive full access to GAZE 2026, a Lab Day during the festival and year-long mentorship with thanks to National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama. Industry speakers and mentors who have previously taken part in starGAZE include Andrew Haigh, Peaches, Carmen Emmi, Joy Ghararo-Akpojotor, Travis Alabanza, Rory Fleck Byrne, Félix Maritaud, John Butler, Kate Dolan, Donncha Gilmore, Liath Hannon, Colin Thornton, Darren Thornton, Charlene Lydon, Emma Hough Hobbs, Leela Varghese, Angelo Madsen, Damian McCarthy, Reece Cargan, Evan Horan, Jim Archer, Prano Bailey-Bond, Kate McCullough, Stacey Gregg, Amrou Al-Kadhi and Louise Weard.
“As starGAZE enters its third year, we are struck, as ever, by the undeniable talent of the LGBTQIA filmmaking community in Ireland. Thanks to Eibh Collins and the team at the National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama, the recognition of these filmmakers continues to grow. We can’t wait to honour this year’s participants at the upcoming festival, providing them with access, support and mentorship that will have a meaningful impact on their practice over the next year, and in doing so, acknowledge the vital contribution which they will make to our cultural screen industries.” - Sam Ahern and Evan Horan, GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival
"Each year, starGAZE shines a light on the incredible depth of LGBTQIA talent emerging across Ireland's screen sector. We are delighted to continue our partnership with GAZE in supporting these filmmakers as they build connections, develop their craft and take the next steps in their creative careers. Supporting emerging LGBTQIA filmmakers is central to the National Talent Academies' mission, and starGAZE is a key initiative in creating pathways for talent to thrive. We look forward to seeing how this year's recipients continue to shape the future of Irish screen storytelling." – Eibh O’Brien-Collins, Programme Director, National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama.
starGAZE is supported by the National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama, an initiative of Screen Ireland and managed by Ardán.
GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival 2026 will take place in Dublin at the Irish Film Institute and Light House Cinema from the 28th July to 3rd August 2026. Find out more about the GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival at www.gaze.ie