Manager: Declan Gibbons, manager@galwayfilmcentre.ie
Training & Events Manager Mary Deely, education@galwayfilmcentre.ie

Established in 1989 Galway Film Centre is a non-profit, members-based organisation that operates as a resource centre for both emerging and established filmmakers. Galway Film Centre provides expert training in all aspects of film and television production and offers advice, information, workshops, masterclasses, seminars, industry events, equipment hire, short film awards, public screenings, workspace for members, support, employment opportunities, film advocacy and networking sessions for film graduates, film makers and film industry employees in Galway and beyond.

In 2014 Galway was awarded the prestigious title of UNESCO City of Film as a result of a bid led by Galway Film Centre in partnership with both local authorities and over fifty local companies involved in the audiovisual sector. Since gaining the designation Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board, Údarás na Gaeltacht and TG4 have all been involved in setting up a governance structure whereby the UNESCO City of Film offices are now housed within Galway Film Centre. This initiative is also supported by Galway Picture Palace, Galway Film Fleadh, Telegael, Eo Telifís and all of the main production companies and filmmakers based in Galway city and county. Galway is one of only eight cities globally to hold the City of Film title, which is a permanent designation.

Training in all aspects of filmmaking has always been a core part of Galway Film Centre’s work and new courses are constantly being introduced to provide the best training from introductory to advance levels. Training is provided for both emerging and established filmmakers to learn new skills in specific areas, as well as for members of the public who want to learn more about the technical aspects of film making. All training is devised as a response to definite training needs within the sector identified by industry and other support agencies. Galway Film Centre is a key partner with Screen Training Ireland, and both organisations work together to deliver high calibre training for the sector throughout the year.

In 2009 Galway Film Centre established www.screenwest.ie, a website dedicated to the promotion of Galway as a location for film and television production. The website is a comprehensive database of crew, production facilities, locations, agencies, permissions and support available in the region. In 2011, Galway Film Centre set up the Film Galway Partnership, an initiative which brings together fifteen local and national agencies including The Irish Film Board, Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board, Failte Ireland, Coillte, An Garda Síochána and Údarás na Gaeltachta to provide logistical support for productions on location in Galway.

The Centre also provides film equipment at greatly reduced non-commercial rates for its members, a full list of which is available on its website. Galway Film Centre is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee with an independent board.

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