New ‘vital’ initiative is set to support local filmmaking

A new collective dedicated to supporting and promoting the screen industry across Cork city and county will launch tomorrow, Friday.

Screen Cork will be officially unveiled tomorrow, Friday, at the Adelphi Cinema in Schull, West Cork, during the Fastnet Film Festival.

Initially formed in December 2024, Screen Cork brings together a team of filmmakers, industry professionals, educators, festival organisers, and creatives. The collective was established to foster connection, collaboration, and growth across all areas of Cork’s screen industry while providing much-needed support for screen professionals in the Cork region which currently lacks a dedicated film office.

Tomorrow’s launch event will introduce the Screen Cork initiative, present membership opportunities, and provide updates on upcoming productions, training schemes, and strategic developments. All screen creatives, from emerging talent to seasoned professionals, are invited to attend.

Following its foundation, Screen Cork elected a committee to serve a two-year term. Board members are filmmaker Benjamin Rupprecht, co-chair; filmmaker Jamie Hooper, co-chair; filmmaker Cian Desmond, secretary; producer Steve Broekhuizen, treasurer; and actress and producer Sinéad O’Riordan, public relations officer.

Commenting on the upcoming launch, co-chair Benjamin Rupprecht said: “After our last gathering in Cork this April, it was clear just how vital this initiative is. The turnout was phenomenal, and the energy in the room was electric.”

“We’re thrilled to launch at Fastnet and to share the progress we’ve made. Most importantly, we’re eager to continue the conversation with filmmakers and creatives about how we can collectively strengthen the film industry here in Cork.”

As part of Screen Cork’s commitment to promote film production and development in Cork, the collective has pledged to supporting and connect local filmmakers while promoting Cork as a dynamic region for screen production.

Screen Cork will also provide training and upskilling opportunities, and is set to introduce a new short film scheme in the near future.

The Fastnet Film Festival is now underway in Schull and runs until this Sunday. For more information, visit fastnetfilmfestival.com.