New fund launched to bolster southern film industry

A new funding initiative has been launched in Cork with an aim to strengthen the Irish screen industry beyond Dublin.

The initiative, deascéal, will pump €56k in funding into four live-action short film projects across Cork city, Cork county, Kerry, and Waterford in 2026.

Launched in Cork City Hall recently, the initiative will provide bursaries of €14k each to four original short film projects between 8 and 15 minutes in length, one from each participating region.

Projects will be selected through a two-stage process, beginning with open script submissions starting on Sunday, and culminating in an in-person pitching round before an industry panel.

The launch was attended by approximately 100 filmmakers, industry professionals and civic leaders from across Cork, Kerry, and Waterford.

Speaking at the launch, scheme director Jamie Hooper explained the thought process behind the scheme’s name and the important role it will play in the future if Ireland’s film industry.

He said: “In Irish it means, literally, ‘good story’. And at the heart of any good film is a good story. This initiative represents a significant collaborative investment in storytelling and screen talent in the south of Munster. It's an incredible opportunity for local filmmakers to upskill and develop, but crucially to tell stories that reflect the region's distinctive voices.”

Spearheaded by Screen Cork in partnership with Screen Kerry and Screen Waterford, deascéal is supported by Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Kerry County Council, Waterford City and County Council, and RTÉ, in association with Cork International Film Festival.

As well as a funding scheme, deascéal is a development-led programme, offering shortlisted teams structured mentorship, script development, and live pitch training.

Completed films will be delivered in early 2027, with Cork International Film Festival offering direct consideration to the films for their internationally acclaimed programme, and RTÉ retaining broadcast rights following an initial festival window.

Alongside the scheme, a regional training initiative supported by Screen Ireland will provide skills development opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers and crew across Cork county, Cork city, Kerry, and Waterford.

Last week’s launch was also attended by a broad range of representatives from across the regional screen and arts sectors, including representatives from Cork International Film Festival; Kerry International Film Festival; Cork City Arts Officer, Michelle Carew; Cork County Arts Officer Ian McDonagh; Cork City Councillor Kieran McCarthy; Head of the Arts Committee Cork City Council, Councillor Dan Boyle; and TD Padraig Rice.

Script submissions open this Sunday 12 April. Full guidelines and eligibility criteria are available at deasceal.com.