By Terry Greenberg
What a treat to attend the Galway Film Festival during my trip to Ireland this summer! Having been involved with a variety of film festivals myself (New York Film Festival, DOC NYC, Greenwich Village Film Festival, among others), I was curious to see how the Galway Festival stacked up and stood out.
Known more locally in Ireland as the Galway Film Fleadh, the week-long festival takes place every July in the Irish cultural heartbeat city of Galway. This year’s 37th edition offered a diversity of films from around the world: 46 Irish Premieres, 31 World Premieres, and 11 European/International Premieres, including 11 Irish language feature films.
NYWIFT Presidents Circle Member Terry Greenberg (right) with Galway Film Fleadh Programming Director Maeve McGrath
While attending the Fleadh, I met up with the delightful Director of Programming, Maeve McGrath, who was incredibly warm, welcoming, and wonderful to me! According to Maeve, the main thing that sets the Fleadh apart from other festivals is that it has a lot of heart. It’s “compact, bohemian, informal, and fun.”
NYWIFT Presidents Circle Member Terry Greenberg with Thomas Sadoski, producer and star of Adult Children, which won the International Independent Film Award at the Fleadh
There is no grand red carpet, but it offers easy access to the filmmakers and actors, especially at the lively Galway Rowing Club bar nearby in between screenings. I can’t wait to go back!
Stay tuned for Terry’s exclusive interview with Galway Film Fleadh Programming Director Maeve McGrath – coming soon!
(All images courtesy of Terry Greenberg)
Terry Greenberg
Following a distinguished and rewarding career in film publicity and marketing, Terry is currently the owner of Short and Sweet Productions (www.shortandsweet.nyc). She served on the NYWIFT Board for six years, and is now happily ensconced on the Advisory Board.
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