Empowering Emerging Filmmakers: Galway Film Fleadh's Eitilt Program Receives €20,000 Grant from Amazon Regional Creatives Fund Ireland
The Galway Film Fleadh in Ireland has been awarded €20,000 from the Amazon Regional Creatives Fund Ireland to support the talent development program Eitilt. Eitilt, which means 'flight' in Irish, is a new initiative aimed at providing a structured pathway for emerging and underrepresented filmmakers. It will be launched as part of the Galway Film Fair industry program from July 9-12.
The Amazon Regional Creatives Fund was originally established in the UK in 2025, offering grants of up to £30,000 to charities and community interest groups. The fund has now expanded to Ireland, providing grants of up to €20,000 to organizations registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority. The goal is to support creatives from underrepresented backgrounds in pursuing their career goals. The Eitilt program will select 3-5 creators annually who reflect diversity and regional perspectives in the film industry.
The inaugural cohort of filmmakers selected for the Eitilt program includes Mary Tynan, a disabled director, actor, and writer; Kate Hayley, director of the short film Emergency Accommodation; Verena Barbosa, a Galway-based Brazilian filmmaker; and Abraham Hijazeen, an Irish-Jordanian screenwriter. These filmmakers bring a diverse range of experiences and perspectives to the program.
Charities with annual incomes below €1m are eligible to apply for the Amazon Regional Creatives Fund Ireland. The fund aims to enhance existing upskilling programs in various creative fields, including publishing, music, gaming, film, TV, fashion, visual arts, and podcasting. Recipients of the fund will receive financial support as well as mentorship, work placement opportunities, and digital training from Amazon's network of creative industry professionals.
In conclusion, the Galway Film Fleadh's partnership with the Amazon Regional Creatives Fund Ireland will provide valuable support to emerging filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds. The Eitilt program aims to create a more inclusive and diverse film industry by offering opportunities for talent development and career advancement.