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Festival Launch - Film Maker in Focus followed by a Screen Industry Networking Event

  • Shells Cafe Strandhill, SO Ireland (map)

X-Pollinator / Strandhill Film & Folk Festival with NTA: Director in Focus: Neasa Ní Chianáin

X-Pollinator and Strandhill Film & Folk Festival are thrilled to host a panel with director Neasa Ní Chianáin, one of Ireland's most established documentary talents, moderated by the wonderful Marian Quinn and with the support of the National Talent Academies.

Neasa Ní Chianáín is a documentary film director and writer, who has directed nine single docs (five feature length) and one TV series, including FRANK NED & BUSY LIZZIE, which sold around the world, including ZDF, ARTE and YLE; the award-winning FAIRYTALE OF KATMANDU which world premiered at IDFA 2007; and THE STRANGER which had its world premiere at the 67th Locarno Film Festival.

Her film IN LOCO PARENTIS (aka SCHOOL LIFE), an observational documentary following the lives of two inspirational teachers in Ireland’s only remaining primary-age boarding school, premiered in competition at both IDFA 2016 and Sundance 2017, and won the Special Jury Prize in the Golden Gate Awards at the San Francisco Film Festival, and the Audience Award at Visions du Réel in Nyon. 

YOUNG PLATO, set in post conflict Belfast’s Ardoyne, charts the dream of Headmaster Kevin McArevey and his dedicated visionary team, illustrating how critical thinking and pastoral care can empower and encourage children to see beyond the boundaries and limitations of their own community. The IFTA-winning documentary played at over seventy film festivals, and was theatrically released in seven countries, including a six month run in Japan; winning 14 awards, and was nominated for IDA, BIFA, Grierson and Satellite Awards in 2023.

Neasa's last feature documentary, THE ALEXANDER COMPLEX, had its world premiere at Thessaloniki Documentary Festival 2024, and tells the story of when the tomb of Alexander the Great, which was believed to be lost to history, is allegedly discovered by an enigmatic, amateur French treasure hunter, an international group of experts is assembled and attempts to locate the lost tomb and the treasures inside.


19:00 - 19:30 Registration - free welcome drink on arrival

19:30 - 20:30 Director in Focus: Neasa Ní Chianáin (RSVP required)

21:00 - 22:00 Networking reception, with thanks to the National Talent Academies. Nibbles provided by the wonderful Shells Café, with drinks available for purchase. (RSVP required)