The 7th edition of the Catalyst International Film Festival takes place from 23rd–25th April across venues in Limerick City, offering a vibrant mix of feature films, short films, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities. Known for championing under-represented voices on screen and behind the camera, Catalyst continues to promote diversity, inclusion, and authentic storytelling in Irish and international cinema. Hollywood actor Ruth Negga serves as the festival’s ambassador.
Festival founder and director, Dr Susan Liddy, highlighted the excitement surrounding this year’s opening and closing films. The festival opens at the iconic Royal Cinema with Once Upon a Time in A Cinema, directed by David Gleeson and produced by Nathalie Lichtenthaeler. Shot in the Royal Cinema itself, the film revisits a local landmark in a story blending nostalgia, humour, and cinematic charm. The festival closes with the award-winning documentary Everybody to Kenmure Street, directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra and produced by Belfast native Ciara Barry. The film recounts a 2021 UK Home Office raid and the spontaneous community resistance in Pollokshields, Scotland, celebrating solidarity and civic courage.
Catalyst also presents a dedicated Stories from Palestine shorts programme, showcasing six immersive films that reflect resilience, dignity, and human endurance. The festival will host the world premiere of the short documentary Queen Lizzy, which explores Spoken Word artist Lizzy C’s personal journey and family struggles, highlighting Catalyst’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
Supporting emerging talent remains central to the festival. The extended Catalyst Lab for Emerging Screenwriters, running over three days, offers ten promising writers mentorship from industry professionals including script editors, producers, and directors. The festival also hosts its annual Shaping the Future in Screenwriting: Industry Day in collaboration with the National Talent Academy for Film and Television. Highlights include a masterclass with BAFTA-winning UK screenwriter Danny Brocklehurst and an in-conversation session with IFTA-winner Ailbhe Keogan. Panels and workshops will cover pitching, packaging, and Irish language screenwriting.
Short film programmes include international shorts, Irish shorts, and student films, curated to showcase diverse voices and celebrate creative storytelling. Awards across categories including Best Irish Short, Best International Short, Best Documentary Short, National Student Film Award, Short Screenplay Award, and the Catalyst Short Documentary Bursary (€10,000) will be presented at the closing ceremony.
With its dynamic programme, Catalyst International Film Festival offers filmmakers a platform to connect with engaged audiences and industry professionals, while audiences experience powerful, thought-provoking, and socially relevant cinema. Full programme and tickets are available at www.catalystinternationalfilmfestival.com.
