The 38th edition of the Galway Film Fleadh and Fair takes place this month, from 7th – 12th July, 2026. Ardán, as managers of Galway City of Film, WRAP, and NTA Film & TV, are delighted to have several commissioned works screened at this year’s Film Fleadh, and we also look forward to hosting and supporting a number of events at the Industry Fair.
Galway City of Film Programmes
‘Blackrock’ – Wed 8 July | 09:45 | Town Hall Theatre
‘Blackrock’ is an atmospheric observational documentary that follows a late summer’s day at the Blackrock tower in Galway Bay. With directors; Normagh Heaney & Jessie Green, and producer; Normagh Heaney, and under the mentorship of Donal Haughey, ‘Blackrock’ was made as part of the Ceantar Scannán Short Doc Bursary 2025. Book tickets here.
“We couldn’t have made our short film, Blackrock, without the support of Ardán – and we are delighted that it has now been accepted into this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. Their faith in new filmmakers like us really encouraged our belief in the project and gave us the opportunity to begin a career in film.” – Normagh Heaney & Jessie Green
‘Roomies’ – Wed 8 July | 09:45 | Town Hall Theatre
In ‘Roomies’, Ruadhán and Laura’s candlelit dinner is upended by the arrival of their live-in landlord, Mark. Tensions boil until Mark gives the couple a dramatic ultimatum. With directors; Gerard Howard & David McCall, producers; Gerard Howard & Lucy May McManus, and writers: Gerard Howard, Joe Collins & David McCall, Roomies was the winner of the 2025 Little Cinema/ Galway City of Film 48 Hour Challenge! Book here.
“We couldn’t be happier with Roomies being shown in the Fleadh. Winning the 48 Hour Challenge was a fantastic achievement in itself but the boost that experience has had on us since has been huge. It has really encouraged us to keep making projects we love and to take those next steps in our careers. We couldn’t have the same confidence without the Little Cinema and the support of Galway City of Film and Ardàn.” – Ger Howard
Ardán/ RTÉ Short Film Commission
‘Little B*tch’ – Wed 8 July | 09:45 | Town Hall Theatre
In ‘Little B*tch’, Amy swindles a well-meaning substitute teacher to confront her parents after her Christmas and birthday wishes are ignored. With director; Sinead O’Brien, producer; Kira Fitzpatrick, and writer; Niamh O’Connor, ‘Little B*tch’ was made as part of the 2024-2025 Ardán/ RTÉ Short Film Commission & Mentorship. Special mention for ‘Little B*tch’ actress Liz Fitzgibbon who has been nominated for a Bingham Ray New Talent Award! Book tickets here.
“We are delighted that our short film, “Little B*tch”, from writer Niamh O’Connor and director Sinead O’Brien has been selected to have its’ world premiere at the prestigious Galway Film Fleadh. The support from RTE and Ardan has been invaluable and has allowed us to produce a short film that is now screening amongst world-class films. We’re honoured to be a part of the festival.” – Kira Fitzpatrick, Abhaile Productions
WRAP Fund & Commission
‘Learning To Breathe Under Water’ – Fri 10 July | 18:00 | Town Hall Theatre
Filmed in Galway, the Fleadh will host the Irish premiere of ‘Learning To Breathe Under Water’. After the death of his mother, eight-year-old Leo’s (Ezra Carlisle) best friend is a massive shark that his dad, an artist, built into the roof of their home. Leo confides in the shark to process his peculiar new reality until a spirited au pair challenges him and his grieving dad to step out of their heads, and open themselves up to the wild, wonderful mess of real life. WRAP was delighted to be one of the supporters of this regionally produced film. Special mention for ‘Learning To Breathe Under Water’ co-producer Heather Higgins, nominated for a Bingham Ray New Talent Award! Book tickets here.
“Producing Learning to Breathe Underwater in the West of Ireland demonstrated the incredible value of having world-class crew, facilities and industry support on our doorstep. The WRAP production support helped us maximise the opportunities available within the region, allowing us to employ local cast and crew, work with outstanding regional suppliers and ensure that the economic benefits of the production remained in the local economy.” – Heather Higgins, Éiru Films
Documentary Panel at Film Fair – Sat 11 July | 11:30 | Galmont
‘The Art of the Unknown: Supporting creative documentary film in a risk-averse industry’
Documentary has always been about a filmmaker’s engagement with the world around them, and the expression of some personal – often subjective – cinematic truth arising out of that. But such work is increasingly rare. As the industry continues to follow a market and producer driven model, with a focus on low-risk, high-return projects, AI undermines the very idea of image authenticity. By sharing the experience of the panel, we ask what the place is, if there is one, for innovative and subversive filmmaking, and whether the ‘auteur’ can reclaim their voice in this cacophony, at a time when cinematic truths seem more important than ever. WRAP is delighted to support this panel. Register for a ticket here.
Industry Fair Pitching Competition – Sun 12 July | Galmont
WRAP Executive Gar O’Brien-Collins will host the annual Screenwriter Pitching Competition at the Industry Fair at the Galmont Hotel on Sunday, July 12th. This event is sponsored by Wild Atlantic Pictures. Read more about it here.
National Talent Academy Film & TV
NTA Film & TV/NTA VFX Panel – Fri 10 July | 2:00pm
NTA VFX and NTA Film & TV will present Smart VFX: Maximising Production Value While Managing Costs as part of Galway Film Fair 2026. Designed for producers, directors, filmmakers, and those new to working with or in VFX, this session will explore how visual effects can be used strategically to reduce costs, unlock creative opportunities, and improve production efficiency at every stage of a project. Register to attend here.
NTA Film & TV Short Film Exchange – Sun 12 July
Galway Film Fair and NTA Film & TV will offer live-action fiction Short Film Writers, Writer/ Directors, and Producers an opportunity to connect through one-on-one meetings on Sunday July 12th. Following great success since its inception, the Short Film Exchange is returning to the Film Fair for the third year. This will be followed by a networking reception.
NTA Networking Reception – Sun 12 July
Join the National Talent Academies at Galway Film Fair for our 2026 Networking Reception, an opportunity to meet fellow creatives, and expand your professional connections. Whether you work in film and TV, crew, animation or visual effects, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet the Academy teams, hear about upcoming training and events, and connect with talent from across the screen industry. Register here.
Meet the team
Filmmakers’ Lounge at Galway Film Fair
Ardán will have a stand at the Fair’s Filmmakers’ Lounge from Thursday to Sunday in the Galmont. If you are a screen creative working in or aspiring to work in the industry – come and say hello or pick up a leaflet to find out more about us, and the initiatives we manage!
Screen Ireland Local Film Office AGM
Ardán will also attend the annual Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland AGM with other Local Film Offices from around the country on the Friday morning in parallel with the Film Fleadh.
Find out more about Ardán’s initiatives
To keep up to date on all events, workshops, mentorships, shadowing schemes, and funding opportunities managed by Ardán and its initiatives for the film, TV, animation and games creative industries, follow our socials & subscribe to Ardán’s monthly newsletter.