Congratulations to the Galway Film Industry and Galway City & County on Securing the Status of UNESCO City of Film
Galway has become one of five cities in the world to have been awarded the permanent status of UNESCO City of Film, in addition to Sofia, Bulgaria and Busan, South Korea.
Commenting on the news Bill O'Herlihy, Chairman, Bord Scannán hÉireann/the Irish Film Board said "This is a major international achievement not just for Galway, but for the country. Film has always run through the veins of Galway, and holds a strong cultural, artistic and economic value. I'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Galway City and County Councils, together with all of those working in the film and television community in Galway City and County, and to applaud their contribution. The appointment of Galway as a permanent UNESCO City of Film is recognition of the value of Irish filmmakers - directors, writers, producers, the Galway Film Centre, the Galway Film Fleadh, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board and TG4 to the cultural fabric of Galway.""‹
Commenting on the news, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys TD said: "This is fantastic news and I am really pleased for all of the organisations that were involved in the bid. In particular I wish to commend the Galway Film Centre, who in close association with Galway County Council and Galway City Council, and supported by the Irish Film Board, coordinated the bid that also had the backing of some 50 organisations from both the city and county of Galway".
Minister Humphreys continued: "Galway has a long association with film making and the audiovisual sector going back over many years and it is a fitting testament to all of the great directors, producers, writers and actors who have made Galway their home. From that creative home, they have produced memorable works that has led to this great honour for their city".
The bid was supported by Bord Scannán hÉireann/the Irish Film Board and James Hickey, Chief Executive, Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board served on the committee which drove the bid, organised by Galway Film Centre in association with Galway City and County Councils. The final bid submission on behalf of the consortium of over 50 organisations drawn from across Galway city and county was submitted in March 2014.
Galway joins Sydney, Australia and Galway's twin city of Bradford in the UK as a designated City of Film. This status brings the highest internationally recognised standard of excellence in the creative industries to Galway. The title of Creative City of Film also includes membership of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.