Introduction:

The aim of this research project is to obtain a detailed, holistic snapshot of the current Irish Language Feature Film Industry, and to investigate its potential for future success.

Cine4, an initiative, from a TG4, IFB(SI) and BAI partnership, to develop original feature films in the Irish language, launched in 2017. I intend to research all avenues of the current scheme, with a focus on cultural contribution and industrial development contribution. I will also compare it to the structures put in place by Screen Ireland, and the Danish Film Institute.

Screen Ireland recently commissioned a study by consultancy firm, Olsberg SPI. This study, The Cultural Dividend Generated by Ireland’s Section 481 Film and Television Incentive analysed the current landscape for Irish film and television. Upon reading, I observed a gap in information on Irish language film production. I contacted Olsberg and scheduled a zoom meeting. They raised the same point, that a lack of existing conclusive data and information on Irish language film warranted further research.

It has been an exceptional few months with regard to Irish film success. Among the many projects that have gained major recognition, An Cailín Ciúin (2022), an Irish language coming of age drama has been the first Irish-language drama to gross €1m at the Ireland and UK box office, and the first to receive an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film. An Cailín Ciúin was only Cine4’s third submission.

So why now? Beyond the inevitable degree of subjectivity at play, I intend to understand the system that allowed An Cailín Ciúin to flourish. Was the current model for Irish language film production what specifically led to its success? Is this model transferable to the wider Irish film industry? Should changes be made to the Cine4 model?

I pose this question from the perspectives of enrichment and preservation of the Irish language, and of growth and progression within the specific creative sector. In order to move ahead and maintain or improve performance, we must know what is happening in the now. 

Project Methodology and Timeline:

My research will involve both primary and secondary research, through both qualitative and quantitative analysis.

 Primary research will involve surveying the workers in the industry, to gain an overall employee profile, and to understand their stance on the use of the Irish language. Are they native speakers? Do they wish to speak only Irish during production? I will survey young people to understand demand by them for Irish language projects, from both a recreational and an educational point of view. I will conduct interviews with production companies, on their feeling about the current landscape for Irish language feature film production.

 I will conduct secondary research through literature review, case studies and quantitative data analysis. I will look at the work of Cine4 from the perspectives of cultural contribution and industrial development contribution. I will analyse how their projects have fared in terms of audience ratings, employment numbers etc. I will also analyse where in Ireland production takes place, how far the projects have travelled post-release. I will compare the structures put in place by Cine4 to those of Screen Ireland and Denmark.

 This research is doable within the timeframe. Once ethics approval is obtained, there are no time restrictions on the components of the project. 

Intended Outcomes:

 Irish Language Feature Film production holds value in both culture and industry.

 Production of modern stories through Irish, can play a significant part in keeping the language alive and spoken. It underlines government policy, to sustain Irish language, and has the potential to preserve and enrich its use.

In terms of industry, projected growth in the Global Distribution market means potential for economic growth in Ireland. Progression in the Irish Language Feature Film sector could bring increased employment, higher box office sales and streaming service deals, as well as externalities such as increased tourism.

By obtaining a holistic understanding of the current landscape, I will know how the implemented structures have developed Irish language feature film production thus far. I will know whether or not changes need to be made. I endeavour to produce a report that can fill in the gaps and provide a new perspective.