Film Ireland Announces Launch of Digital Archive Project
By Brian Bowe
Film Ireland is the country’s longest-running film publication. Since its establishment in 1987, it has been your ultimate guide to all things related to the dynamic cinematic landscape of Ireland, covering everything from huge popcorn blockbusters to micro-budget indigenous films, but most importantly the outlet plays a significant role in supporting and promoting the country’s film industry. (Long before it became a global phenomenon, Film Ireland was one of the first publications to write at length about John Carney’s modest 2007 feature, Once.)
(Credit: Seamus Carroll)
It has been over a decade since Film Ireland discontinued their printed edition in 2013 – reductions in funding made the continued publication of the magazine unsustainable. It’s maintained a thriving online presence ever since, thanks to the tireless efforts of editor Steven Galvin, associate editor Gemma Creagh, and the many dedicated writers who regularly contribute to the platform. I’ve heard rumours for years about the possibility of a digital archive, allowing film enthusiasts, academics and historians to peel back the years at the click of a button. Hell, if Britain’s Sight & Sound Magazine can do it, so can we!
Good news! Last April, Film Ireland, in partnership with DBS School of Arts, hosted a fantastic event at the DEAN Arts Studios in Dublin 2, heralding the official launch of the Film Ireland Digital Archive Project. The exhibition showcased iconic Film Ireland cover art, and brought visitors – a vibrant mix of film students, industry professionals and academics – on a journey through the publication’s evolution.
It’s hard to think of a better way to kick off Film Ireland’s next chapter. Conor Murphy, Lecturer in Film & Creative Media at DBS who once held the hefty honour of calling me his student, is leading the Digital Archive Project and, on the night, emphasised its importance in preserving Irish cultural heritage: “We are thrilled to be driving this initiative, which not only commemorates the legacy of Film Ireland but also ensures its accessibility to future generations of filmmakers, film lovers and researchers,” said Murphy.
Editor Film Ireland
The Digital Archive Project aims to digitise the complete collection of 147 physical print issues of Film Ireland, covering more than 12,000 pages of fascinating and essential industry insights. The resulting digital archive will then be made available on an OA (Open Access) basis to students, researchers and the general public, providing the means for a deeper understanding of Ireland’s rich cinematic heritage.
You simply can’t oversell the importance of such an initiative. The digital archive is poised to offer a unique and invaluable perspective that allows us to trace the remarkable journey of the Irish Film Industry, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a notable global player. More than just a repository of historical content, this archive will serve as a vital resource for understanding not only the industry’s growth and evolution, but also the changing cultural landscape, shifting tastes, and the ongoing conversations surrounding representation and diversity.
Associate Editor Gemma Creagh shared her gratitude for the positive support of the film community whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping Film Ireland’s legacy. “The outpouring of support for the Digital Archive Project was so appreciated. It’s our honour as the present ‘keepers of the flame’ to celebrate the rich history of the print Film Ireland magazine, which in turn documents the wonderful evolution of the Irish film industry over the years.” She said.
As April’s exhibition covered Film Ireland’s cover art from the magazine’s early years (1987-1997), we can expect another show later in the year which will take us through the millennium, where you can be sure to see film favourites like The General and Lenny Abrahamson’s Garage gracing the covers.
For more information about the Film Ireland Digital Archive Project and upcoming events, visit their site filmireland.ie and subscribe to the Film Ireland Newsletter.
