Women in Film and Television Ireland (WFT.I) in association with the 28th Galway Film Fleadh are presenting a special panel on creating a stronger voice for women – when writing, casting and auditioning – on the Saturday (July 9th) of the 2016 edition of our festival.

Panelists include International and Irish talent: Screenwriter Kirsten Smith who co-wrote Legally Blonde,10 Things I Hate About You andElla Enchanted, casting supremo Louise Kiely, screenwriter, playwright and actor Stefanie Preissner, whose six-part comedy-drama series, Can’t Cope/Won’t Cope was recently shot in Dublin and actor Seána Kerslake, who stars in upcoming feature A Date for Mad Mary.

Anne Marie Naughton of WFT.I commented ‘We are delighted to have the opportunity to hold such an important discussion as part of this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. Taking small steps collectively can make a difference – starting with the writers and the roles they create, everyone then has a part to play in strengthening a unified voice.

This year the Fleadh is placing a particular emphasis on women in film. They are screening more films than ever before from female directors and are presenting three female-led masterclasses. A record number of female directors have been invited to this year’s Fleadh.

Women in Film and Television Ireland (WFT.I) is a voluntary organisation established in 2014. It is a branch of Women in Film and Television International, a voluntary foundation promoting greater representation of women on screen and behind the camera, with a membership of over thirteen thousand professionals worldwide. The Irish branch is ran by film and TV professionals of international standing. Our committee members represent the creative, business and technical divisions of the Irish audiovisual sector.