U.S. Economic Envoy Announces Invest Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen's Sponsorship of The Director's Brunch at the Tribeca Film Festival

16 April 2010

Belfast, Northern Ireland

The U.S. Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly, today announced that Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) and Northern Ireland Screen will join with the Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) in New York to showcase the region’s film and creative media industries. The initiative is in support of what is being done by Invest NI, Northern Ireland Screen and Envoy Kelly to promote the film and creative industries in Northern Ireland.

Invest NI and Northern Ireland Screen will host the Directors’ Brunch at TFF, which will take place on April 26th, and brings together over 100 directors attending the Festival, from over 38 countries.

Envoy Kelly stated, “This is a unique opportunity to develop a creative relationship between Northern Ireland and Tribeca, one of the U.S.'s premier film events. Northern Ireland is quickly emerging as an attractive film location for international film-makers. Recent investments by HBO, Universal Pictures and others illustrates that Northern Ireland’s creative media industry possesses some great talent, has a great story to tell and is an exciting and vibrant emerging opportunity for the region. TFF’s Directors’ Brunch will provide an excellent platform to showcase Northern Ireland’s creative sector. There is already a great deal of momentum in the cultural and creative industries as evidenced by Derry-Londonderry being a finalist the UK City of Culture 2013 bid, a bid which we are actively supporting.

“The Directors’ Brunch is a first step in what we hope will develop into a long-term relationship with Tribeca.  The Tribeca Film Festival supports cultural and economic revitalization programs through arts-based initiatives that help create long-term prosperity and job creation in new media, particularly in the areas of film-making, software development, gaming and production work. Sponsorship of this filmmakers event is designed to help create potential for additional investment in Northern Ireland and further develop the already strong ties between the U.S. and Northern Ireland film industries,” concluded Kelly.

“The Tribeca Film Festival supports filmmaking around the globe and is pleased to highlight the strong film and media industry in Northern Ireland,” added Jon Patricof, COO of Tribeca Enterprises. “We are confident that our new relationship with Northern Ireland has the potential to have a very positive impact on the region.”

Alastair Hamilton, Chief Executive of Invest NI said: “The Tribeca Film Festival offers Invest NI and Northern Ireland Screen a valuable opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s film production capabilities and expertise in the wider creative industries sector to influential US filmmakers and potential investors. The support of the US Economic Envoy is extremely welcome and will provide us with a strong platform as we communicate the skills and talent which NI has to offer this global industry. As Northern Ireland’s popularity as a filming location increases, we are committed to ensuring that every opportunity to develop this industry is taken and the significant economic benefits are secured.”

 “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to be part of the Tribeca Film Festival and thanks the office of the US Economic Envoy for his invaluable input into bringing this wonderful event to fruition.  We are excited to be part of this great celebration of international film-makers and look forward to future partnerships which will help us keep Northern Ireland at the forefront of the global film industry,” stated Richard Williams, CEO, Northern Ireland Screen.