GLL Sport Foundation helps athletes go for gold in 2020

Olympic 2020 swimming hopeful and GSF Athlete Jack McMillan with fellow GSF Athlete Amelia Kane at the opening of the new Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre.

Ahead of a huge year of world sport in 2020, Belfast’s next generation of aspiring athletes can apply for support, thanks to the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF).

The UK’s largest independent athlete support programme, the GSF was launched in 2008 by charitable social enterprise GLL and supports athletes in Northern Ireland and across the UK to achieve their sporting ambitions.

Social enterprise GLL is the operator of all publicly owned leisure centres in Belfast and the GSF is part of its commitment to helping young athletes in the local community reach their sporting potential. 

Supported athletes can benefit from financial support, physiotherapy, gym memberships at GLL’s Better sport and leisure facilities and more.

In 2019, GSF supported over 3,000 athletes across 117 sporting disciplines, taking its total investment to £11 million in 11 years.

Previously, this support has contributed to the success of athletes including World Heavy Weight Boxing Champion Anthony Joshua and four-time Paralympian, Michael McKillop.

At the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, GSF-supported athletes won a total of 22 medals.

Sally Gunnell OBE, Patron of GLL Sport Foundation said:

“It’s fantastic to see the continued support of athletes across the UK through the GLL Sport Foundation.

“GSF recognises the difficulty that many talented athletes face in getting the necessary support to take the next step into elite competition, with 96% of GSF athletes receiving no additional funding. With a massive year of sport coming up, this support will be even more important as many athletes begin to target major honours.”

Gareth Kirk, GLL Regional Director added:

“As a social enterprise, GLL continues to invest in these talented athletes within our communities through the GLL Sport Foundation. In the past year, we have been able to support 199 of Northern Ireland’s great sporting talent with £70,000 in funding, and with the opening of our new centres in Belfast, the facilities for training are getting even better.”

“GSF provides a fantastic support for some of our most promising young athletes and it’s an honour to be able to support them as they compete at the highest levels in their chosen sport.”

“We are proud to once again partner with the Mary Peters Trust, SportsAid and SportsAid Wales to support the next generation of medal contenders and we are excited to receive this year’s applications.”

Applications can be submitted via the GLL Sport Foundation website from 20th December 2019 to 20th February 2020.

Shocks to major manufacturing firms this year must act as ‘shot across the bows’ to other NI firms, leading Trade Credit Insurance broker warns

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit at Willis Towers Watson

Ireland’s largest Credit Insurance broker has warned that the Northern Ireland economy is in a perilous position and has urged firms here to take precautionary measures.

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit at Willis Towers Watson, has said the Northern Ireland economy is showing signs of entering recession and has advised companies, of all sizes, to review their contingency plans, particularly those in the manufacturing and construction industries.

Firms which have deep and complex supply chains are potentially more vulnerable to the risk of bad debt and the wider implications of a weak local economy. Small businesses in particular are at risk when the economy is in a pronounced slump. Protective measures like Trade Credit Insurance can act as protection against business failure of a key customer.

The latest monthly PMI (Purchase Managers’ Index) figures released by Ulster Bank show that business activity in Northern Ireland is at its lowest in seven years. New orders are continuing to fall, key sectors like construction and manufacturing are contracting at record rates, and firms have reported serious concerns about the regional economy.

Nigel Birney, Head of Trade Credit Insurance, Willis Towers Watson, said:

“We saw earlier this year that Trade Credit Insurance policy payouts have hit a ten-year high in Northern Ireland. Coupled with Brexit uncertainty and the contracting of the wider economy, this strongly suggests that major economic downturn is right around the corner. Key industries like construction, retail and manufacturing, which are absolutely crucial to Northern Ireland’s economy, are showing worrying signs of contraction and decline.

“Major shocks to Northern Irish manufacturing giants like Harland and Wolff and Wrightbus earlier this year must act as a shot across the bows to other companies in NI. As we move into the new year, firms must take heed of these warnings. No company is too big to fail or too small to not be able to afford not to take the necessary measures to protect against economic volatility and uncertainty.”

He added:

“I particularly urge those businesses which fall into the SME bracket here to insulate themselves against economic upheaval and decline. Small businesses make up the backbone of our local economy – over 80% of NI businesses are SMEs - but they are more vulnerable and exposed to the potentially catastrophic impact of insolvencies and bad debt. I would urge all businesses, big and small, to either implement contingency plans or review their existing credit control procedures and consider incorporating Credit Insurance immediately.”

Airporter donate £500 in gifts for Kinship Care’s Christmas Appeal

Airporter staff present Kinship Care with gifts as part of the annual Christmas appeal

Staff from Airporter took part in Kinship Care’s Christmas Appeal, donating over £500 worth of gifts to the children’s charity, which helps and supports kinship carers and their children in Northern Ireland.

Youth group members provided the company with a special wish list and they will receive their gifts at a Christmas night out at Brunswick Moviebowl.

Jennifer McKeever from Airporter said: “We are thrilled to support such a brilliant organisation who work with families and young people in our city who are struggling.”

Kinship Care supports children who cannot be cared for by their own parents, to live safely and securely within their own families and communities.

Kinship Care’s vision is that every child and young person in kinship care will have access to the services and support they need to lead happy and successful lives.

Jacqueline Williamson, MBE Chief Executive at Kinship Care, said: “We cannot thank the staff at Airporter enough for supporting children in kinship care this Christmas. We were overwhelmed with the beautiful gifts which the children will absolutely love when Santa comes in a few weeks’ time.”

Brown O’Connor Communications General Election Forward Look

General Election Special

• The General Election takes place tomorrow Thursday 12 December.

• Polling stations are open from 7am to 10pm.

• The total eligible electorate in Northern Ireland is 1,293,971. This is an increase of 51,273 voters on the previous General Election.

• Counting will begin straight away and will continue overnight.

• The first declaration is expected at around 1am. Key seats including Foyle is expected at 2.30am. South and North Belfast are expected after 3am. The Fermanagh and South Tyrone declaration is expected to be the last at around 4am.

• BBC Northern Ireland election coverage will begin at 9.55pm with Mark Carruthers and Tara Mills presenting throughout the night. They will be joined by Mark Devenport, Mark Simpson and special guests including former Minister David Lidington, who will analyse the results as they come in.

• Coverage of the results from across the UK can be viewed on BBC, ITV, Sky and Channel 4. Former speaker, John Bercow will analyse the results on Sky.

• Parliament will return on Tuesday 17 December.

• If the Conservatives win a majority, the Queen’s Speech will be presented on 19 December.

Northern Ireland

• In 2017, five seats changed hands. Several new MPs are expected to be elected in Northern Ireland.

• In North Down, the retirement of Lady Sylvia Hermon guarantees a new MP. The DUP’s Alex Easton was defeated by 1,208 votes in 2017. He is the favourite to win this seat but Alliance’s Deputy leader Stephen Farry cannot be discounted.

• Carla Lockhart, the DUP MLA is expected to become the MP for Upper Bann. She will replace David Simpson who held the seat from 2005.

• In North Belfast, Lord Mayor John Finucane is expected to closely challenge DUP Westminster leader, Nigel Dodds. In 2017, Dodds had a reduced majority of 2,081. This time, the SDLP, Green Party and Worker’s Party have stepped aside. Where these 3,062 votes and the 3,976 new voters go will decide this battle.

• In South Belfast, it is widely expected that SDLP candidate, Claire Hanna will unseat the DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly. In 2017, the DUP gained this seat from the former SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell with a majority of 1,996. Sinn Féin and the Green Party who won 7,640 votes in 2017 have both stepped aside and endorsed Claire Hanna.

• In East Belfast, the DUP’s Gavin Robinson will have to hold off a strong Alliance challenge. Naomi Long, the party leader and MEP held the seat between 2010 – 2015, when she defeated Peter Robinson and is hopeful the Alliance surge which was apparent in the Local Government and European Elections will continue here. However, with a majority of 8,474, the DUP will be confident they can retain this seat.

• In Foyle, Sinn Féin’s Elisha McCallion is expected to be unseated by SDLP leader Colum Eastwood. In 2017, following the death of Martin McGuinness she won the seat for the first time with a majority of 169 votes. 78% of the constituency voted to remain in the EU, this and the failure to restore devolution will be the key issues for voters.

• In Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Sinn Féin’s Michelle Gildernew is predicted to retain her seat despite a strong challenge by the Ulster Unionist, Tom Elliott. This is always a tight seat and has been as close as four votes. In 2017, Gildernew regained the seat with a majority of 875 votes.

• In South Antrim, the DUP’s Paul Girvan is facing a tough challenge from former UUP MP, Danny Kinahan and Alliance MLA, John Blair. In 2017, Girvan overturned a 959 seat majority to unseat Kinahan by 3,208 votes.

• All other constituencies are expected to remain unchanged.

• With talks on the restoration of devolution set to resume on Monday 16 December, the results from the 18 constituencies will have a significant bearing.

• The overall performance of the parties including the relatively new Aontú, will give an indication of how a possible Assembly Election may play out in early 2020.

The rest of the UK

• Paddy Power are offering odds of 1/3 that the Conservative Party will win an overall majority. They are offering odds of 5/2 on a hung parliament and 25/1 for a Labour majority.

• The result of the 2019 exit poll will be announced at 10pm on Thursday night by Huw Edwards on BBC.

• YouGov’s MRP model which correctly predicted a hung parliament in 2017, suggests that the Conservative Party will win a 28-seat majority with Labour losing 31 seats. However, due to the margin of error, a hung parliament cannot be ruled out.

• If the Conservatives do win a majority, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will come under intense pressure to resign and this could see the party move closer to the centre-left again and/or select the first female leader.

• In Scotland, the SNP are expected to increase their representation at Westminster. In 2017, they had a disappointing result and despite losing 21 MPs they returned with 35 MPs. They are predicted to regain most of these which will boost Nicola Sturgeon’s mandate for a second Independence Referendum.

• Several high-profile MPs are in marginals and could lose their seats.

• This includes Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Tactical voting combined with social trends could see Labour take the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat.

• Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson who regained the East Dunbartonshire seat in 2017 with a majority of 5,339 is under intense pressure from the SNP.

• Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab may be unseated by the Lib Dems in the pro-EU constituency of Esher and Walton which he has held since 2010.

• Former Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Theresa Villiers who has a majority of 353 votes is under severe pressure from Labour in Chipping Barnet.

• The Beast of Bolsover, Dennis Skinner who has held the seat since 1970 for Labour could be unseated by strong leave sentiment in his Bolsover constituency.

• The former Conservative leader, Iain Duncan Smith may also come under intense pressure due to tactical voting. In 2017 he had a majority of 2,438 but is set for a tough battle with popular labour candidate, Faiza Shaheen.

Allstate Northern Ireland joins Give a Hand workshop to give back this holiday season

David Meade and John Healy, Managing Director and Vice President Allstate Northern Ireland at the Give a Hand Workshop which produced 50 prosthetic hands which will transform the lives of recipients in Uganda, Cambodia, Vietnam and India

Two hundred senior leaders from Allstate Northern Ireland recently took part in the Give a Hand workshop, led by the mentalist and motivational speaker David Meade.

Participants built prosthetic hands for disabled individuals struggling with poverty in some of the most remote parts of the world.

The event, held in the ICC Conference Centre in Belfast, produced 50 prosthetic hands and was the final in a series of leadership and team building workshops organised by Allstate Northern Ireland throughout 2019.

The prosthetic hands are transforming the lives of recipients in Uganda, Cambodia, Vietnam and India, according to David Meade, who provided Allstate Northern Ireland with an insight into life without functioning hands.

Allstate Northern Ireland has firmly embedded corporate social responsibility into its culture and business practices. While driving innovative change in the technology sector, the company recognises the importance of being change catalysts across society.

Allstate Northern Ireland is one of the largest employers in Northern Ireland, with 2,400 employees in Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Strabane.

John Healy, Managing Director and Vice President of Allstate Northern Ireland said:

“Allstate Northern Ireland was honored to extend its Good Hands promise to the Give a Hand workshop this holiday season.”

“Allstate is as passionate about serving customers as it is about having a positive impact in local communities all year round. We recognise the importance of socially responsible policies and providing our staff with the flexibility and resources to help those in need.”

David Meade, who led the Give a Hand workshop commented:

“The mechanics of building these clinical prosthetic hands test critical business skills, including problem solving, teamwork, resilience and communication.”

“It was clear from this workshop that Allstate Northern Ireland have some of the brightest and best leaders working in the industry. The skills used throughout the workshop will ensure Allstate Northern Ireland remains one of the region’s most highly regarded employers.”

Incoming MPs must prioritise more powers and finances for local government

NILGA Chief Executive Derek McCallan

Northern Ireland’s Parliamentary Candidates have been urged to commit to prioritising greater powers and resources for local councils here ahead of next week’s General Election.

The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has called on all returned MPs to prioritise the devolution of more resources, powers and finances to local councils here amidst the continued absence of an Executive or Assembly at Stormont.

Since the Executive collapsed in January 2017, local councils have been Northern Ireland’s only form of politically functioning government and now face significant financial and capacity pressures. NILGA has repeatedly and consistently called for the devolution of greater powers and resources, coupled with a revitalised Legislative Assembly, as a way of helping to strengthen local democracy in Northern Ireland and build more rational, locally determined, public service provisions tailored to local communities’ needs. Evidence has been drawn from existing practices right across the rest of the UK and Ireland. 

NILGA Chief Executive Derek McCallan said:

“Ahead of next week’s General Election, NILGA is calling on our incoming 18 MPs to support the devolution of more powers and resources to local government here. We recognise the resilience and ingenuity being applied by much of the NI Civil Service, government agencies, in hospitals, schools and elsewhere where it matters most. But Northern Ireland simply can’t afford to keep lurching from crisis to crisis. Our public services are stretched nearly to breaking point and, increasingly, it is our citizens who are suffering. Political leadership nationally and regionally as well as locally needs to combine and remodel how we are governed, how we are financed and who should deliver public services. 

“Local government has taken on more powers and services with limited resources. It is as a sector willing to take the initiative and help. Currently, our councils invest less than £1 billion per annum of the country’s £21 billion public purse, a figure of around 4%. There’s no reason why we can’t have a role similar to that of unitary local authorities in Wales, which are responsible for 27% of public spending. More importantly, right now, redeploying resources and remodelling our public service landscape to one that is needs driven, locally driven and centrally supported & co-designed with local government, would be a good start post 12 December 2019. 

“Beyond service affordability and delivery themselves, the threat of climate change and the full decarbonisation of local public services cannot be tackled without significant financial and administrative support, and, despite the good work of bodies in government and the community, like the Northern Ireland Strategic Migration Partnership, changes to immigration policies will affect public service provision, in terms of how we source and provide employment for migrants, for the wider workforce and to meet our emerging skills needs now and well into the future.

“Councils of course want to get on with delivering for our local communities, but we need to be adequately resourced and financed. This call is a pragmatic, effective and workable solution to the continued vacuum and crises we are enduring, despite officials and front-line workers doing their best. National, regional and local government should lift what works well elsewhere and tailor it to a local solution here. Indeed, if as they say all politics are local, then - as we elect national leaders - we need to look at all public services within a local lens too. This is not rocket science. It is about institutions and political leaders doing the right things for the citizens we commonly serve.”  

The NILGA annual flagship conference will take place on 20 February 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast. ‘The Future of Local Government’ will help identify the investment, actions and policies councils and their partners play in shaping the future of our communities, environment and economy.

The Future of Fintech is Bright - Andrew Jenkins, Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland looks ahead to 2020 in this month's Ulster Business

Andrew Jenkins, Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland

With 2020 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to take stock and plan for the year ahead. Amidst uncertainty in the political landscape, my assessment of the local fintech sector, and what lies ahead, has been a welcome distraction.

Since taking up my role in September, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked to describe ‘fintech’. Financial technology, often shortened to ‘fintech’, is an emerging industry that at its core, uses technology to improve how we access financial services.

As consumers, while we may not instantly recognise the term ‘fintech’, we experience it daily through mobile apps, computer programs and other technologies that support and improve how we bank and access finance.

Fintech also encompasses the technologies that make it easy for us to purchase and pay for Christmas presents online.

In Northern Ireland, fintech is a success story we should feel very good about.

The fintech sector is estimated to be worth £2.4 billion to the Northern Ireland economy and almost 40,000 jobs are sustained across the financial and professional services, making it a key economic driver.

As Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland, I am immensely proud of what the sector is accomplishing, and I am privileged to be working with people, passionate about how we can maximize our potential right across the region.

As we move towards 2020, I have made it my mission to develop and promote a sustainable, diverse and collaborative world-class fintech sector in Northern Ireland for the benefit of society.

Gone are the days of my Christmas wish list. This year though, I have a set of fintech priorities that are firmly rooted in reality.

Talent and skills are important in every aspect of business and fintech is no different. To advance investment and growth we must create an environment which will inspire the current and future generation of innovators and creators; an environment which places inclusion and diversity at its core and which recognises the doers and rewards the risk-takers.

With almost a third of students taking up university places outside of Northern Ireland, we must be imaginative about developing initiatives that encourage our young people to stay, as well as promoting Northern Ireland as an amazing place to come back to live and to work.

Together with business leaders, schools and colleges, I am committed to building on recent progress and working to ensure we have people with the skills and ambition to thrive in an ever-changing digital world.

Across Northern Ireland the start-up and scale-up ecosystem is burgeoning.

The Catalyst Fintech Hub at Danske Bank is focused on growing local early stage technology companies who are ambitious to scale and expand into new markets.

Barclays Eagle labs working space in Ormeau Baths is brimming with indigenous start-up and scale-up companies who are being supported as they accelerate their growth locally and further afield.

And these are just two examples.

In the North West, Allstate, Alchemy and FinTrU are major employers and their success on a global scale is testament to the potential, across Northern Ireland.

Our vibrant and dynamic fintech sector here allows me to be ambitious and rightly so.

Belfast is the world’s number one destination for fintech development investment projects and the top city in Europe for new FDI software development projects.

We have so much to be proud of and yet, we can achieve even more.

As Fintech Envoy for Northern Ireland, I am excited for the opportunities which lay ahead. In 2020, we must seize and harness the potential of fintech right across Northern Ireland. I’m confident we will.

“We’re 20 years behind in attitude towards HIV” says Charity CEO as stigma experienced by those living with HIV remains a huge problem in Northern Ireland

“We’re 20 years behind in attitude towards HIV” says Charity CEO as stigma experienced by those living with HIV remains a huge problem in Northern Ireland

Jacquie Richardson, the Chief Executive of Positive Life, Northern Ireland’s only dedicated charity supporting those with HIV, has claimed that attitudes towards HIV and AIDS here is 20 years behind everywhere else, contributing significantly to the continued stigma faced by those living with the lifelong condition.

The comments came on World AIDS Day as the latest figures of those diagnosed with HIV have increased for another year, bringing the total of those with HIV in Northern Ireland to around 1,130.

Of the 84 new cases of HIV which were diagnosed in Northern Ireland in 2018, 43 (51%) occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM), while 31 (37%) occurred after heterosexual transmission. Thirty (42%) new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage.

Stigma around HIV is one of the main reasons why many do not come forward to get tested or hide their status for years from family and friends after a reactive test.

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive, Positive Life

Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said:

“There is a significant proportion of those living with HIV in Northern Ireland who face intolerable levels of stigma for what is now a lifelong manageable condition.”

“We are only too aware of the prejudice, negative attitudes and abuse experienced by those we support on daily basis. Unfortunately, these severe levels of discrimination are widespread with many feeling marginalised.”

“Whilst the brave decision by the likes of Welsh Rugby International Gareth Thomas to share his HIV status dominated the headlines for a while, and a significant amount of empathy towards him was visible, it does not address the continued problem of the underlying stigma that is felt. People with HIV feel that they have to hide their status and hide from society here in Northern Ireland.”

“We really do need to start to address relationship and sex education in schools in a proper way to create knowledge and understanding, way beyond the standard biological teachings and pregnancy, but about Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV in particular.”

“Until we challenge this head on, the stigma and shame of contracting HIV will remain and many living with the condition will feel like outcasts in our own society.” 

She added:

“There is a massive lag in social attitudes towards HIV and AIDS and we are calling on our elected representatives and policy makers to start to shape a strategy that has real tangible outcomes or we will be in real danger of falling further behind. As a society, we have a duty of care to look after the health and wellbeing of everyone and not let anyone feel ashamed or worthless because of a particular condition.”

“In Northern Ireland we really struggle to talk openly about sex and sexual health. There is a culture of embarrassment and shame about it and it’s something we have to combat. Burying our heads in the sand simply doesn’t work.”

Irish News Column from Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster: "Festive Cheers or Planning Fears for our hospitality sector?"



Preparation for the festive period in the hospitality sector often starts when people are off sunning themselves during the summer months on the beaches across Europe.

As many are getting a tan, owners and managers in the industry are starting to think about staffing, bills, inventory checks and updating fixtures and fittings as the winter season onslaught approaches.

Colin Neill, CEO, Hospitality Ulster

The Christmas period is when the hospitality sector has to maximum its sales due to the fact that January and February are often lean periods as fewer people go out after the main party season. This is the time when our members see the bills pile up after the efforts they go to in making sure everyone has a good time.

So, imagine our collective surprise when one of those leading hospitality outlets sets themselves up for Christmas by dressing the exterior of their hotel in a banner extoling festive cheer, only to get a dressing down by Belfast City Council for the perceived flouting of rules on advertising.

The proposed enforcement action - which we now understand is on hold - and associated media coverage on the temporary festive banner at Ten Square Hotel, only served to highlight that Belfast City Council have taken a rather heavy-handed approach to the issue.

What this story has done is highlight the fact that the hospitality sector has ongoing difficulties and legal threats from local authorities, not just relating to temporary banners, but also small ‘A’ boards that sit outside various establishments to entice customers in with deals and offers.

At various points in the year, it is vitally important that the hospitality sector has the leeway to stick a metaphorical flag in the ground and say ‘we’re here and we’re open for business’. This happens in every city across the globe.

Yes, ‘A’ boards need to be used responsibly to ensure they don’t block footpaths and that people with disabilities can navigate the footpaths safely, but using draconian legislation meant to tackle deliberate flouting of planning laws is beyond unfair.

We’re calling on Belfast City Council and other local authorities across Northern Ireland not to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut and to apply common sense to allow the sector to promote itself in a responsible, cost-effective way to local customers, tourists and passing trade.

The vibrancy and long-term sustainability of our cities, towns and villages depends heavily on our sector. We need the legal threats hanging over our members for perceived contraventions to stop; for any live actions to be suspended; and a resolution brought to these range of issues so that a sustainable solution can be found.

It’s time to show our hard-working traders who work hard during this period of goodwill, some goodwill.

Irish Made ‘GAZA’ documentary to be shown in Gaza for first time at Gaza Red Carpet Film Festival

The award winning, critically acclaimed ‘GAZA’ feature documentary directed by Garry Keane and Andrew McConnell and produced by Brendan J. Byrne of Belfast based production company Fine Point Films, will be shown in Gaza this evening for the first time. 

The screening comes after the makers behind ‘GAZA’ launched an appeal to restore the Gaza Red Carpet Human Rights Film Festival in response to the audience reaction to the emotional stories and the portrayal of how hard life is in Gaza in the documentary. 

The Gaza Red Carpet Festival showcases films which focus on human rights issues and aims to provide Palestinians with a rare opportunity to explore their dreams, or at least practice a little well deserved escapism. The festival has been running since 2015 but was in danger of ending this year due to lack of funds. The Go Fund Me campaign launched by the filmmakers behind GAZA has made sure that the festival rolls again and tonight is the highlight, when the contributors and those who worked on the film will see it for the very first time.

'Gaza' is a unique film that reaches beyond television news reports to reveal a world rich with eloquent and resilient people who live their lives amidst the rubble of perennial conflict. It offers a cinematic and enriching portrait of a people attempting to lead meaningful lives against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and lost lives.

The film won the inaugural Pull Focus Award for best new Irish documentary at the Docs Ireland film festival held earlier this year in Belfast.  The team donated the prize money from the win to the appeal with a total of £20,000 raised through a crowd funded appeal from donations from all over the world.

Producer of GAZA, Brendan J. Byrne, Fine Point Films said:

“We were thrilled to hear that this year’s Gaza Red Carpet Film Festival was set to go ahead after the audience who watched the documentary felt that something needed to be done to restore this wonderful festival after seeing the most unimaginable circumstances in Gaza. We wanted to help bring the power of film back to Palestinians and show them that the world and our film-making community here cares about them. We are proud to say that we’ve done that.” 

“There are no cinemas left in Gaza. They have all been destroyed. The Gaza Red Carpet Film Festival has in the past provided a means of escape through the arts to those who live there and we are delighted that it is now back and that funding has been secured to create temporary cinemas in GAZA for the duration of the festival.”

“To be able to show ‘GAZA’ in Gaza will be a poignant moment for the entire team and the people who featured in our piece. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all who made this happen.”