Docs Ireland returns with festival of international documentary excellence

(Left to Right) Paul McClintock, Digitisation Project Co-Ordinator, Northern Ireland Screen, Roisín Geraghty, Docs Ireland Head of Industry & Marketplace, Cate Cheung-McMullan, a filmmaker whose short is competing at the Docs Ireland Short Film Competition, and Stuart Sloan, Docs Ireland Programmer.

Docs Ireland, the international documentary film festival, will welcome hundreds of people back to cinemas across Belfast today as it celebrates its fourth year.

Sinead O’Connor, Kenny G, James Joyce and Princess Diana are just some of the interesting people who will be profiled on film at the international documentary festival, running from today (Wednesday 29 June) to Sunday 3 July.

The festival will hold film screenings and events in which industry professionals will hear from both rising stars and documentary filmmaking legends.

‘Nothing Compares’, a documentary based on the life and career of Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor will open this year’s festival. Directed by Belfast-born filmmaker Kathryn Ferguson, the documentary will screen tonight, reflecting on the legacy of the singer, and following her rise and fall over a five-year period (1987-1992).

‘Listening to Kenny G’ by globally recognised documentarian Penny Lane will close the festival on Sunday 3 July, and takes a deeper look at how the acclaimed instrumentalist reimagined the Smooth Jazz genre.

Northern Ireland film studio DoubleBand Films will be debuting its latest documentary, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ which unlocks the Irish literary great’s masterpiece one hundred years after its first publication.

Music and culture are two key themes of this year’s festival with documentaries including ‘Laurent Garnier: Off the Record’, a look at one of the leading visionaries of the house music genre; ‘Tramps!’ by Kevin Hegge delves into the flamboyant, fresh style of the new romantics in London in the 1980s; and ‘Songs for Drella’ a 1990 concert film, only rediscovered recently, which captured the only reunion of The Velvet Underground and the life, dreams and aspirations of the band and its manager, Andy Warhol.

The fourth annual Docs Ireland festival welcomes documentary filmmakers and industry delegates to the festival, with this year's festival marketplace showcasing 25 projects to 32 Irish and international documentary players.

The programme also includes industry sessions for both emerging and established filmmakers, which allows for networking and hearing first hand from industry professionals on current affairs and issues relevant within the documentary world at the moment.

Gavin Esler (broadcaster, novelist and journalist), Trevor Birney (filmmaker – No Stone Unturned), Alison Millar (filmmaker – Lyra) and Una Mullally (broadcaster and writer) will make up a panel to discuss the State of Journalism, both in documentary, and the wider media landscape.

‘The Whole Picture’ features speakers from the Irish and UK documentary industry examining the film industry’s mental health crisis. Hosted by Andy Glynne, the open discussion event will look at how conditions in the industry can be improved to support mental health and wellbeing.

The documentary festival has fast become a forum for new and emerging documentarians to broadcast their own films. The Docs Ireland - Northern Ireland Screen Documentary development pitch returns for the third year, presenting six feature documentary project pitches from filmmakers across Ireland, in a competition to receive an award of up to £7,500 towards a pilot for their documentary feature.

Director of Docs Ireland, Michele Devlin said:

“Docs Ireland gives us the opportunity to explore the culture, art and music of the world around us with some of this year’s most interesting global documentaries. As we move past the pandemic and into a new era, Docs Ireland looks to shed light on those who do incredible things in the documentary world and showcase it to a wider audience.”

“With documentaries from some of the most celebrated documentarians including Penny Lane and Kim Longinotto, as well as up-and-coming stars such as Belfast-born Kathryn Ferguson and Anna Rodgers, who previously won our Docs Ireland Shorts Award, there truly is something for everyone in this year’s programme.”

“Every year, we bring leading industry experts to Docs Ireland to interact and support our emerging and established local filmmakers. As well as our industry sessions involving documentary industry experts, the Docs Ireland Marketplace is a brilliant opportunity for any aspiring filmmaker to meet with leading international documentary industry decision-makers, funders, broadcasters, distributors and exhibitors on a one-to-one basis.”

“The next five days promises to be the place to be for industry professionals, aspiring professionals and those who just love a good documentary.”

Other highlights include:

  • Giving audiences an interactive experience, ‘Voyage of Time: The IMAX Experience’ is a one-of-a-kind celebration of life and the grand history of the cosmos, transporting viewers into a vast yet up-close-and personal journey that spans the eons from the Big Bang to the dinosaur age, to our present human world and beyond.

  • In partnership with Into Films, Docs Ireland will screen ‘Where is Anne Frank?’, an animated fictional piece follows the journey of Kitty, who lives in the current era, the imaginary friend to whom Anne Frank dedicated her diary.

  • The Peculiar Sensation Of Pat Ingoldsby, Seamus Murphy’s documentary examines Irish writer Pat Ingoldsby’s unique world. Ingoldsby’s poems and candid anecdotes bear witness to a visceral relationship with his beloved Dublin, fellow Dubliners and anything that catches his interest. Seamus Murphy will be taking part in a post screening Q&A.

Docs Ireland is sponsored this year by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Department For Communities, BFI FAN, TG4, Film Hub NI, BBC Northern Ireland and Yellowmoon. 

Programme and ticket information can be found at www.docsireland.ie. 

The Looking Glass Anthology to be showcased at Docs Ireland

The Looking Glass Anthology is to be showcased at Docs Ireland in The Mac on Saturday 2 July at 8pm.

A joint audio-visual project between Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive and PRONI is to be showcased at Docs Ireland at a special event in The Mac on Saturday 2 July at 8pm.

The Looking Glass Anthology is a collection of beautiful, thought provoking, audio-visual works by a range of musicians and poets based on material from 160 hours of UTV cine film, captured during its first decade of broadcasting from 1959 to 1969.

The showcase at the Docs Ireland festival will include screenings, live performances and a discussion with the project’s artists including Matt McGinn, Rachel Boyd, Stephen Sexton and Malojian.

The works in the collection include:

  • ‘The Turning of the Tide’, a blend of song, orchestration and poetry by Hilltown singer/songwriter Matt McGinn using footage of a well-known Belfast character and performed with Arco Quartet and poet Natalya O’Flaherty.

  • A poem by Stephen Sexton, entitled ‘The Actualities’ that reflects on the people of Northern Ireland looking to the future. The poem has been set to music by Ian Livingstone.

  • The ‘Borders’ project, an audio-visual response to the archive utilising the track ‘Arrival’ by Elma Orkestra and Ryan Vail.

  • A traditional cinematic composition by Rachael Boyd entitled ‘Wanderers’, responding to archive footage of Itinerants in 1960s Ireland.

The project received funding from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland as part of an archiving scheme to preserve a record of Irish culture, heritage, and experiences.

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen said:

“We are very pleased that The Looking Glass Anthology will be showcased at this year’s Docs Ireland festival. From the outset of the project, Northern Ireland Screen wanted to ensure that generations to come can continue to value our lost traditions and recall these moments from the most ordinary everyday occurrences, to lost traditions and times of high political drama.”

“Saturday’s screening at Docs Ireland will give a further platform to the projects artists to share their art and bring this beautiful archive footage back to life in new and imaginative ways.”

Hospitality Ulster launches Workforce Strategy to combat labour shortages affecting industry

Pictured at the launch of the Hospitality Ulster Workforce Strategy at Parliament Buildings are from left to right: Stephen Mcgorrian (Vice-Chair Hospitality Ulster), Kate Nicholls (Chief Executive of Uk Hospitality), Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA and Colin Neill (Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster).

Hospitality Ulster has launched its Workforce Strategy aimed at upskilling the hospitality sector workforce and tackling the ongoing workforce crisis within the industry.

The Strategy has been developed in partnership with UK Hospitality, the industry trade body which represents the hospitality sector across England, Scotland and Wales.

The workforce strategy explores all aspects of the sector’s labour needs, with a focus on five key areas: Recruitment, Skills and Training, Staff wellbeing, Image of the Sector and Infrastructure.

Designed to nurture cooperation between key stakeholders, Hospitality Ulster hopes that the Executive will reflect on the action plan by bringing forward the much needed bespoke hospitality strategy aimed at providing the right resources required to ensure the sector recovers post-pandemic.

The Strategy was launched at a Stormont event today where leaders of the hospitality sector joined with speakers including Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, Kate Nicholl and Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA.

It comes as the hospitality sector contends with a number of exterior challenges including the increased raw material costs and surging energy bills, VAT rates returning to 20%, high business rates, a tightening labour market and a dip in disposable income for consumers due to the cost of living crisis.

Speaking at the launch Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said:

“The hospitality sector has always been a mainstay of our economy. It is vital it continues to flourish.

“I welcome the launch of the Hospitality Ulster Workforce Strategy which includes many messages that resonate with my Department’s own Skills Strategy, ‘Skills for a 10x Economy’. Both strategies highlight the need to work collaboratively across government, business and education institutions to resolve skills-based issues in our labour market.

“It is clear that there are many areas where my Department can continue to collaborate with the sector and I look forward to continuing to develop this relationship as we implement ‘Skills for a 10x Economy’.”

Speaking at the launch event, Colin Neill, Chief Executive of Hospitality Ulster said:

“The hospitality sector is people centric. It is our staff who make our pubs, restaurants, hotels and coffee shops the lively, exciting locations that consumers choose to spend their social time in. The ongoing workforce crisis is a real catastrophe for business especially in the current climate and is curtailing the sector’s ability to recover and revitalise post-pandemic.

“The workforce strategy provides tangible solutions and actions that can be brought forward to focus in on the sector’s vibrancy as an employer and provides tools that can be used to promote roles in the sector for the next generations of workforce.

“Alongside our sister organisation, UK Hospitality, we are taking responsibility for both the challenges and the solutions within our power, whilst seeking to work with government and other key stakeholders in a coalition of the willing.

To tackle the staffing crisis affecting our industry, we are supporting a culture of training and development which aims to build a career path with quality job opportunities for all sectors of society. By demonstrating that our sector offers a rewarding career pathway with many different routes and opportunities, and working to harness the talent, both new and already there, we ca ensure that the sector is properly staffed and workers are properly supported and rewarded.”

“Through the five focused key areas – recruitment, skills and training, working lives, the image of the sector and infrastructure - we have developed a range of actions that industry and other stakeholders can implement to resolve the ongoing challenges. By delivering on this action plan hospitality will be able to deliver high-quality, skilled jobs that will boost not just the sector, but the wider economy.”

“Some initiatives within the strategy have already begun, such as our Employers Charter with many leading hospitality businesses - big and small - already committed to supporting the welfare, training and development of staff.  Other aspects are under development as we take responsibility to solve the challenges and ensure our hospitality industry continues to play a major role in the Northern Ireland economy and provides career opportunities both at skilled and entry levels.”

At the launch of the Workforce Strategy, Kate Nicholl, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality said:

“Working in partnership with our sister organisation Hospitality Ulster we are proud to have developed this vital strategy, with our hope being that it will provide the basis for the rebuild and renewal of the sector.

“Hospitality simply cannot run without people. From bartenders to chefs, and marketers to managers, each and every person in hospitality provides an essential service requiring skill and knowledge. Across the UK we are in a staffing crisis due to a combination of circumstances including a tightening global labour market, the impact of Covid and perceptions some may have of the industry. This is a terrible position to be in and it is creating havoc for trade and business viability.

““The strategy we have created aims to cap this crisis and provide the structures and tools that will support the industry improve their staffing levels and develop the skills of our workforce and ensure that we are able to push forward with our recovery agenda.

“Hospitality is a great career choice, an industry filled with hard-working, exciting people bringing new, innovative ideas to boost the industry’s offer. A thriving workforce will only further elevate the hospitality industry across the UK and create not just a better sector, but a better society for all.”

Minister for the Economy announces plan for investment in mobile infrastructure and technology

Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons MLA

Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons MLA has published plans to improve Northern Ireland’s digital connectivity.

The Mobile Action Plan for Northern Ireland (MAP NI), developed through cross-departmental working and engagement with key stakeholders, contains specific actions to remove barriers existing in five identified areas and support accessible, secure digital infrastructure.

The five key themes identified by the report include the need to address the Perception of Mobile Technology, Planning, Costs, Public Asset Availability, and Keeping Pace.

Improving the Planning Process

The Mobile Action Plan recognises the barriers inherent within the current planning system, including inefficiencies, the need for closer working between the Department for Infrastructure and Councils, and for the process to keep pace with evolving technology. Four actions with estimated delivery dates are set out under the plan.

What is proposed?

·        The Department for Infrastructure will continue to look at ways to ensure the planning system supports better digital infrastructure and the economic and societal benefits that this brings.

·        Industry stakeholders will also be encouraged to proactively engage with local councils to factor-in technological considerations within Local Development Plans.

Target date: Ongoing and regularly reviewed.

·        The Department for the Economy and the NI Local Government Association will consider ways to enhance planners’ understanding of telecommunication and digital technology by harnessing awareness raising campaigns and the sharing of best practice from other jurisdictions.

Target date: November 2022.

·        Northern Ireland Councils will investigate the benefits and feasibility of appointing ‘Digital Champions’ to act as a single point of contact for mobile network operators and coordinate activities within council regarding telecommunications infrastructure.

Target date: January 2023.

·        The Department for the Economy will assist local government to produce a ‘best practice guide’ on mobile network developments in collaboration with industry and relevant government bodies.

Target date: August 2023.

Keeping Pace

The Plan acknowledges that better cooperation between government departments and the private sector is needed to identify barriers to investment in telecommunication infrastructure, bring forward solutions, and set out a long-term plan to ensure dedicated resources are available into the future.

What is proposed?

·        Consideration should be given to establishing a ‘Northern Ireland Barrier Busting Taskforce’ in association with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to address the barriers preventing the efficient deployment of mobile connectivity in Northern Ireland.

Target date: First meeting December 2022.

·        Northern Ireland Councils should ensure that Local Development Plans take account of the changing nature of mobile telecoms solutions and ensure policies are future-proofed and regularly reviewed.

Target date: Commencing July 2022.

The Mobile Action Plan for Northern Ireland can be read in full here: LINK.

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead Week Commencing 27 June 2022

Forward Look                                

  • Conservative Party Chairman Oliver Dowden MP has resigned following the party’s by-election losses in Tiverton and Honiton and in Wakefield.

  • The Northern Ireland Protocol Bill will have its Second Reading in the House of Commons on Monday.

  • The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will have its Committee Stage on Wednesday.

  • Head of the Civil Service, Jayne Brady, will meet with Executive party leaders fortnightly to discuss a future Programme for Government.

  • Sinn Féin has accused Government parties in the Republic of Ireland of blocking moves to allow Northern Irish MPs and MLAs roles on special Oireachtas Committees.

  • Department of Finance Permanent Secretary, Neil Gibson, will have the power to approve spending decisions across every Executive department from 31 July.

  • The interim Ad-Hoc Health Committee will have its next meeting on 6 July.

  • Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis MP, announced the UK Government is preparing a programme to support integrated education in Northern Ireland.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA announced a design plan for the future of hospital services will be published in autumn for consultation.

  • The Supreme Court will hear a case on the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones)(Northern Ireland) Bill on 19 July.

  • UK inflation reached 9.1% in May. The Bank of England has warned it will rise to 11% this year.

  • Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said if the NI Protocol Bill becomes law, Ireland may face checks on its goods entering the EU single market.

  • Docs Ireland will take place from Wednesday 29 June – Sunday 3 July. View the programme here: LINK.

  • The Department for Infrastructure Consultation on the Planning IT System will close on Monday: LINK.

Other Stories this week

  • Jon Williams will step down from his role as Managing Director of News and Current Affairs at RTÉ in July.

  • Belfast Harbour reported a 17% increase in turnover and record levels of trade for 2021.

  • Economy Minister Gordon Lyons MLA published a Mobile Action Plan for Northern Ireland. It can be viewed here: LINK

  • The latest DVLA statistics have shown that Northern Ireland is the worst performing UK region for green energy.

  • Business consultant David Quinn was appointed Executive Director of Queen’s University’s Global Innovation Institution.

  • Justice David Barniville was nominated as Ireland’s High Court President.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 30 June, Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, Titanic Belfast

  • 21 July, House of Commons rises for Summer Recess

  • 29 – 30 September, Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference

  • 21 October, Belfast Chamber Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 4 – 5 November, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Consultations

Brown O’Connor Communications Weekly Look Ahead: Week Commencing 20 June 2022

Forward Look                                

  • DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP has said his party will wait until the new NI Protocol Bill progresses before nominating a deputy First Minister.

  • 52 MLAs from four Stormont parties have signed a joint letter to the Prime Minister outlining their opposition to the proposals.

  • The EU has resumed legal action against the UK following the publication of the Government’s Bill.

  • By-elections for the Conservative-held Wakefield and Tiverton and Honiton constituencies will take place on Thursday.

  • The NIO will host a conference exploring the challenges facing Northern Ireland’s future from Wednesday to Friday in England.

  • The Department of Health has published the Second Action Plan of the Health and Social Care Workforce Strategy. To view: LINK

  • Interest rates have risen from 1% to 1.25%, the highest figure in 13 years.

  • Health Minister Robin Swann MLA announced that a design plan on the future shape of hospital services will be published in the Autumn for consultation.

  • The Supreme Court will hear a legal challenge against the Protocol this Winter, with judgement expected late next year.

  • The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill will move to Committee Stage next Monday 27 June.

  • Northern Ireland Questions will take place in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

  • Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA will brief the NI Affairs Committee on the Government’s legacy proposals on Tuesday.

  • Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Aoife Moore will join the Sunday Times later this summer.

  • The Irish Government will replace the minimum wage with a living wage by 2026.

  • The NI Chamber’s Annual Lunch will take place on Friday at Belfast City Hall.

Other Stories this week

  • SDLP Councillor Martin Kearney was appointed the new President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association.

  • The Prime Minister’s ethics adviser Lord Geidt resigned over concerns that the Prime Minister risked breaking the ministerial code.

  • DUP MPs Gavin Robinson, Sammy Wilson, and Gregory Campbell were sanctioned by Russia.

  • The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) announced it raised £5.3m in donations from Northern Ireland for their Ukraine Appeal.

  • A record 779,000 people are in jobs in Northern Ireland, with the employment rate rising to 70.2%.

Upcoming key political and business events

  • 17 June, North West Business Awards, City Hotel Derry

  • 24 June, NI Chamber’s Annual Lunch

  • 30 June, Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, Titanic Belfast

  • 21 July, House of Commons rises for Summer Recess

  • 29 – 30 September, Centre for Cross Border Studies’ Annual Conference

  • 21 October, Belfast Chamber Business Awards, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Belfast

  • 4 – 5 November, Sinn Féin Ard Fheis

Consultations

Political stability vital for local councils, says new NILGA President

Chief Executive of NILGA, Alison Allen; new NILGA President, Cllr Martin Kearney

The new President of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has laid out ambitious plans for the sector and Association for the coming year and called on all political parties in Northern Ireland to commit to reforming an Assembly and Executive as soon as possible.

Speaking at his inauguration at NILGA’s AGM today at the Downshire Civic Centre in Downpatrick, Mid Ulster Councillor Martin Kearney (SDLP) warned the current political uncertainty is sure to negatively impact local government and wider society over the summer and in to the autumn in the face of rising cost pressures.  Additionally, he warned the longer term would most certainly affect the proper functioning of public services in Northern Ireland.

Laying out his vision for the next 12 months, Cllr Kearney said NILGA is committed to playing its part as a regional political voice of local government in Northern Ireland to ensure the future sustainability of the sector.. He also looked ahead to the next local government elections, due to be held in Spring 2023 in Northern Ireland, and what local councils can deliver with even greater powers, resources, and finances.

Cllr Kearney, a retired school principal, lives in Portglenone and has been a member of the SDLP for over 40 years. The former Chair of Mid Ulster Council in 2019/20, Cllr Kearney has interests in farming, education, the Irish language, and community development.

Chief Executive of NILGA, Alison Allen; new NILGA President, Cllr Martin Kearney; Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Cllr Michael Savage; Outgoing NILGA President, Cllr Robert Burgess

Speaking at the AGM, new NILGA President Cllr Martin Kearney said:

“I am hugely excited to take up this new role on behalf of our 11 local councils. This is an important but challenging time for local government in Northern Ireland. After the huge impact of the pandemic, it’s positive that we are heading back towards what was considered normality in March 2020. However, we must not play down the challenges that still lie ahead of us.

“Cost of living, cost of doing business, global issues affecting our communities on a local basis, and – most pertinently – the current political uncertainty are piling serious pressure on households, businesses, and councils across the North. Our 11 local Councils have provided a very positive example in reliably delivering for our communities and local areas. We work collaboratively with other political parties and other members on a daily basis to ensure we are providing vital public services in our cities, districts and boroughs.

“Families are struggling under the weight of ever-growing energy and electricity bills while businesses continue to require support as they come out the other side of the pandemic. Local government, as always, stands ready to help our communities in any way we can but urgent political stability is vital as is delivering greater powers, resources, and finances to our 11 councils.

“As NILGA President, I plan to work collaboratively with both Members and Officers in all 11 councils as well as MLAs and Officials at Stormont to strengthen the relationship between central and local government. I will work tirelessly to get the proper funding and resources that we require and deserve. Despite everything that it contributes to our communities, local government equates to less than £900 million of Northern Ireland’s annual public sector budget of £24bn. Councils can be hubs of economic vitality and support our constituents even more, but we need the right tools and resources to do so.”

Outgoing NILGA President Cllr Robert Burgess added:

“It has been a privilege to be President of NILGA over the past year. As an organisation, we have worked tirelessly and collaboratively with partners and stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors to deliver solutions for our communities, especially as we recover from the pandemic. I am also particularly proud of representing NILGA and Northern Ireland at the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November 2021.

“I wish Cllr Kearney every success for the next year and I and my colleagues in the cross-party NILGA Executive will support him and the rest of the team at every turn.”

New online series explores the influence of Ulster-Scots words and phrases

(L-R) Jane Veitch and Liam Logan visit the Gobbins to discover what would happen if they coped.

A new online series, ‘A Word in Yer Lug’ will explore Ulster-Scots words and phrases and their influence on modern day language. Produced by Macmillan Media in partnership with the Ulster-Scots Agency and with funding from Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, the series takes a witty and informative look at the much-loved language.

Presented by seasoned broadcaster Jane Veitch and Ulster-Scots speaker Liam Logan ‘A Word in Yer Lug’ was filmed in different locations all over Northern Ireland, from the Grand Opera House to the Gobbins, from fishing in Lough Erne to fadge making in Cullybackey.

Liam and Jane discuss words that are used in our everyday vocabulary and some that aren’t so well known.

The series includes special guests such as May McFetridge who explores what phrases like ‘acting the gype’ really mean.

A visit to the Somme Museum in Bangor uncovers a fascinating exploration of the word’s soldiers may have used during World War One.

With twenty short episodes, the series is an accessible and fun introduction to Ulster Scots, showing the richness of the language and its unique descriptive capabilities.

Presenter of the series and Partner at Macmillan Media, Jane Veitch said:

“A Word in Yer Lug takes a fond look at Ulster Scots words and phrases and how they are used in our everyday language. Viewers are taken on a fascinating journey across Northern Ireland, visiting some historic sites and will learn much about how Ulster Scots has shaped our language in the modern era. Many of the words and phrases we affectionately use today are derived from Ulster Scots.

“We are proud to have worked with the Ulster Scots Agency and grateful to Northern Ireland Screen for lending their support.”

Northern Ireland Screen’s Ulster Scots Broadcast Fund Executive, Heidi McAlpin added:

“A Word in Yer Lug is a humorous foundation to learn the Ulster-Scots language. With a fresh and contemporary look at the dialect, this series explores how words are used to describe different scenarios in our everyday lives. We are very excited to promote the development of digital content like this and highlight the importance of the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund by delving into its language, culture, and heritage.

James Joyce’s infamous novel brought to life on the big screen

Michael Hewitt, Managing Director of DoubleBand Films, Michele Devlin, Director of Docs Ireland, and Dermot Lavery, Managing Director of DoubleBand Films in the Linen Hall Library, Belfast.

Deemed the most notable novel of the 20th century, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ will screen at this year’s Docs Ireland festival on Friday 1 July.

The film will feature as part of Docs Ireland ‘Pull Focus New Irish Documentary Competition’, showcasing a selection of the best new Irish feature documentaries.

Co-produced by Belfast-based production company DoubleBand Films and Lone Star and made with the support of Northern Ireland Screen, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ will have its preview screening 100 years after the novel was first published in book form.

Banned in America for its explicit nature, ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ will reveal the shocking and poetic nature of the literary masterpiece.

Today, 16 June, marks ‘Bloomsday’, a celebration of the life and work of the Irish writer observed across the world. ‘Bloomsday’ named after Ulysses protagonist Leopold Bloom, commemorates the date on which the action of the novel takes place.

As part of Docs Ireland, literature fans can also see ‘Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time’. A tribute to the author, the documentary spans Vonnegut’s childhood, the challenges in his early career and his eventual superstardom following the publication of his anti-war novel ‘Slaughterhouse-Five’.

In The Peculiar Sensation Of Being Pat Ingoldsby, director Seamus Murphy examines Irish writer Pat Ingoldsby’s unique world. His poems and candid anecdotes bear witness to a visceral relationship with his beloved Dublin.

Director of Docs Ireland, Michele Devlin said:

“We are thrilled to bring a novel steeped in Irish history to the big screen. ‘Ulysses’ is renowned worldwide for its unconventional style of writing and is considered to have revolutionised the modern novel. ‘James Joyce’s: Ulysses’ is a fantastic tribute to a masterpiece of Irish culture.”

“This documentary exemplifies the brilliant talent within the film industry across Ireland and it is a privilege to showcase such a culturally vital story at this year’s Docs Ireland festival.”

Managing Director of DoubleBand Films, Dermot Lavery said:

“It’s extremely exciting to bring ‘James Joyce’s Ulysses’ to Docs Ireland as part of its Pull Focus New Irish Documentary Competition. We wanted to bring the infamous novel to life and cannot wait to showcase it to the Irish audience.”

The film is a production for BBC Arts and BBC Northern Ireland.

Docs Ireland is sponsored this year by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Department For Communities, BFI FAN, TG4, Film Hub NI, BBC Northern Ireland and Yellowmoon. 

Consulting Team grows at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore

Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Donal Laverty pictured with Senior Management Consultant Ryan Connor and HR & Organisational Design Consultant Fintan Eastwood

Belfast accountancy and advisory practice Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has announced two new appointments to its Consulting Department.

Ryan Connor and Fintan Eastwood join the department, which covers all aspects of organisational design and development as well as change management.

The appointments come in response to soaring demand for the team’s service which supports organisations to adapt to the many HR, people and operational delivery challenges of a post-Covid world.

With a background in people development and talent, Ryan Connor takes up the position of Senior Management Consultant. His previous positions include Learning & Talent Manager at Coca-Cola, Consultant at a Big 4 firm and Director of Springvale Employment & Learning College.

Alongside Ryan, Fintan Eastwood joins Baker Tilly Mooney Moore as Human Resources & Organisational Design Consultant, bringing experience in HR with the National Bank of Australia and as a Consultant within the Big 4.

Both will work alongside Consulting Partner Donal Laverty to advise new and existing clients within the expanding firm.

Consulting Partner at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Donal Laverty said:

“We are thrilled to have Ryan and Fintan join us at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore and wish to congratulate them both on their appointments. This is a busy and demanding department that has expanded in line with growing demand for our services in organisational design, development and change management.”

“Though we will be working through the impact of the pandemic for years to come, it is clear that businesses, public sector bodies and charities are using this time to reflect on their operational efficiency and rethink the way they are doing things. With considerable experience between them, I have no doubt that both Fintan and Ryan will be instrumental in meeting this growing demand and adding value to the busy department.”

New Senior Management Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Ryan Connor said:

“One of the most notable things we are seeing in this post-pandemic world is a shift in priorities to people management and development. Companies are operating in a world that has changed forever, meaning how they manage and retain their staff as well as support high performance has evolved. After many years working in the field, I am delighted to bring my experience to the Consulting Department at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore and have no doubt it will be a rewarding role.”

Senior Management Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Ryan Connor

New HR & Organisational Design Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Fintan Eastwood said:

 “This is an exciting position to be taking up and one that I am thrilled to have secured. Baker Tilly Mooney Moore has grown significantly in recent years, and I am pleased to join the Consulting Team amid a period of significant demand. Northern Ireland has a lot to offer in terms of business excellence, and I look forward to helping a range of interesting clients navigate their post-pandemic business plan and achieve further success.”

HR & Organisational Design Consultant at Baker Tilly Mooney Moore Fintan Eastwood