William Fitzgerald named Galway Film Fair director; shuttered Pálás cinema to re-open for the Fleadh

Former Galway film Fried and Palace Cinema Programmer William Fitzgerald.

Filmfare was held every July alongside the Galway film Fleadh, offering pre-scheduled meetings with investors, distributors, sales agents, broadcasters, film funds, major producers and festivals. Fleadh will be held from July 8th to 13th this year.

He takes over from Liz Quinn and works with Galway Filmfare Manager. Debbie McVay takes on a part-time role 30 years after developing the fair.

Fitzgerald recently held a film programmer post at Pallas, a three-screen art house venue in Galway, from 2022 until it was forced to close in February this year. Pallas is part of Element Pictures’ Light House Cinema Group, citing rising commercial film costs, Covid and “oversaturation” as factors that contribute to its closure.

A campaign is underway to save the film, which was used as an important screening venue during Fleadh, with Fitzgerald and Fried CEO Miriam Allen among the group seeking a revival of the film.

Pallas is no longer open as a commercial venue, but this year it will continue to serve as a hub for Key Festivals. Allen said: “Thanks to the support of Galway City Council and Screen Ireland, we have agreed to a plan of action to see Pallas reopen the doors during the 37th edition. The film’s ongoing operation was provided by the Lighthouse Group when it left in February, and we recognize its importance.”

Fitzgerald is rejoining Fried, who has played a variety of roles at the Irish Festival, including programmers from 2018 to 2022. Fitzgerald directed the programmers and oversaw the launch of several partnerships, including the Peripheral Vision European Film Competition with the European Festival Network and the annual Connemara Screenwriters’ Retreat, Stow Story Lab.

“William is a true blue part of the Fleadh team, who has now served as festivals and fairs in many roles as industry heads, including shorts programming, festival marketing and more.

Fitzgerald added: “To participate in the Filmfare – this other side of Freed is an exciting opportunity after spending the past few years at the forefront of the exhibition. Witness the unique challenges of the present moment of independent films. We want to use our platform at the Film Fair to nurture our entire industry through distribution and exhibits from filmmakers and funders.”