Irish language film policy in Ireland

Policy regarding Irish language film production in Ireland was both slow to develop and generally (as in other areas) poorly applied for much of the twentieth century. Indeed, until the Arts Council first recognised film as an art form deserving of its support in 1977, the fortunes of Irish language film production depended primarily on the initiative and dedication of private individuals and organisations, who occasionally received state funding (rarely focused primarily on film) to support their endeavours. However, it is noteworthy that the Arts Councils first Annual Film Script Award (then valued at 11,000) was won by Bob Quinn and Colm Bairéad for their script for the film Póitín (1978), the first feature-length fiction production as Gaeilge. It is significant that in a period where there was precious little film practice in Ireland, Irish-language cinema was to the fore in the emergence of an indigenous Irish film culture (Quinns previous experimental Irish-language production Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoghaire (1975) is also important in this respect). Quinn moved to the Connemara Gaeltacht and was actively involved in efforts made among the Gaeltacht community for a coherent policy and support for broadcasting (both radio and television) in the Irish-language. These efforts chimed with a broader movement among filmmakers in Ireland for state support for indigenous film production and would eventually contribute to a range of initiatives that have been central to the development of Irish film culture over the past forty years. This includes the establishment of the Irish Film Board (now Screen Ireland) (1981), TG4 (1996), the creation of the Irish governments Broadcasting Fund (2003), and the establishment of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (2009), all critical policy developments that have had a significant and ongoing impact on film production in the Irish language. This article will map the development of state policy regarding Irish language film, with a principle focus on developments in the 21st century, including the recent Cine4 initiative co-funded by TG4, Screen Ireland and the BAI. Though only launched in 2017, the initiative has already produced a range of critically acclaimed and award-winning productions, including An Cailín Ciúin, winner of the Grand Prix award at the 2022 Berlin International Film Festival. Are these films the product of a more coherent and focused policy with regard to Irish-language cinema or an indication of a broader maturing of cinema practice in Ireland? This will be among the questions addressed in of this article.