NIFTC and IFB to sponsor Best New Talent Award at Irish Film and Television Awards

The Irish Film and Television Awards 2004, in association with eircom, has announced sponsorship of the Best New Talent award by the Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission and the Irish Film Board.
This sponsorship reflects the way in which both funding bodies have shown commitment to new Irish talent which has been so wildly successful in a year that has seen the release of an unprecedented number of films from young Irish creative teams. From ‘Cowboys & Angels’ and ‘Man About Dog’, which opened number one at the Irish box-office, to ‘Freeze Frame’ and the critically lauded ‘Inside I’m Dancing’, there is a noticeable bounce in the step of an industry on a roll, and what better way to celebrate than with a glittering awards ceremony.
Richard Williams, CEO of the NIFTC, said: “For the NIFTC, this is the most important part of the Irish Film & Television Awards. All our futures in this industry depend on emerging talent so it is very pleasing to see that talent is really beginning to blossom in Northern Ireland. The NIFTC is committed to both facilitating the development of that talent and celebrating the subsequent successes. We're delighted to have had the opportunity to work with a number of those shortlisted for this award and wish everyone shortlisted well on the night. It is our hope that the work of the NIFTC, along with that of our co-sponsors the Irish Film Board, will assist in ensuring a steady stream of talent knocking on the door for this award in years to come.”
Mark Woods, Irish Film Board CEO, agreed: "The Irish Film Board is committed to offering strong support in bringing a rich and diverse range of Irish stories to local and international audiences by facilitating co-financing for today's top Irish talent as well as the emerging teams behind tomorrow's triumphs. Our commitment to emerging talent ranges from our various short film schemes through to supporting lower budget filmmaking that has brought us such gems as ‘Adam & Paul’, ‘Dead Meat’ and ‘Goldfish Memory’, so we are very proud to co-sponsor this award which recognises the potential of this emerging talent."
Aine Moriarty, CEO of IFTN, organisers of the Irish Film and Television Awards, is delighted to welcome the partners: “The IFB and NIFTC are exciting additions to the 2004 Irish Film and Television Awards. Their support underpins their commitment to the development of so much fantastic new talent in Ireland.”
The Irish Film and Television Awards take place at the Burlington Hotel on Saturday October 30.
(GB)