We are excited to welcome acclaimed director John Butler (Papi Chulo, Handsome Devil) and Emmy nominated casting director Louise Kiely (Normal People, Herself) to the board of DIFF. 

Gráinne Humphreys, Festival Director:

"I am delighted to welcome two such distinguished new members to the Board. Both bring a wealth of experience and important skills to bear and will be invaluable additions to our existing team. From its earliest years, the festival has benefited from the support and input from a dynamic group of individuals who have served as our board of directors. Drawn from both the film industry in Ireland and internationally, as well as representing key stakeholders within the cultural landscape, they have shaped the policies and strategies of the festivals and supported the staff and team with many hours of advice and commitment. 2020 marked the passing of one of the most influential members of the festival board, Sue Bruce Smith was a long standing supporter of the event and her involvement will be celebrated in the 2021 event. I am especially delighted to welcome John Butler whose films have premiered in the festival – a wonderful filmmaker with a curiosity about the world. And Louise Kiely who has been instrumental to the new generation of filmmakers and actors whose work the festival celebrates.”

 

John Butler said,

"Seeing my films play at my hometown festival has been a career highlight for me in the past, and I'm now equally honoured to join the festival Board. I am hoping I can represent the voice of the filmmaking community, and of the LGBTQIA+ community in future years, and I am delighted to be working alongside the wildly knowledgeable and talented Gráinne Humphreys and team."

Louise Kiely commented,

"I am thrilled to accept a position on the board of the very prestigious and well-loved Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival. I am excited to learn more about the festival and to help in whatever ways I can. I shall also continue to enjoy the work of the immensely talented Film Makers, from around the world, which the festival showcases every year.”

Gráinne Humphreys also thanked recently retired board members Ms. Anne-Marie Curran, Mr. Hugh Linehan and Mr. Mark O’Halloran for their longstanding support and service to the Festival.

The new members will join current Board members: Aidan Greene (Chair), Elaine Gill, Neasa Hardiman, Ruth Hunter, Ronan Murphy, Suzanne Noble and Paula Woods.

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