We created the first documentary impact lab in Ireland working in partnership with Guth Gafa an Irish media arts organization based in Donegal, providing training and tools for professional filmmakers. They developed actionably strategies for ensuring their films will have the best possible impact.
Supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland through the Screen Stakeholder Funding Scheme Presented in partnership with Docs Ireland.
A new filmmaker training initiative. . .
on impact distribution, the program features an in-person workshop in Donegal, five online sessions, and workshop plus pitch session at Docs Ireland in Belfast in June 2026.
International Expert Presenters
PRESENTERS & TUTORS
Ana Castañosa, Head of FIFDH Impact Days (CH)
Neasa Ní Chianáin, Film Director, Soilsiú Films (Young Plato, Forever is Now) (IE)
Kristin Feeley, Director, Sundance Documentary Film Program, Sundance Institute (US)
Stefania Gualberti, Facilitator & Peace builder at Thinking Changes (UK-NIR)
Ben Kempas, Impact Producer, Film & Campaign (UK-SCT) * Lead Tutor
Tia Lessin, Director & Producer, Elsewhere Films (Steal This Story, Please!) (US)
Eliza Licht, Impact Producer, Red Owl Partners;
Odera Onyore Nyambok II, Head of Communications, DOC-A (KE)
Ana Fernandez Saiz, Impronta Films (UK)
Featured Projects
A HEALING THREAD: Director Jessica Marcy and Producer Grace Odumosu
AS THIS LEAVES ME HERE: Director Kathy Raftery and Producer Laura Cranley
TITLE WITHHELD: Director Leo Regan and Producer Isabel Freer
HOW TO STOP A WAR: Director Frankie Fenton and Producer Kathryn Kennedy
THE LAST BALKAN COWBOY: Director Dragana Jurišić and Producers Anna Rodgers and Zlata Filipović
TRY! Director Oisín Mistéil and Producer Claire McCabe
WHIDDY: Director Adrian McCarthy and Producer Maria Horgan
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The Program
- Lab 1: Two days in residence in Donegal - Late April 2026.
- Five (5) Online Sessions featuring expert presenters.
- Lab 2: Two days in residence at Docs Ireland in Belfast 17-20 June 2026 exact two days to be confirmed.
