Galway UNESCO City of Film celebrated a major milestone with a special event honouring the groundbreaking work of acclaimed filmmaker Bob Quinn, whose contributions have profoundly shaped Irish cinema.
Taking place at the Pálás Cinema on Friday November 29th, the evening featured a reception, the presentation of a prestigious award, and a screening of ‘Poitín’, a film that is a key cornerstone in Quinn’s illustrious career.
The centrepoint of the event was the presentation of the Ceantar Scannán Award to Bob Quinn by two distinguished guests: President Michael D. Higgins, a devoted champion of the arts, and renowned filmmaker and producer Lelia Doolan. This award honours Quinn's immense contributions to Irish cinema, particularly his influential work in the West of Ireland, which has been pivotal in shaping Galway’s identity as a vibrant creative hub for film.
Lelia Doolan, Bob Quinn, President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins - Photo Credit Emilija Jefremova
Bob Quinn’s five-decade career has made a profound and enduring impact on Irish cinema. Renowned for his bold, innovative storytelling, Quinn has been a central figure in Irish filmmaking, with a particular focus on the people, landscapes, and traditions of the West of Ireland. His body of work, spanning fiction, documentaries, and experimental films, consistently pushes the boundaries of Irish cinema.
Quinn’s influence reaches far beyond the screen. His films delve into themes of identity, language, and culture, often centring on Ireland's Gaelic traditions. Works like ‘Cinegael Paradiso’ and ‘Atlantean’ showcase his distinctive vision, blending documentary techniques with creative narratives. These films not only highlight his deep ties to the West but also offer a unique and insightful perspective on Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
President Michael D. Higgins, a long-standing advocate for the arts and Irish cinema, addressed Quinn’s vital role in shaping the landscape of Irish film. His participation underscores his ongoing commitment to nurturing Ireland’s creative industries, with a particular emphasis on Galway’s development as a City and Region of Film.
Joining our President was Lelia Doolan, a trailblazer in Irish television and film, who jointly presented the award. Doolan, who has collaborated with Quinn throughout their careers, has been a formidable force in the industry herself. She shared her perspective on Quinn’s legacy, which extends beyond his cinematic accomplishments to include his mentorship and support for emerging filmmakers, and on Galway’s UNESCO designation.
Both President Higgins and Lelia Doolan were previous recipients of the Galway City of Film award, in 2015 and in 2019 respectively, alongside Máire Ní Thuathail (deceased) who was privately honoured in 2016 for her work as a producer in Irish language television.
President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins - Photo Credit Avi Ratnayake
The event began with a reception at the Pálás Cinema bar, where guests viewed a presentation on the history of Galway as a City of Film – a history that spans back as far as 1898. The award ceremony featured speeches from Ardán CEO and Galway City of Film Director Alan Duggan, Lelia Doolan, and ATU Head of Celine Curtin, before Quinn accepted the City of Film Award. The night culminated in a special screening of Bob Quinn’s remastered Irish-language feature film ‘Poitín’.
This event was a highlight in Galway’s cultural calendar and a unique opportunity for the film community and the public to honour a filmmaker whose work has played a central role in the city’s rise as a creative powerhouse.
The 10th anniversary of Galway’s designation as a UNESCO City of Film is a major achievement, solidifying the city’s reputation as a centre for creative talent and film production in Ireland. Since 2014, this recognition has helped foster a dynamic film culture in Galway, attracting both local and international productions and supporting the development of local filmmakers. Ardán manages the Galway City of Film / Ceantar Scannán UNESCO designation on behalf of Galway City and Galway County Councils.
Bob Quinn’s work aligns perfectly with the spirit of this designation, as his films have consistently highlighted the unique stories and landscapes of the West of Ireland. His work has been instrumental in positioning Galway as a creative hub for film, and his legacy continues to influence filmmakers in the region and beyond. This event offered a rare opportunity to reflect on both the past and future of Irish cinema, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of its most influential figures.
Cover photo by Emilija Jefremova
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