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Breaking into the film industry is a dream for so many people around the world. But while it is a tough medium to crack for everyone, it is an even greater challenge for members of the Travelling community.
To try and help kickstart their ambitions, The Misleór Short Documentary Grant was created back in 2021.
The initiative, which is part of the Galway City of Film programme in conjunction with the Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures, offers a funding and mentorship opportunity for emerging filmmakers from the Traveller community in Galway.
The grant helped kickstart the career of Tuam director David McDonagh, who produced ‘Dreamer’, which captured the life and music of Kathleen Keenan, using the €3000 he was awarded.
He went on to create ‘Being Put Back Together’, a documentary which was longlisted for an Academy Award, showing what someone can achieve after the Misleor Grant. Looking to follow in his footsteps is 20-year-old Tuam artist Ella Louise Ward.
“Since I was young, I’ve always enjoyed watching documentaries and movies, but up until now I hadn’t thought about making my own,” she explained.
“The only reason I even thought about applying for this grant is ....
Read the story in full in this week’s edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy the digital edition here