01/12/2014 - Sofia, Sydney, Bradford and Busan the other cities of film

The Irish city of Galway has been accorded the permanent status of UNESCO City of Film. The other cities awarded the status along with Galway are Sofia, Bulgaria and Busan, South Korea. Sydney, Australia and Galway’s twin city of Bradford in the UK were accorded the status in previous years. The Irish Film Board (IFB) supported Galway’s bid and its Chief Executive James Hickey served on the committee that drove the bid, organised by Galway Film Centre in association with Galway City and County Councils and a consortium of more than 50 organisations across the city.

IFB Chairman Bill O’Herlihy said, “This is a major international achievement not just for Galway, but for the country. Film has always run through the veins of Galway, and holds a strong cultural, artistic and economic value.”

Irish Minister for Arts Heather Humphreys said, “Galway has a long association with film making and the audiovisual sector going back over many years and it is a fitting testament to all of the great directors, producers, writers and actors who have made Galway their home. From that creative home, they have produced memorable works that has led to this great honour for their city.”

The UNESCO status will provide international networking and business opportunities for Galway production companies, greater awareness of the region’s potential to produce film and television projects, and promote the region as a location destination.