Cullen Welcomes Record Number Of Irish Films At Toronto Film Festival

Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism last week wished Irish actors, directors and producers traveling to the 34th Toronto International Film Festival to promote their films every success.

A record seven new Irish films, which have been supported by the Irish Film Board including 'Ondine', Perrier's Bounty' and 'Cracks' are screening in official selection during this year's festival, which ranks amongst the most important global events in the film industry.

Many of these new Irish films also had their world premiere at this festival which had an expected audience attendance of 470,000 people.

Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson, Neil Jordan, Aidan Quinn and Ian Fitzgibbon all travelled to the event to promote their films.

Minister Cullen said: "I am delighted that this year a record seven Irish Film Board-supported films have been chosen and will be seen at this prime showcase for the world's best film-making.

"I wish the Irish actors, producers and film makers who have been selected, a very productive ten days promoting their creative work to distributors and industry delegates from around the globe.

"Our culture is one of our most important national assets and once again Irish creative talent is taking centre stage with other masters of the cinema craft from over 60 countries, at a major cultural and business event in what is, a dynamic and highly competitive industry. I wish everyone participating every success."

"The Board is a key investor in the film, television and digital content production industry, which sits at the heart of the new creative knowledge economy.

"A PricewaterHouse Coopers Survey in 2008 identifies the Irish audiovisual sector as a key industry for growth, valued at over €557.3 million, employing over 6,000 individuals and representing 0.3% of GDP."

Minister Cullen added: "Film is also a driver of tourism. In 2008, 18% of all tourists to Ireland said film influenced their decision to visit our country.

"These selected seven films involve locations in counties Cork, Dublin, Donegal and Wicklow and their landscapes and streetscapes will be screened to large international audiences in Canada which in time will undoubtedly be an additional boost to local tourism, " said the Minister.