Media release: The Celtic Media Festival International Pitching Forum returns tomorrow

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AS delegates arrive in Quimper, Brittany, for the 43rd Celtic Media Festival, organisers have revealed the seven finalists who will be competing for the coveted International Pitching Forum £10,000 development prize.

Since its launch in 2016, Celtic Media Festival’s International Pitching Forum has promoted co-productions and international commissions for independent production companies, giving creatives an unique opportunity to meet and pitch to broadcasters in one space.

There’s not just the prize money at stake but also a potential development deal.

Tide, one of the biggest successes of the Pitching Forum is an international success story. A co-production spanning three different countries, It has has been distributed all over the world and has spawned a second series, Rain.

Returning for its fifth year and after a rigorous application process, the finalists are now getting ready to compete in the two live pitching sessions this week in front of a panel of international commissioners.

Further information on the seven finalists:

Wild Waters – Darach O Tuairisg, Fíbín Media

In this animated series for 4-8 year-olds, an intrepid, aquatic reporter answers an interesting and often quirky question about marine life while swimming through life action underwater footage. We learn about the flora and fauna of the riverbanks, underwater creatures, marine eco-systems, the environment and the importance of
recycling.

Le Tour Du Coq – A Journey into the Heart of French Rugby – Darina Clancy, Cormorant Films

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France 2023, veteran Rugby pundit and author, Peter Bills, takes us on a lighthearted journey into the heart of French culture through the lens of rugby. The series will take the viewer to parts of France and places they would never have seen before, revealing some of the hidden secrets and delights of France and French rugby.

Playing To Her Own Tune – Maureen MacLeod, Sgeul Media

There is no shortage of brilliant women bagpipers today. Players like Brighde Chaimbeul, Ailis Sutherland and Faye Henderson are world class exponents of their instruments. But rewind a few decades and it was a very different experience altogether for women. This documentary features stories from women across the generations in their struggle to get equality.

The Crossing – Dhivya Kate Chetty, Banoyi Films

The Crossing is an observational documentary (series) charting the ordinary and extraordinary stories; the comings and goings; too-ings and fro-ings on the ferry crossings between Liverpool and Dublin, and Liverpool and Belfast.

As a port city, Liverpool has been home to generations of Irish migrants since the days of the Great Famine, and is often known as the ’33rd County’ or the ‘Real Capital of Ireland’, with an estimated three-quarters of its population having some Irish roots. Thousands make the annual pilgrimage each summer from the Liverpool docks to the motherland. This affectionate observational documentary series delves into the stories of some of these passengers.

The Vanished – David Whitney, director

The Vanished tells an incredible and chilling true story that spans the last four decades, leading right up to the present day and an on-going search for truth and justice. This feature length documentary (or limited series) explores an enduring mystery of the past that has become a major international issue that still threatens to shatter the fragile peace in a volatile region.

reNEW Fashion – Maeve Keane, Fíbín Media

This creative and entrepreneurial series will show how sustainable fashion, a mainstream concept, can become a mainstream behaviour for GenZ. With a competitive element at its core, we follow our six contestants as they scramble to craft innovative looks out of pre-loved items and while also giving them the tools that will generate an entrepreneurial spirit that will lead them to creating their own brand.

Go, Get (Beg, Borrow and Don’t Steal) – Murdo MacSween

A fast-paced scavenger hunt where contestants must obtain five random yet particular items using only their initiative and our money to win a lovely cash prize! They can beg. They can borrow. They can barter. They can’t steal. They can’t deceive. They can’t do anything illegal. Contestants are rewarded on accuracy, speed and
frugality.

Catriona Logan, festival director, said: “We are very happy to be bringing back the International Pitching Forum for its fifth year, with an incredible £10,000 development fund prize up for grabs. It’s a brilliant opportunity for producers to pitch their ideas to influential global decision makers in person. This prize isunique and we are so excited to see what the pitches are. ”

The annual, three-day summit event brings together some of the biggest names and organisations in the industry for conference panel sessions, workshops, pitching events and networking opportunities. The first of the Torc Awards for Excellence are announced this evening with the first full day of programming starting tomorrow.

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Contact: Celtic Media Festival

Email: press@celticmediafestival.co.uk