Filmbase in Dublin’s Temple Bar is due to close

Speaking about the news that Filmbase in Dublin’s Temple Bar is due to close, IFB Chief Executive James Hickey said:

“Since 1986, Filmbase has been a crucial cornerstone of Irish film and has played an important part in Ireland’s cultural landscape. Filmbase has always been a place of development and nurturing for Irish filmmaking talent, and has provided a launch-pad for the careers of many creatives now working in the sector. We are incredibly sad to learn of today’s news.

“I would like to sincerely thank Alan and the team at Filmbase for their unfaltering dedication to filmmaking over the years, and for leaving behind a rich legacy of creative empowerment and support for Irish film.”

Since 1986 Filmbase has occupied an important place in the Irish film landscape giving many of this country’s greatest film talents the early support they have needed to begin their careers and to develop their creative voices. Many people will remember Filmbase as a creative community, a hub to discuss and debate film and filmmaking, a networking space to meet likeminded filmmakers, and the catalyst for ideas, scripts, projects and partnerships which have enriched Irish film culture in innumerable ways.

From the beginning the ethos was to be a place rooted in the practice of making films with a hands-on approach. Writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, actors and film technicians of all hues had a place and a community to belong to and all were welcome. It has evolved, changed and adapted over the years but at its heart it has always been a place for filmmakers.