Young Kildare director shortlisted for creative programme
Ian Fallon from Rathmore, Naas whose film work was recognised with a starGAZE mentorship this week
A YOUNG Kildare filmmaker has been shortlisted as one of six starGAZE recipients, a year-long professional mentoring programme, as part of the GAZE LGBTQIA Film Festival which began on Thursday (1 August).
Ian Fallon (24) from Rathmore is one of the starGAZE recipients, which has been described as “a unique professional development initiative to support emerging LGBTQIA filmmakers".
Ian Fallon is a director, screenwriter and editor who grew up in Naas.
“When I was in the CBS I thought I’d like film, so I did a year in Ballyfermot before going to (the Institute of Art, Design and Technology) Dun Laoghaire for four years, and I graduated last November,” said Ian.
Majoring in directing at the National Film School at IADT, Ian is practical and humble enough to admit: “I minored in sound. It’s a good one for money, whereas directing is not always.
“The more you know about all angles of filmmaking, the better director you will be."
His professional métier would be telling “compelling psychological stories about complicated male sexuality”.
His psychosexual graduate film has so far screened at the Oscar-qualifying Cork International Film Festival, Dublin International Film Festival, as well as a few other international festivals.
His short documentary ‘Poulaphouca’ also premiered at the 67th Cork International Film Festival, and won the Best Irish Documentary at the 2023 Story International Student Documentary Festival.
Also in 2023, Ian won the Youth Music Video Competition for his music video for by Paddy Hanna.
‘StarGAZE’ – hosted between the Lighthouse and the IrIsh Film Institute (IFI) - is designed to provide a platform for LGBTQIA talent through an internationally recognised film festival.
The recipients will have written, produced or directed a short film which has screened at a recognised Irish or international film festival within the last three years, and be working towards a debut feature, or television/online project.
“We had to apply with a personal statement, with plans about the future, and details about a project you’re working on,” he said.
“Others on the list are working on shorts (films), but I’m writing a feature film script,” said Ian.
And the next steps for Ian?
“Well, it’s an industry of snakes and ladders, rather than just ladders,” he said earnestly, admitting his gratitude to his parents Garret Fallon and Anne O’Flaherty.
Ian is open minded about his career and would be wouldn't say no to working on something like RTÉ’S
“Of course I would, lots of up and coming directors have done episodes here,” said Ian.
“The more you do, the more people trust you, and if they don’t trust the director, they won’t give you money, and you’re shot in the foot,” he said simply.
