Michael D Higgins

Director Ross White and actor James Martin among attendees as Higgins says he was 'so moved by the warmth conveyed in An Irish Goodbye'

“It is a community that was sustained heroically and is being pushed ever forward creatively. He cited Variety magazine which described Ireland as a “capital of filmmaking in recent years establishing itself as one of the world’s most attractive production environments”. The President also congratulated Richard Baneham for winning a second Oscar for best visual effects. The relationships presented with superb acting, pace and direction had a ring of authenticity.” “The present strength of a multi-skilled creative film community on the island of Ireland is the result of committed, loyal supporters of film and decades of work. President Higgins said the re-establishment of the film board had led 30 years later to an industry in Ireland that is a world leader in film production.