Belfast has emerged as a global leader in film and television production, earning prestigious recognition at the Global Production Awards during the Cannes Film Festival. In a remarkable double victory, Northern Ireland Screen received the Special Recognition Award while Belfast was crowned Best City of Film, beating fierce competition from major international hubs including New York City, Gold Coast, Sydney, and Zagreb.
The judges were particularly impressed by Belfast’s clear vision for leveraging film success to create broader economic growth. The city’s strategic approach encompasses not just attracting productions, but building lasting economic benefits through skills development, infrastructure investment, and tourism integration. This holistic view has positioned Belfast as more than just a filming location—it’s become a comprehensive creative hub.
The Global Production Awards, held during Cannes with over 270 industry executives in attendance, celebrate outstanding sustainable work and highlight the best global locations. Belfast’s victory in this international arena signals a shift in how the industry values comprehensive, sustainable approaches to film production.
As the global production landscape continues to evolve, Belfast’s success story offers a compelling blueprint for other cities seeking to develop their screen industries. By combining economic strategy with cultural preservation, environmental responsibility with commercial success, and local talent development with international appeal, Belfast has demonstrated that sustainable film production isn’t just possible—it’s profitable.
This recognition from Cannes affirms that the future of film production lies not just in spectacular locations or tax incentives, but in creating comprehensive ecosystems that support creative excellence, economic impact, and environmental responsibility. Belfast has shown the way forward, and the global film industry is taking notice.
She commands every room she walks into 🎭
Siobhán McSweeney, the BAFTA-winning star of DERRY GIRLS, is now the host of THE TRAITORS IRELAND, guiding strangers through a game of trust, suspicion, and deception where a single glance can shift the balance of power.
Watch now via 🔗︎ in bio!
Don`t miss Liam Neeson with @patrickielty on THE LATE LATE SHOW!
Big Liam joined campaigner Catherine Corless to discuss THE LOST CHILDREN OF TUAM, the most important Irish film of 2026.
Watch now via 🔗︎ in bio!
In theatres today!
Saoirse Ronan returns to the big screen in BAD APPLES. the dark comedy where she plays a teacher driven to extremes.
Watch Saoirse`s interview with @picturehouses via 🔗︎ in bio.
Irish eyes were shining in #Toronto this week 🎬
Monaghan`s own Caitríona Balfe hit the red carpet at TIFF for the premiere of TENZING — the incredible true story of Tenzing Norgay, the Himalayan climber history almost forgot, and his historic 1953 ascent of Everest alongside Edmund Hillary.
Watch now via 🔗︎ in bio.
Tea, reflection, and a very different kind of classroom drama ☕🎬
Saoirse Ronan opens up on A MUG OF LIFE about presence, growth, and calm — then goes full dark comedy in BAD APPLES, in UK cinemas from September 18.
Watch now via 🔗︎ in bio.
Meet Liam Neeson, the producer!
Enraged by a 2017 New York Times investigation into the Tuam mother and baby home scandal, Neeson has backed THE LOST CHILDREN OF TUAM, in Irish theatres on Sep 25.
Full details via link in bio 🔗︎
Andrew Scott could make Oscar history 🎭
His performance in ELSINORE — as an actor giving everything to one final role while his body fails him — is the kind you don`t shake off.
Watch Andrew`s @tiff_net "In Conversation" via 🔗︎ in bio.
Domhnall told Taylor "I`ll do it for the dance".
THE PAPER star spills the tea on how he ended up starring in Taylor Swift`s "Opalite" video — jumpsuits, a talking cactus, zero-star judges, and a night of panicked dance rehearsals with the one and only Mandy.
Watch now via irishfilmtv.com.
By order of The Peaky Blinders 🔫🖤
Cillian Murphy is heading back to Birmingham — but this time he`s calling the shots from behind the camera.
Netflix and the BBC have just confirmed a two-season PEAKY BLINDERS sequel, with Murphy stepping in as executive producer alongside creator Steven Knight.
Full details via 🔗︎ in bio.
