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.
THE MUMMY is coming to theaters Fri Apr 17.
Lee Cronin—the visionary behind THE HOLE IN THE GROUND and EVIL DEAD RISE—is back with an audacious, twisted retelling that`s already getting rave reviews. A young girl vanishes for eight years. When she finally returns, what should be a joyful reunion becomes a living nightmare.
Watch trailer now at irishfilmtv.com.
SNL UK IS BACK AND WE`RE LIVING FOR IT 🚨✨
Nicola Coughlan (yes, THAT Nicola Coughlan) is hosting on April 25th with the absolute legends that are @foofighters taking the stage 🎸
DERRY GIRLS fans, BRIDGERTON obsessives, this is your moment!
More Nicola at irishfilmtv.com.
Graham Norton is stepping into uncharted territory with THE NEIGHBOURHOOD—an ITV gameshow that`s about to flip the reality TV script entirely.
What happens when you put everyday people in extraordinary circumstances and ask them to compete against their neighbors for serious money?
More at irishfilmtv.com.
17 years old. A trip to Holland. Two Irish lads with big dreams and zero idea what was coming.
That`s where Ciarán Hinds and Liam Neeson bonded—and it changed everything. 🎬
In a beautiful moment on the Late Late Show, Hinds reflected on the power of those formative years—and why family, not accolades, is what truly matters. 💫
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
72 hours. One decision. Everything on the line.
Andrew Scott is stepping into one of WWII`s most untold stories in the upcoming film PRESSURE—where a meteorologist`s weather forecast became the most consequential prediction in history.
Watch new trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 THE YEAR OF ÉANNA HARDWICKE 🎬
From SAIPAN to THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD to NO ORDINARY HEIST—this is the actor`s defining moment. An IFTA winner. A West End star. Now a desperate man caught in a heist like no other.
In cinemas THIS WEEK: a gripping true story of the infamous Northern Bank robbery. £26.5 million. Two families held hostage. No way out.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
BELFAST`s Jamie Dornan will host SNL UK this weekend.
Dornan, known for his role in FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and THE TOURIST, will front the program alongside Brit-award winning band Wolf Alice.
The show marks the first British incarnation of the sketch series, which was created by Lorne Michaels and first launched in the US in 1975.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
In a brand-new interview, OUTLANDER star/executive producer, Caitríona Balfe, discusses THAT pivotal Season 8, Episode 3 scene where Claire saves a baby.
A must-watch for OUTLANDER fans!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
✨ Brendan Gleeson just reminded us why he`s one of the greats ✨
Yesterday at the London Standard Theatre Awards, Gleeson took the night for his performance in THE WEIR—and honestly? there`s no one else who could have done it quite like him.
This is an actor who doesn`t perform. he breathes into the role. he becomes it. soul-deep, nuanced, the kind of characterisation that makes you forget you`re watching acting at all.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
