In the run-up to the Oscars and St Patrick's Day, the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin has embarked on a major trade mission to Los Angeles – which will see her promoting Ireland's screen industry, and will involve meetings with world-leading film studios and production companies.

There's a record-breaking 14 nominations for Irish stories and talent at the Academy Awards, taking place this Sunday. With An Cailín Ciúin making history as the first ever Irish-language film nominated for Oscar, the Minister will present a special award to the film as part of the trip.

Over the course of the week, she'll be meeting with Sony and Disney – which includes representatives from Marvel, Searchlight and Lucas Film – alongside other top US studios and production companies.

The meetings will update important industry partners on the continued growth and evolution of the sector in Ireland, and will involve discussions about opportunities for increased collaboration. They'll also be exploring new opportunities in the areas of production, post-production and visual effects.

“The eyes of Hollywood and the world are on Ireland this Oscars weekend and this presents an important opportunity to showcase Ireland’s culture and creative talent to a global audience," the Minister comments. “This weekend is also important for Ireland and Irish people around the world. Some 14 Oscar nominations is incredible for a country the size of Ireland and I know the nominations are a source of national pride for young and old. It highlights the country’s contribution to the arts and culture, provides opportunities to further promote Ireland as a tourism destination, and will inspire future generations of Irish creative talent and filmmakers.

“The Irish screen industry has seen unprecedented success over the past decade, across live-action TV production, animation production and Visual Effects, the result of sustained investment and a clear strategic focus on the development of the sector," she continues. “Irish artists and arts have long been held in high regard in the US and, through Culture Ireland, my department supports artists to travel to present their work to American audiences and millions of diaspora annually. I look forward to visiting Winston House in LA which has received financial support for the participation of a selection of current and emerging Irish artists at their new Irish Friends Festival this month."

Screen Ireland is also involved in the trade mission. Its Chief Executive, Désirée Finnegan, notes that the "global reputation of the Irish screen industry has continued to grow over the last number of years".

"This trade mission aims to further strengthen relationships with our US partners and build towards future industry growth and success," Finnegan resumes. “Our pride in the recent acclaim for Irish talent across acting, Irish-language film, VFX and craft continues to emphasise our belief in the talent and artistry of the Irish creative screen industries, and how this sector continues to innovate and break new ground at home and abroad. We hope the industry’s success, and record-breaking number of Academy Award nominations, will inspire and pave the way for the next generation of Irish filmmakers to be ambitious in telling the cultural stories that matter to them.”

The trade mission will also involve promoting Ireland as "a world-class tourist destination," Minister Martin says. As part of the trip, she'll be taking part "in meetings with representatives of various sporting bodies, along with St. Patrick’s Day events in San Diego and Los Angeles."

Embarking today on a major trade mission to Los Angeles

I'll be working to
🟢strengthen relationships w/some of the world’s largest studios, production companies +cultural partners
🟢champion Irish artists & film
🟢promote Ireland as a tourism destinationhttps://t.co/MieHOlYFq9

— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) March 8, 2023