Women in Film & Television Ireland (WFT Ireland) is pleased to announce the launch of its commissioned report, Behind the Scenes: Exploring Harmful Behaviours in the Irish Screen Industries, written and researched by Dr. Susan Liddy and Dr. Fergal Rhatigan. Funded by the Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland Stakeholder Fund, this research illuminates the experiences of professionals within the Irish screen industries, underscoring the persistent challenges and the urgent need for change.
The report was launched at the Light House Cinema, Market Square, Smithfield, Dublin 7. The event will begin with a brief presentation by Dr. Susan Liddy and Dr. Fergal Rhatigan, followed by a panel discussion featuring:
- Dr. Susan Liddy (Chair WFT Ireland, President WIFT International)
- Jessica Drum (Chief Executive, Screen Guilds Ireland)
- Colman Farrell (Head of Skills and Professional Development, Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland)
- Ananta Kaur (Head of ER/IR and Industry Partnerships, Screen Producers Ireland)
- Niamh O’Donnell (Director, Irish Theatre Institute and Safe to Create)
The discussion was moderated by Aoife Barry, arts journalist and author. A Q&A session followed, focusing on collective efforts to foster a safer, more supportive work environment for all.
In discussing the importance of the report, co-author Dr. Susan Liddy, Chair of Women in Film and Television Ireland and President of Women in Film and Television International, commented:
“Behind the Scenes: Exploring Harmful Behaviours in the Irish Screen Industries is the first report to focus exclusively on harmful behaviours within the Irish screen industries. It makes an important contribution to the significant work already undertaken by Screen Ireland and the Safe to Create partnership. My colleague, Dr. Fergal Rhatigan, and I found evidence that behaviours such as bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment are present in many workplaces. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents in our survey had either experienced or witnessed some form of inappropriate or harmful behaviour—a clear signal that while much has been achieved, there is still much more to be done. Cultural change is a lengthy and evolving process, but we believe that by working together with greater urgency, we can achieve our collective goals for the benefit of all workers in the Irish screen industries.”
The launch event provided an important platform to discuss these critical findings and to explore how the industry can continue to collaborate in creating a safer, more inclusive environment for all professionals.
Picture: Niamh O Donnell-Safe to Create, Dr Susan Liddy – Chair WFT Ireland, Colman Farrell – Screen Ireland, Jess Drum-Screen Guild, Aoife Barry and Ananta Kaur – Screen Producers Ireland
Credit: Brian McAvoy
