Paul Farren presents an idiosyncratic account of one of the highlights of Ireland's film calendar, the Galway Film Fleadh.

DAY 1: Tuesday 5th July – Morning
6.56am: I wake up late. The taxi that was ordered has already been and gone. This is a problem, because I am supposed to be in Fleadhland for 11am to see a test run of the opening film, On a Clear Day. Some frantic calls later and I am greeted by the bellow of the taxi driver who seems more worried about my getting the train than I am.

7.23am: Miracle of miracles: I make it, get a ticket, get to the train, and make contact with my seat just as the train is starting to leave. This is known as a cliffhanger moment in script jargon terms.

11.00am: I head to the Town Hall for the screening, chuffed with myself for making it with five minutes to spare. I make contact with someone Fleadh-related and ask them where the screening is going to be. The screening has been moved to 2pm. In script jargon terms this is known as a reversal, in real life it is also known as a pain in the arse.

12.00am: The Fleadh goes a bit like this: Tuesday is the quietest day, but, as it progresses film people start to arrive, and by Saturday you could throw a rock down Shop Street blindfolded and you'd hit one. The Town Hall is the main screening area and the place where the opening and closing films are shown; the other cinemas around Galway also take part in the screenings, as does the ever reliable Cinemobile. The main venue for the meeting of minds and livers is the Rowing Club. This shabby, idyllic little club is where all the real Fleadh drama and gossip happens, and hopefully this year will be no exception. It is already building up to be an interesting Fleadh; there are some strong contenders among the Irish features on show, plus a strong programme of shorts and documentaries. Two debut Irish features creating a buzz are Perry Ogden's Pavee Lackeen about a young traveller girl, and Anthony Byrne's Short Order, described by one person as a sort of Amélie-style fantasy piece. Also scheduled are some interesting talks and masterclasses, including one from the great Paul Schrader.

The full article is printed in Film Ireland 106.