On May 29th, 2025, WFT Ireland was proud to host Greater Later: Building Sustainable Careers at The Clarence Hotel in Dublin. This inspiring event, supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, celebrated the experience, resilience, and creative excellence of professionals aged 40 and over across the screen industries.
The day featured a dynamic line-up of speakers and discussions, beginning with a welcome from Dr. Susan Liddy, President of WIFTI and Chair of WFT Ireland. She also shared exciting news about the upcoming WIFTI 2026 Summit, which will take place in Ireland next February.
Highlights included the VFX, Post & Virtual Production panel supported by the National Talent Academy for VFX, where Deborah Doherty moderated an insightful conversation with Christina Nowak, Jeanette Manifold, and Dee Collier on how women are leading in a rapidly evolving media-tech landscape.
This was followed by Women Behind the Scenes, featuring editor Úna Ní Dhonghaíle, production designer Anna Rackard, and costume designer Joan Bergin, in conversation with director Hannah Quinn about creative leadership behind the camera.
The afternoon continued with The Actors Lens panel moderated by Jade Jordan, where actors Marion O’Dwyer, Hilda Fay and Olwen Fouéré shared their powerful reflections on longevity, change and purpose in performance.
A special highlight of the day was an in-depth interview with acclaimed director Aisling Walsh, whose moving conversation with journalist Aoife Barry offered a remarkable perspective on navigating a creative career.
The event concluded with the launch of The Routledge Handbook of Motherhood on Screen, co-edited by Susan Liddy and Dr. Deirdre Flynn, and afterwards a celebratory networking reception.
We are deeply grateful to all our guests, speakers and attendees for making this such a meaningful and energising day!
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- VFX, Post & Virtual Production panel: Deborah Doherty, Jeanette Manifold, Dee Collier and Christina Nowak
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- WFT Board member Deborah Doherty
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- VFX, Post & Virtual Production panel: Deborah Doherty, Jeanette Manifold, Dee Collier and Christina Nowak
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- WFT Ireland Event Greater Later, Photo: Doreen Kennedy
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- Women Behind the Scenes panel: Anna Rackard, Joan Bergin, Úna Ní Dhonghaíle and Hannah Quinn
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- The Actors Lens panel: Olwen Fouéré, Marion O’Dwyer, Hilda Fay, Jade Jordan
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- The Actors Lens panel: Olwen Fouéré, Marion O’Dwyer, Hilda Fay, Jade Jordan
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- Director Aisling Walsh and journalist Aoife Barry
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- Dr. Susan Liddy and journalist Aoife Barry
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- Director Aisling Walsh and Dr. Susan Liddy
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- Journalist Aoife Barry and Dr. Susan Liddy
