Imelda O'Reilly, a celebrated and accomplished independent Irish filmmaker, boasts a global perspective and holds a European passport, allowing her to effortlessly navigate the international filmmaking community.
Throughout her illustrious career, Imelda has amassed an impressive body of work, comprising a collection of award-winning short films and feature screenplays that have garnered widespread acclaim and recognition.
Her cinematic creations have been showcased at numerous prestigious international film festivals, including the esteemed Cannes International Film Festival, the Rhode Island International Film Festival, the Cinequest Creativity & Film Festival, DOC NYC, and the International Film Festival de Creteil, to name just a few.
Imelda's professional affiliations and memberships are a testament to her respected status within the industry. She is a valued member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA-CONNECT),the European Film Academy, and New York Women in Film and Television, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the world of filmmaking.
As a commissioned writer on the esteemed theatrical production "Song For New York" with the renowned Mabou Mines, her creative endeavors underwent rigorous development at the prestigious Sundance Theater Lab and the innovative New York Theater Workshop.
She has been fortunate enough to receive a prestigious Fulbright Fellowship, which has enabled her to embark on a remarkable journey to Morocco, a country steeped in rich cultural heritage.
During her time in Morocco, she had the opportunity to create a captivating film titled "Bricks, Beds and Sheep's Heads", which garnered significant recognition and was subsequently nominated for a Student Academy Award, a testament to her exceptional storytelling abilities and dedication to her craft.
Imelda's acclaimed short film, "Eggs and Soldiers", made its television debut on RTE, Ireland's premier broadcasting network, captivating audiences nationwide. To date, the film has been showcased at an impressive array of over 70 international festivals, spanning nine distinct countries, a testament to its widespread recognition and acclaim.
Throughout its festival run, "Eggs and Soldiers" has garnered a multitude of prestigious awards, further solidifying its reputation as a standout in the world of short filmmaking. Notably, the film received an Award of Excellence from the esteemed Broadcast Education Association, a coveted recognition that underscores its exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Furthermore, Imelda's impressive screenwriting skills were honored with the Tonino Guerra Award for screenwriting at the renowned Chicago Art-house Blow-Up Film Festival, a recognition that speaks to the film's narrative depth and emotional resonance.
In addition to these notable accolades, "Eggs and Soldiers" has also been recognized by several prominent film competitions, including the Accolade Competition, Global Shorts, Los Angeles, and IndieFest Film Awards, further cementing its status as a remarkable achievement in the world of independent filmmaking.
Noted filmmaker, recognized for her outstanding creative endeavors, garnered a prestigious Director's Choice Award at the renowned Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival in the year 2021, for her captivating short film, "Tumbling Towards Home".
Imelda's feature screenplay, We're the Kids in America, garnered significant recognition when it was selected as an official entry for the prestigious L'Atélier Cinéfondation at the 2018 Cannes International Film Festival. The screenplay's impressive credentials continued to grow as it received an Honorable Mention from the esteemed Stowe Story Labs in 2019, as well as taking home the "Best Of" Competition award from the Broadcast Education Association in the same year.
In addition to its festival success, We're the Kids in America was also workshopped through the renowned Moving Picture Institute Screenwriting Fellowship, demonstrating Imelda's dedication to refining her craft. Furthermore, the screenplay placed within the top 10% of the highly competitive Nicholls Fellowship in 2019, solidifying its position as a standout in the industry.
Imelda's feature screenplay, Beneath the Boy's Cry, also made a notable impact in the festival circuit, securing an official selection at the Moonstone International in Leipzig. The screenplay's crowning achievement was winning the coveted Best of Festival award at the Broadcast Education Association, a testament to Imelda's exceptional storytelling abilities.
Imelda possesses a Master of Fine Arts degree in film, earned with honours from the prestigious Columbia University. This academic achievement is a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the art of filmmaking. In addition to her academic pursuits, Imelda has also shared her expertise with others by delivering Master Classes at various esteemed institutions, including University College Cork, Fordham University, Union College, School of Visual Arts, and St. Joseph's College. Her teaching experience has allowed her to nurture the talents of aspiring filmmakers and share her knowledge with a wider audience.
Imelda's impressive resume also includes her role as a judge for several prominent film festivals and competitions. She has served as a judge for the Next Reel International Film Festival, the Asia Europe Short Film Contest, the Sound of Silent Film Festival, the Dusty Awards at School for Visual Arts, and the Inwood Screenplay Competition. This experience has provided her with a unique perspective on the film industry and has allowed her to identify and recognize outstanding talent in the field.
Imelda, the pioneering Founder and Director of the JMU Filmmaking Short Summer Program, has garnered widespread recognition for her work, with screenings at esteemed institutions such as Aalto University, Fordham University, the Hoboken Historical Museum, and the Vero Beach Museum.
