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<h4>Marking 60 Years of Film in Galway</h4>
From rosary vigils to bomb threats, school halls and hotel rooms to their own arthouse cinema, The Galway Film Society has come a long way over the last 60 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;
As GFS marks its 60th anniversary, it celebrates a rich history of promoting diverse, non-mainstream cinema in the west. The society, which began as a modest gathering of cinema enthusiasts, has grown into Ireland's longest-running and largest, known for championing cultural and artistic expression.
As part of their anniversary celebrations, they commissioned a special short film titled 'Galway Film Society at 60' which charts their significant role in reflecting societal changes through film over the years.&nbsp;
The mini-documentary, which was launched at Galway City Museum, highlights their evolution from humble beginnings to its current standing as a cultural institution. GFS continues to be a driving force in promoting arthouse and international cinema, with a reputation for showcasing films that spark conversation and, at times, controversy.

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<h4>The Making of The Documentary</h4>
For documentary director, Mikey Whelan, the positive response to the short documentary has been fantastic, with many laughs along the way.&nbsp;
"I found out about Galway Film Society when I was working in Pálás Cinema," he explains.&nbsp;
"It was great to see familiar faces every week and I got to know several members over the years. Last year, the committee contacted me and asked me if I would come on board to organise the 60th anniversary celebrations. This is where we came up with the idea to make a documentary to commemorate the history of GFS.
"We started planning the documentary in January. There was a lot of research involved. I met with many of the members, past and present and slowly began piecing together the rich history of GFS. We assembled a great crew who sourced a lot of archive material. We interviewed many of the members in groups so that we could highlight the special connections that the society has.
"I'm really happy with the final product. The crew and I have had a great experience making it and plenty of laughs along the way. We are all delighted with the response the film is getting and we hope the society continues to live on for another 60 years."
The documentary will be screened again before the opening film of their autumn season on Sunday, October 6th, and Monday, October 7th, at the Pálás Cinema.&nbsp;

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<h4>The Founding of GFS</h4>
The origins of the Galway Film Society date back to 1964, when three local men—post office worker Tom Murphy, photographer Yann Gionard, and journalist John Cunningham of the Connacht Tribune—set out to fill a cultural gap in Galway's film scene. Although Galway was home to a thriving artistic community, there was no provision for screening cultural or foreign films. Mainstream venues showed little interest in non-commercial cinema, leaving film lovers with few options.
The GFS began as a nomadic group, relying on school halls and hotel rooms to screen films using 16mm projectors. Without a permanent venue or tiered seating, the society's early screenings were often challenging. However, two local religious orders, the Redemptorists and Jesuits, provided support, offering these much needed projectors. This collaboration was emblematic of GFS’s early years, during which the society broke new ground by bringing global cinema to Galway audiences.&nbsp;

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<h4>Galway Creatives</h4>
More and more often, they began to screen their shows at UCG, and former Galway City Arts Officer, James Harrold, speaks fondly of his memories of the early days of GFS;
"Every Monday evening, the O’Flaherty Theatre in UCG was the place to see the great films, to stay in touch with significant contemporary art, to feel part of the intellectual and political movements of Europe and the world, to look and listen well beyond the little city.&nbsp;
"All Galway’s creative folk gathered there: from young radical students, and emerging artists to grizzled veterans of the culture wars of the fifties, sixties and seventies./ Ireland’s political turbulence was reflected in the exceptional curatorship, featuring the independent Irish film makers, determined to shine their lights onto our gloomy island."
<h4>Scandal and Success: La Dolce Vita and Hail Mary</h4>
Throughout its history, GFS has been known for its bold programming choices, often selecting films that pushed boundaries. One of the most memorable moments in its history was the 1960 screening of Federico Fellini's scandalous La Dolce Vita at the Sacré Coeur. The film, with its depiction of decadence and moral ambiguity, sparked a wave of controversy, leading to overwhelming demand for tickets.&nbsp;
According to Cunningham, "If we had charged at the gate, we all could have retired for the night." This marked the first of many instances where the society's screenings would attract both admiration and outrage.

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<h4>Bomb Threats and Rosary Vigils</h4>
In 1986, GFS once again found itself at the centre of a national controversy over the screening of Jean-Luc Godard's Je vous salue, Marie (Hail Mary), a modern retelling of the life of the Virgin Mary. The film had already been condemned by the Vatican upon its release in 1985, and its inclusion in the GFS spring programme led to protests from religious groups, including bomb threats and round-the-clock rosary vigils.&nbsp;
Heated debates between those supporting and opposing the screening dominated the discourse, both inside and outside the university. Opponents cited the Vatican’s condemnation of 'Hail Mary,' maintaining that the film crossed sacred boundaries and violated moral standards.&nbsp;
"What we are trying to do is to prevent this filth from touching our youth," one woman explained in archival footage from RTE news. On the other side, proponents of the film emphasised the importance of academic freedom and the role of the university as a bastion of open discussion and artistic exploration.

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<h4>Under Pressure</h4>
Under pressure, UCG withdrew its facilities for the screening, but GFS remained undeterred.&nbsp;
Dr. Pat Sheeran, an English lecturer at UCG, criticised the college authorities for their decision to cancel the screening, calling it “an act of moral and intellectual cowardice.”&nbsp;
Prominent filmmaker Bob Quinn also voiced his dismay at the university’s actions, stating, “I’m quite horrified that a university should prevent the showing of a film in a place that is supposed to be the preserver of free speech.”

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<h4>As James Harrold describes;</h4>
"In January 1986 the University caved in to unpleasant external pressure of religious zealots who entered the campus to prevent the screening of Godard’s ‘Je vous salue Marie’. Rather than confront and deny the censorship of the mob, UCG withdrew its facilities from the society. Suddenly homeless, GFS showed the film off-site, as a pop-up."
The society went ahead with the screening in a private residence, cementing its reputation as a defender of artistic freedom. The incident highlighted the tension between religious conservatism and the society's mission to promote free expression through film.
"In a city light on arts infrastructure the society had little choice than to return to UCG but it was never quite the same comfortable haven and the febrile traces of the college’s capitulation lingered," explains James regarding the impact of the controversy.

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<h4>A Valued Shareholder</h4>
In 1996, the society moved into the newly refurbished Town Hall Theatre, a move that contributed to its growing popularity.
"With the space and freedom of the Town Hall’s benign régime as the municipal showcase for all arts groups GFS could expand its social programming, linking with the diversity of Galway communities, providing connections with older age groups, social action groups and language societies of new Galway residents," continues James.
"When the city’s new Town Hall Theatre opened its doors, Galway Film Society was welcomed by Galway Corporation as an anchor presence, a valued shareholder in the city’s life."

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<h4>Growing Influence: The Festival of Irish Film and Galway Film Fleadh</h4>
The membership of the GFS increased in the late '70s and the society became part of the newly created Federation of Irish Film Societies (FIFS). The FIFS was created, in part, to negotiate better terms for regional film societies and ticket holders. It is the forebear of Access Cinema, the Irish Film Institute, which caters to both voluntary film societies and dedicated arts centres in their programming within a non-theatrical context.
"Those screenings of the late seventies and eighties exuded a sense of an energised arts community finding its voice," continues James.
"At that stage, already two decades old, GFS had a track record of achievement, confidence, and success that the newer groups could aspire to. In company especially with Druid Theatre Company and Galway Arts Festival, Galway Film Society developed the unique west of Ireland voice and aesthetic that propelled Galway to the forefront of the arts in Ireland."

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<h4>A New Platform for Irish Filmmakers</h4>
By the 1980s, GFS had become an important player in the Irish film industry. Its contribution to the Galway Arts Festival included the creation of the Festival of Irish Film, which gave a platform to a new generation of Irish filmmakers. Directors such as Cathal Black, Joe Comerford, Pat Murphy, and Thaddeus O’Sullivan found early support from GFS, and the festival helped to nurture what would become the first wave of Irish cinema.
The festival ran successfully for five years before expanding in 1989 to become the Galway Film Fleadh, one of Ireland’s most prestigious film festivals. The Fleadh continues to be a crucial platform for Irish filmmakers, giving them the opportunity to connect with international audiences and industry professionals.
"As a godparent of the original Galway Film Fleadh and a consistent supporter and curator of new film-making in Galway and Ireland GFS was a consistent trail-blazer," explains James.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The Late Joe McMahon
The history of GFS could not be told without a tribute to the late Joe McMahon, the "outstanding GFS Chair and passionate cinephile" who passed away in May 2024.
Former Galway City Arts Officer, James Harrold, wrote a moving tribute to the Limerick native and UCG administrator (now University of Galway) who took a leading role in the direction of the society over the years.&nbsp;
"Joe was kind, thoughtful and supportive, a real professional, qualities manifest too in his leadership of GFS and in the Federation of Irish Film Societies – now access&gt;cinema. With Joe at the helm of an energetic and imaginative committee, the GFS seasons of screenings became essential entries in Galway’s cultural calendar.&nbsp;
"Joe and his soul-mate Bridie were early morning swimmers at Blackrock, Salthill. The fortitude with which they faced the cold waves was called for when the idyll in the O’Flaherty Theatre was disrupted over the screening of Je vous salou Marie. The personal toll on Joe and Bridie was real: they had to face down letters of abuse, including believable death threats from wicked, anonymous and self-appointed defenders of the faith.&nbsp;
"Joe’s insights and judgment throughout made him a major presence in Galway’s arts community. He was on the first boards of the Galway Arts Centre and the original Galway Film Fleadh. He was utterly supportive of the emerging Galway filmmaking community, in its confident charge towards the highly prized and vastly constructive award in 2014 of Galway’s UNESCO City of Film status and the creation of the Pálás, Galway’s new venue for the art of cinema, which opened in 2018 with GFS as a resident presence.
"Reputedly Joe’s favourite film was Wild Strawberries, Bergman’s masterful contemplation of a life’s journey. Joe’s life journey in film was a triumph. He led from the front, bestowed kindness, clarity and innovation and immeasurably improved film in Galway for audiences and artists. His intellectual curiosity, good humour and breath of understanding were always at the service of Galway, Ireland and the arts. He truly was a colossus."

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<h4>The Present and the Future</h4>
Today, GFS remains at the heart of Galway's cultural life. Now, it has a home at the Pálás arthouse cinema and its commitment to excellence in film programming has ensured a loyal following.
GFS is launching a special Autumn/Winter 2024 season, starting on the weekend of October 6th and 7th. Season tickets are now available, offering access to a curated selection of world cinema, Irish films, and anniversary screenings. The season promises to continue the society's tradition of showcasing films that challenge, inspire, and entertain.

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As Galway Film Society celebrates its 60th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to bring people together, provoke thought, and reflect societal change. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this rich legacy—purchase your season tickets now and experience a year of film like no other.&nbsp;
Season tickets can be purchased in person at Pálás box office until Monday 14th October. For more information about their upcoming autumn/winter screenings log on to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GalwayFilmSociety" target="_self">Galway Film Society Facebook Page</a> and you can find the brochure here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nC4A7vr8jM51w6czy3d-oSK7YYXDWUqH/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawFrrF9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHV6XupsYiCVYqmF8N8cbjv8UcraRSsVM_5hPe6ADCRwDyLfnz-JpYCgVUQ_aem_TRsOQAmY59iEtJgbAqYSLQ" target="_blank">Galway Film Society Autumn Winter Brochure</a>&nbsp;

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With thanks to Mikey Whelan, Louise Casey Conneally (Chair of Galway Film Society), James Harrold, RTE archives and information supplied by David Mahoney for GFS 50th anniversary celebration.

Galway Film Society at 60: A Legacy of Cinema and Controversy

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