Cork International Film Festival (CIFF), in partnership with University College Cork (UCC) hosted the premiere screening of Peggy, a short film created by the 2023/24 UCC Puttnam Scholars, on Wednesday 9th April.
The screening marks the culmination of a year-long creative journey under the mentorship of Oscar-winning producer Lord David Puttnam, and the launch of the 2025 partnership between UCC and CIFF.
The premiere of Peggy was followed by a live panel discussion featuring the filmmakers alongside Lord Puttnam, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear first-hand about the creative process behind the film and the unique learning experience this scholarship programme provides.
The Puttnam Scholarship Programme pairs UCC students with renowned film producer, and digital education pioneer Lord David Puttnam for an intensive, project-based mentorship that spans the academic year.
Fiona Clark, Festival Director and CEO of Cork International Film Festival, said:
“We are delighted to be co-hosting this special screening of “Peggy”, celebrating the creativity of the 2024 Puttnam Scholars with its world premiere at UCC. As CIFF’s Patron, David Puttnam is a champion of film and education and the transformative power of storytelling. We are thrilled that this special event also launches our partnership with UCC for 2025, a milestone year for the Festival, which celebrates its 70th anniversary. We look forward to showcasing the endeavours of the 2025 Scholars at CIFF this November, along with a range of partnership activities, including our award-winning youth film and mental health programme, Intinn (with the School of Nursing and Midwifery), public engagement with the CIFF Digital Archive (developed with the Department of Digital Humanities), and a variety of learning and access opportunities for the students of the Schools of Film and Screen Media.”
Dr Ciara Chambers, Head of Film and Screen Media at UCC, said: “The Puttnam Scholarship Programme offers an extraordinary opportunity for students to develop their storytelling craft while learning from one of the true greats of international cinema. Lord Puttnam’s mentorship is deeply meaningful for our Scholars – it empowers them to find their voice, to take creative risks, and to work collaboratively at a professional level.”
“The 2023/24 cohort have created a thoughtful, beautifully crafted film that speaks to the emotional depth and collaborative skill they’ve developed throughout the process. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved, and we’re excited to see where their careers will take them – not only across film and screen media, but throughout the wider creative industries, where their unique voices and perspectives are so needed,” Dr Chambers said.
Lord David Puttnam said: “In bringing Peggy to the screen, the Scholars have shown an outstanding level of commitment, creativity, and professionalism at every stage of the production. Watching them evolve – both as individuals and as a cohesive creative team – has been a genuine privilege. Their ability to transform that growth into such a compelling, emotionally rich film is a true testament to their talent and remarkable potential.”
The 2023/24 Puttnam Scholars were:
- Lorena Chierchini – UCC Bachelor of Film and Screen Media student
- Portia Ameyalli García Cruz – UCC MA in Film and Screen Media student and 2023 Government of Ireland International Education Scholar
- Lucía Dwyer – MA in Experimental Sound Practice; sound designer and installation artist
- Dorothée Karekezi – Higher Diploma in Arts: Theatre & Performative Practices student
- George Lynch – BA Film and Screen Media student
- Tess O’Regan – MA in English (Modern Literature); BA in Film and Screen Media graduate
- Finja Schroetter – BA Film and Screen Media
Learn more about the Puttnam Scholarship programme at UCC here.
The 70th Cork International Film Festival will take place from Thursday 6th to Sunday 16th November 2025.
