Step behind the curtain of one of the most vital forces in Irish filmmaking — Casting.

BVIFF is excited to present an exclusive panel featuring some of Ireland’s most accomplished and sought-after casting directors. These industry leaders have handpicked the talent behind the country's biggest TV series, films, and theatrical productions.

Hosted by acclaimed actor Orla Fitzgerald (The Wind That Shakes the Barley, The Young Offenders), this deep dive into the world of casting will reveal what it truly takes to break into the industry. Hear firsthand from the experts who discover and shape Ireland’s next big stars.

Expect insider tips, career-changing advice, and behind-the-scenes stories that every aspiring actor, filmmaker and potential casting director needs to hear.

Host:

Orla Fitzgerald is an acclaimed Irish stage and screen actress. Her theatre credits include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Weir, and Inside the GPO. On-screen, she has starred in The Young Offenders, The Wind That Shakes the Barley, and Taken Down. A two-time IFTA nominee, she has also been recognised by the Irish Times Theatre Awards and the Edinburgh Stage Awards.

Guests:

Louise Kiely studied Law at UCC and trained at The Gaiety School of Acting before founding Louise Kiely Casting in 2005. Her TV credits include Normal People, Kin, Bodkin, and The Dry, while films include Banshees of Inisherin, Disenchanted, and Sing Street. She has won multiple CSA Artios and CDG Awards and was Emmy-nominated in 2020. Louise is a member of BAFTA, IFTA, and The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Luci Lenox is an award-winning casting director from Dundalk, based in Spain. She has cast over 120 productions for Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and Lionsgate, with her films grossing over $1 billion globally and winning 300+ awards. A champion of emerging talent, she is a member of the CSA, IFTA, and European Film Academies and leads APDICE’s diversity committee. Luci actively supports Irish actors in European productions.

Barry Coyle studied English & Classics at NUI Galway and earned an MA in Digital Media from the Huston School of Film. Now a Casting Director at the Abbey Theatre, he has a rich background in Irish stage and screen. A former Associate Casting Director with Louise Kiely Casting, he has worked on projects for RTÉ, BBC, Element, and Netflix and is a member of the Casting Directors Guild.

Mary-Ellen O’Hara is a Casting Director and Intimacy Coordinator from Newry, Northern Ireland. A former actor, she worked with Carla Stronge Casting on Game of Thrones, Derry Girls, and more. Now independent, her recent screen and stage credits include The Puzzle Lady and Yerma. An acting coach and director, she champions emerging talent and prioritises safe, creative workspaces.

BVIFF 2025 is made possible through funding from The Arts Council, Louth County Council Festival Fund, Meath County Council and Love Drogheda B.I.D.S., sponsorship from The Clinch Family, and support from Boann Distillery, Anglo Printers and The Marcy.