Close-Up Summer Residency 2025

Developing the next generation of diverse filmmakers

The Close-Up Summer Residency 2025 took place from 30th June to 6th July at The Deerstone Eco Hideaway in Wicklow. Delivered as part of GORM’s Wideshot Programme, the residency supported nine emerging filmmakers from ethnically diverse backgrounds to develop their original short film ideas in a focused, supportive environment.

Over the course of the week, participants took part in a range of industry-led workshops focused on story development, scripting, editing, directing, and self-shooting. The residency also included peer review sessions, one-to-one mentoring, and space for creative exploration.

Key Highlights:

• 9 participants selected through GORM’s national Wideshot Programme
• 5 days of intensive workshops on writing, directing, sound, editing, and pitching
• Pitch’N’Mix Showcase featuring project presentations to an external industry panel
• €2,500 seed funding awarded to the top project

2025 Winner: Marcello Fidelis

Marcello’s pitch for Go Home was selected as the winner of this year’s showcase. He received €2,500 to support production of the film ahead of a screening at GORM Gathering 2025.

Mentors & Facilitators

• Anne Roper
• Naima Mohamud
• Ray Roantree
• Jite Birhire
• Yoshua Petit-Frere

Programme coordination was led by Beatriz Gómez Moreno, Ayesha Syeddah, and Mamobo Ogoro.

Industry Judges

• Chloe Victory – Screen Ireland
• Katherine Ryan – IAPI
• Derek Doyle – Boys + Girls
• Niamh Skelly – Publicis Dublin

Funders

The Close-Up Summer Residency 2025 was made possible with the support of:

• Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland
• The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon
• The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
• Coimisiún na Meán

2025 Participants

Shantel Waithira Waruinge
Ritik Gupta
Marcello Fidelis
George Adegboyega
Ayonete Icha
Karen Janet Guerrero Garcia
Debbie Shonowo
Luca Melis
Chisom George

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