Paul Schrader, scriptwriter for Martin Scorsese's classic film, Taxi Driver, is one of a number of international guests at the 17th annual Galway Film Fleadh, which opened in the city last night.
Schrader, who directed American Gigolo, will be giving a screenwriting masterclass in Galway today, as part of a packed programme involving almost 100 screenings over the next five days.
The world premiere of Big Plane Small Axe, the story of anti-war activist Mary Kelly, will be screened in Galway's Town Hall Theatre this morning, along with Talking of Power, a documentary on women and the Venezuelan revolution. The double bill will be followed by a discussion chaired by Lelia Doolan.
The story of a man who decides to swim the English Channel after he loses his job was the subject of last night's premiere screening of On a Clear Day, directed by Gaby Dellal and starring Peter Mullan, Sean McGinley, Brenda Blethyn and Billy Boyd.
Features, shorts, documentaries and animations will be screened, along with masterclasses and workshops hosted by national and international figures in film.
This year's event will pay a special tribute to Russian director Alexander Sukurov, and an Irish tribute to cinematographer Seamus Deasy.