GORM are an intercultural media start-up group, centred on the principles of inclusivity. Based in Dublin, their stated mission is to “drive social change through the act of radical belonging. By simultaneously working with company leaders and under-represented communities on the ground to unify, we cultivate holistic approaches to social change.”
This coming weekend sees them host their inaugural summit at The Complex. The special one-day event will gather filmmakers, media professionals, creatives of colour, and industry leaders to celebrate and promote Narrative Change in the Irish media.
In an innovative approach to such gatherings, some of Ireland’s key creative industry players are set to undergo a ‘role reversal’ as they face a grilling from emerging screenwriters. It’s usually the young hopefuls who are a bag of nerves whenever they meet senior executives and are expected to pitch gripping storylines for the next big blockbuster, but the tables will be turned as senior figures from Screen Ireland and media watchdog Coimisiún na Meán gather to listen to ‘creative criticism’ from young hopefuls as part of the so-called Community B*tching session which takes place as part of the event.
“Rather than having a keynote speaker, we want prominent stakeholders in the media sector, such as Screen Ireland and partnering companies, to be keynote listeners,” explained GORM’s founder and chief executive officer Mamobo Ogoro.
“We will provide a platform for attendees to speak candidly to major decision-makers about their experiences in the creative industries – and we want the good, the bad and the ugly. This a unique event and will be the very first time that filmmakers, creatives of colour, and industry leaders will unite to celebrate and promote diversity and inclusion in Irish media.”
The day-long GORM Gathering will also include workshops and panel discussions involving actors, writers and directors from minority and under-represented communities across Ireland who are working in the country’s creative industries.
Hosted by GORM COO Beatriz Gómez Moreno, the ‘Unifying in Practice’ panel will feature Dublin spoken-word performer Mikey Cullen, social justice activist Amanda Adé, and Sage Jaffrey, a former housing activist who is currently facilitating an art and healthcare project.
There will also be a panel on ‘Developing Ireland’s New Talent’, hosted by creative director Ayesha Syeddah and will include Yoshua Petit-Frere, a 24-year-old Haitian-Irish filmmaker and actor; Palestinian filmmaker and games developer Dima Atiyeh; Aliy Aremu, a filmmaker from Nigeria, and Bekah Molony, the founder of Dublin-based artist management agency D07 Artists.
Sure to be a groundbreaking experience, Gorm will offer a unique fusion of entertainment, education, and engagement to encourage Irish talent connecting with their under-served local audiences.
Extending a warm welcome to those who wish to get involved, the key message from the organisers is a simple one. “Join us and be part of this transformative movement. Let’s unify across our differences and create a future where everyone’s story is heard!”
See you there!
The Gorm Gathering takes place in The Depot at the Complex Arts Centre, Dublin 7 on Saturday, October 12, 2024. The day kicks off with Pre-event Workshops from 10am to 1.30pm, followed by the main event from 2pm to 7pm. Grab your tickets now and mark your calendar for October 12th, 2024.
Words – Adhamh Ó Caoimh
