A Donegal student has been given an amazing opportunity to further her career in the world of film.
Screenwriter and film director Kate Haley was one of 40 recipients of the Fulbright Award at Iveagh House in Dublin.
The Fulbright Program provides opportunities for passionate and accomplished students, scholars, artists, teachers, and professionals from all backgrounds to undertake programs and collaborate with experts in the USA.
Kate is an alumni of Trinity College Dublin where she completed both a first-class honours B.A. in English Literature and a M.Phil. with distinction in Screenwriting.
She is originally from Portlean in Kilmacrennan, and attended Loretto Milford secondary school.
Her film credits include writing and directing the short films ‘Risk’ (2017), ‘A Park Bench’ (2017) and more recently ‘A Death in the Family’ (2020) which was shortlisted for Screen Ireland’s Short Film Programme.
Kate will spend her Fulbright year at the American Film Institute Conservatory, advancing her critical and creative skills with the hope of expanding her directorial career.
She tweeted “Absolutely over the moon to be awarded a @Fulbright_Eire scholarship to go study in the States! I can’t wait to further my directorial career at a conservatory level. So honoured to be included amongst these brilliant folk. #Fulbright #Ireland”
The Fulbright Program has served to strengthen international relations for seventy-five years. The Fulbright Commission in Ireland’s vision of inspiring minds to create a global culture of understanding is more important than ever in today’s increasingly polarised world.
40 Fulbright Irish Awardees for 2022-2023 pictured in Iveagh House with US Embassy DCM Alexandra McKnight, Fulbright ED Dr Dara Fitzgerald, DFA Secretary General Joe Hackett and Fulbright Chair Professor Diane Negra
This year’s Irish awardees will undertake research, teaching and study in the USA spanning many disciplines. They will address pressing societal issues, engage with U.S. society, and share their knowledge when they return home.
Joe Hackett, Secretary General of the Department of the Foreign Affairs said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to the Irish Fulbright Awardees for 2022–2023. Fulbright scholarships provide a transformational experience for individuals and play a crucial role in sustaining the close relationship that Ireland and the United States share.
“Every year, Fulbright recipients have the exciting opportunity to study, work, and experience life in the U.S., and to represent the best of Ireland. I wish this year’s Awardees every success for their time in the U.S.”
