Claire Frances Byrne
Claire Frances Byrne, a Dublin native and award-winning Irish filmmaker, is set to make waves at the Dublin International Film Festival in February 2025 with the premiere of her feature directorial debut, READY OR NOT. This highly anticipated film is supported by Screen Ireland, Bankside, RTÉ, and Article1. Written by Lynn Ruane and produced by Ruth Coady for Gaze Pictures, the film stands out as a bold and compelling addition to Irish cinema.
Known for her fearless storytelling, Claire has carved a reputation in the Irish film industry for creating authentic, provocative, and female-driven narratives. Her work often challenges societal perceptions on issues such as sexual consent, rape culture, and sex work. These themes are powerfully evident not only in READY OR NOT but also in her acclaimed short films. One of Claire’s standout projects, the Screen Ireland-funded short film SISTER THIS, garnered critical acclaim, earning a nomination for a 2020 IFTA, winning Best Film at the Fastnet Short Film Festival, special mention at Foyle Film Festival and securing Best Short Film and Best Director at the 2020 Kinsale Shark Awards.