Declan Curran - From YouTube to Film Festivals
In this episode, host Martin Nutty chats with Declan Curran, actor, writer, and producer of the acclaimed short film Dear Imelda. Declan traces his creative path from creating teenage comedy sketches on YouTube to crafting award-winning short films that have screened at festivals worldwide. His growing success is highlighted by a recent distribution deal brokered by Network Ireland Television (NITV) with the Japanese streaming platform SAMANSA, expanding his reach to international audiences.
Recorded at the Capital Irish Film Festival in Washington, DC—hosted by Solas Nua—this conversation captures the vibrant, collaborative spirit of the festival. Declan discusses the realities of self-funding projects, the power of film festivals for emerging filmmakers, and the value of real-life connections in a digital age. He also reflects on the top-tier screening experience at venues like the AFI Silver Theatre and the support he’s found through family collaborations, particularly with his cousin Arón Holden, director of Dear Imelda.
Looking ahead, Declan talks about his aspirations to transition into feature filmmaking and the lessons he’s carrying forward from his indie film success.
Links
Declan Curran
- Website
- Filmography
- Dear Imelda (2024 - Trailer)
- Birthday (2023)
- Shall We Sit (2023)
- Shine (2021)
Solas Nua
Other Links
Episode Details: Season 7, Episode 22; Total Episode Count: 125
00:00 - Introduction
03:01 - Declan Curran - Film Background
05:54 - First Film - Backstory
08:55 - Why Make Short Films?
10:44 - Dear Imelda Backstory
13:54 - Film and Financing Challenges
18:31 - Finding Distribution for Short Films
20:50 - Looking to the Future
24:19 - Part II
25:06 - Capital Irish Film Festival Impressions
32:37 - SAMANSA and Upcoming Festivals
41:40 - The Feature Project
45:28 - Martin Recaps
46:48 - Credits
Declan Curran
Actor/Write/Director
Declan Curran is an Irish actor, writer, and director from Atticall, Co Down.
Having written and directed a number of short films, most notably the multi-award-winning ‘Shine‘ (2021), he continues to create and showcase his work at various Film Festivals nationally and internationally.
Declan’s latest project, ‘Dear Imelda‘ (2024) starring Rose Henderson (Father Ted), made its World Premiere at the 25th Chicago Irish Film Festival as a Festival Award Nominee. The Irish Premiere was held at the Academy Award® & BAFTA accredited Foyle Film Festival, where it was awarded a Special Mention as Runner-Up for Best Irish Short Film. ‘Dear Imelda’ has been acquired by Network Ireland Television for International Distribution and is Now Streaming on SAMANSA.
