An Irish filmmaker received a Gold Award at the YDA Young Director’s Awards ceremony, which took place last night in Cannes, France.
Dublin-based director Alan Bradley was honoured for his 2023 RTÉ documentary 'Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost', which sheds light on the high suicide rates within the Irish Traveller community.d
Bradley's documentary was selected from an all-time high number of global submissions by a jury composed of distinguished industry producers and directors.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the award and to be acknowledged alongside such a high calibre of international talent”, remarked Bradley. “The passing of Patrick had a profound impact on the Traveller community, and my aspiration was for the documentary to serve as a platform for their voices to be heard. I am delighted that the work has connected with the international jury members”.
Commenting on Bradley’s win, the Danish film producer and member of the judging panel Kate Kagawa remarked:
"This deeply emotional, sensitive film gave the entire jury goosebumps. It is an outstanding piece of work shining a light on a little known, yet crucially important issue."
'Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost' premiered on RTÉ One last November. The documentary follows the parents of 12-year-old Patrick McDonagh, as they come to terms with their loss and explores the wider challenges facing their community. Following its premiere President Micheal D Higgins stated:
”There are so many reasons I could think of why this film should be seen in every household, and it would be just incredibly valuable if it were seen in every school.”
Established in 1998, the Young Director Award (YDA) is the sole international award specifically devoted to emerging young filmmakers. Director Alan Bradley is currently working on two new documentaries to be broadcast this Autumn.
‘Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost' directed by Alan Bradley is available to watch on the RTÉ player
Have you got a story to tell? CultureHead is one of Ireland's leading communications agencies dedicated to arts & entertainment. For help telling your story request our Rate Card