The role of aemi is to strategically support and contribute to the ecology of artist film practice in Ireland.
Initially formed in 2016 by Co-Directors Alice Butler and Daniel Fitzpatrick aemi’s core objective is to open up platforms and pathways for film artists. aemi is a resource organisation, offering a range of supports directly to artists. aemi regularly curate and screen work by film artists in a variety of capacities. A primary focus for aemi is the cinema event which brings with it opportunities for peer exchange through talks, masterclasses, etc. In order to showcase the full scope of artist film practices aemi has fostered a series of key partnerships, this includes a series of ongoing and growing long term relationships with organisations like IFI, Cork International Film Festival, LUX, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios, GAZE, Docs Ireland. Through this aemi is able to continuously expand and develop audiences, along with critical engagement, with artist film.
aemi is funded by the Arts Council.
aemi has also received (or regularly receives) funding from other bodies including Culture Ireland, Dublin City Council, Screen Ireland, Dublin Port Company.
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Supports for Artists
Through its tiered programme of artist supports aemi establishes clear pathways for developing artists to help build their careers while also working with established and mid-career artists to help them scale their practices.
Artist Film Programmes
With their continued forging of local and international partnerships and connections (international festivals, distributors, arts organisations) aemi continue to open up valuable pathways and screening opportunities for the development of artist film
Platforms and Pathways
aemi sees its twin roles, both as a resource for film artists and in terms of audience development, as being deeply connected and mutually dependent.
This is reflected in a strategy rooted in two key pillars- Platforms and Pathways. To learn more and read aemi’s Strategic Plan 2025-27 click below
aemi artist in focus
aemi’s ‘artist in focus’ programme is an online exhibition platform showcasing the work of Irish film artists incorporating screenings, interviews with artists and essays. aemi looks to online exhibition as a way to reach more diverse audiences for artist film and to showcase the work of Irish filmmakers to international audiences.
Mentorship, training, masterclasses
aemi continuously looks for ways to open up opportunities for shared learning either for those entering the field for the first time or those looking to scale up their practice. aemi provides a number or key outputs for this exchange including mentorship, peer-to-peer exchange, and its toolkit for film artists
One-to-one artist support sessions
aemi’s primary objective is to maximise opportunity and support for film artists at both a local (all Ireland) and international level. The artist is at the centre of what aemi does and aemi is highly responsive to the needs of artists. We regularly meet one-on-one with film artists operating at a variety of different levels through our tiered artist support programme feeding this knowledge back into what we do. These individual sessions are free and open to all
DISSOLUTIONS Festival
Each September aemi teams up with The Complex to present a unique standalone festival dedicated to artist film with screenings, workshops, artist talks
Touring programme
‘The said and the unsaid’ is aemi’s exciting, new 2025 touring programme, an annual selection platforming some of the most exciting new moving image work by Irish artists in conversation with key international works.