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WE BRING TOGETHER A SELECT GROUP FOR AN INTIMATE DINNER & CONVERSATION WITH ONE OF THE DEFINING FILMAKERS OF OUR TIME, WHOSE WORK HAS SHAPED MODERN CINEMA.
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WRITER, DIRECTOR & STORYTELLER, JIM SHERIDAN.
IFTA ACADAMY : LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 2025
Jim Sheridan is one of
the most respected
filmmakers to emerge
from Ireland & the UK.​
His work includes internationally acclaimed films such as My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father, stories that explored justice, identity and resilience with extraordinary depth and humanity.
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Across decades of filmmaking, he has consistently championed independent voices and uncompromising storytelling.​
THE EXPERIENCE
OUR EVENING WILL UNFOLD OVER A PRIVATE DINNER IN WESTMINSTER
Informal salon with
invited guests
landmark London venue
Four-course dinner
COMMEmOraTIVE art UNVeiLING
ART CURATION DISPLAY
Curated wine reception
Jim Sheridan
is our Guest of Honour
Live auction and private
acquisition window
LIVE ACOUSTIC PERForMANCE
GUEST OF HONOUR
Jim Sheridan
Through conversation and shared presence,
this evening brings the Sanctuary Project forward, helping these stories reach the world
Jim Sheridan joins us in support of the Sanctuary project, a film currently in development that seeks to bring forward the lived experiences of those affected by financial systems that have failed them. Rather than approaching the subject through data or explanation, the project focuses on storytelling, giving voice to the human impact behind the headlines.
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Jim’s involvement is both creative and personal. He is helping shape the direction of the film and supporting its development, drawn to the depth of the story and the importance of how it is told.
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This evening forms part of that journey.
EVENING WITH WINE EXPERT
Charlie
Womersley
Charlie curates the wine reception, offering a selection that reflects both the character of the occasion and the stories it holds.
With over five decades immersed in the world of wine, Charlie Womersley brings a depth of knowledge shaped by experience, instinct, and a lifelong curiosity. From working across every layer of the trade to sharing moments with some of its most iconic figures, his journey is one defined by discovery and connection.
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For this evening, Charlie curates the wine reception, offering a selection that reflects both the character of the occasion and the stories it holds.
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EVENING WITH RESIDENT ARTIST
Jai Sol
Renowned Artist, Jai Sol unveils an original artwork inspired by the Sanctuary Project.
The piece explores the tension between the idea of home as safety and the reality experienced by those affected by financial systems that have failed them. Through layered imagery, the work brings together elements of structure, control, and human presence.
His wider collections presented on the evening, explore themes of spirituality, culture, and transformation, each expressed through detailed, multi-layered compositions.
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Jai Sol is an independent visual artist from Northern England, creating multimedia works that explore spirituality, culture, and transformation, exhibited in private galleries and internationally.
EVENING WITH LIVE PERFORMANCE
Brian
Houston
Brian Houston will perform“Thirteen Dead,” his protest song linked to the themes of the Sanctuary Project
and the wider impact of vulture funds, repossessions, and financial
injustice in Ireland.
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In addition, a rare guitar courtesy of Avalon Guitars will be brought by Brian Houston to be auctioned on the evening with a reserve price.
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Brian is a singer-songwriter from Belfast, Northern Ireland. He writes and performs original music and has released multiple albums over his career.
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Our Venue
116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London, W1J 7BJ
THE ATHENAEUM
A timeless classic, Art Deco Hotel stood in the heart of Mayfair since 1850.
Located in Mayfair - The Athenaeum plays a central role in our experience.
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Moments from Green Park, The Athenaeum offers a calm and refined space within one of London’s most distinguished areas. Our venue has been chosen not just for its elegance, but for its ability to hold the tone of the evening. Intimate yet elevated, it allows for conversation & connection.
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Rooms are available at a preferred rate for guests attending our event. For further details and to arrange your stay, please contact us directly.
Live Bidding
EVENT AUCTION
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A key moment of the evening, our live auction will present a
selection of unique prizes for guests to acquire, with a handcrafted
Avalon guitar as the central feature.
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Bidding takes place in real time, offering those in the room the opportunity to engage directly and secure a piece as part of the experience.
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Proceeds from the auction will support The Independent Film Trust, helping underrepresented filmmakers develop their work, advance their careers, and bring new stories to life.
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CURATED BY GIVERGY
Join Us
A limited guest list has been curated for this evening
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
Guests are invited to make a £500 contribution.
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• Secures attendance at the private dinner • Supports the production of the evening
• Directly funds the Raindance Raw Talent Program
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Visit our Givergy profile to secure your ticket and support the Independent Film Trust.
Our Event Partner
FILM FESTIVAL & ACADEMY : established in 1992
RAINDANCE RAW TALENT PROGRAM
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Raindance Film Festival is one of the world’s leading independent film festivals, founded in London in 1992. It is known for championing emerging filmmakers and presenting bold, original storytelling from around the world.
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Alongside the festival, Raindance Raw Talent Program provides practical training for
filmmakers at all levels, offering courses in screenwriting, directing, producing, and the
business of film. Its focus is on independent filmmaking, giving creators the tools to
develop, produce, and distribute their own work.
FILMMAKING FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME
IN-PERSON AND ONLINE TRAINING
INDUSTRY MASTERCLASSES
AND RESOURCES
NETWORKING &
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
ADVANCED DIRECTING AND ACTOR WORKSHOPS
99 MINUTE FILM SCHOOL SESSIONS
SCREENWRITING, DIRECTING, PRODUCING COURSES
BREAKING INTO FILM
INDUSTRY COURSES
YOUR TICKET SUPPORTS
This event is raising money for Sanctuary, a truth-driven film project with Jim Sheridan and Terry McMahon, telling the human story behind Ireland’s vulture-fund mortgage crisis. It asks the vital question: where can people turn for sanctuary when the systems meant to protect them fail.
WHY IT MATTERS
It also helps the Independent Film Trust support the next slate through early-stage development support, and future invitation-only fundraising evenings that turn promising work into finished films.
The Independent Film Trust exists to open doors in UK film, TV and immersive media for the filmmakers, and the stories, the system keeps on the outside. We back under represented voices with practical support that leads to scripts developed, careers moved forward and work that gets made, seen and felt.
For questions, dietary requirements or accessibility needs: Members@raindance.co.uk
Support the
INDEPENDENT FILM TRUST
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The Independent Film Trust exists to support underrepresented filmmakers across the UK, helping them develop their work, progress their careers, and bring important stories to life.​​​
You can support their work directly through a donation.
To follow the work we do,
visit the website,
OUR PARTNERS
Please visit our partners via the links below:
www.raindance.org
www.independentfilmtrust.org.uk
www.athenaeumhotel.com
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