The TITE film festival, set to take place from 25–27 April 2025, at the Light House Cinema in Dublin, promises to be an exciting event for film enthusiasts. We had the opportunity to speak with festival founder James Hudson, filmmaker Theda Hammel, and Director & CEO of Young Irish Film Makers, Garry McHugh, to get an insight into the festival’s diverse programming.
About TITE
The tite film Festival presents 8 feature films, 40 shorts, a workshop, filmmaker Q&As, and more to be announced. From award-winning Sundance darlings to low-budget DIY extravaganzas, soft-spoken dramas to hyperpop explosions, dozens of Irish premieres and a special archive screening from 1989, this year’s programme will showcase a wide range of trans film.
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• Soft-spoken dramas
• Hyperpop explosions
• Award-winning Sundance darlings
• Low-budget DIY extravaganzas -
• Dozens of Irish premieres
• A special archive screening from 1989
The festival aims to break down stereotypes and challenge traditional notions of trans film. According to James Hudson, “TITE is more than just a film festival, it’s a platform for trans voices to be heard and seen.”
Meet the Artists
We had the chance to speak with Theda Hammel, whose remarkable debut feature, Stress Positions, will close this year’s programme. Theda is a co-host of the KNFW Nymphowars podcast with Macy Rodman and has released three EPs. Her original music can be found at majortransceleb.bandcamp.com. She has also had her short film, My Trip To Spain, which played at the Sundance and Tribeca film festivals.
“I’m thrilled to be closing the TITE Film Festival with my feature film Stress Positions. It’s a project that has been close to my heart, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share it with the Irish public.” – Theda Hammel
Garry McHugh, Director & CEO of Young Irish Film Makers, is also a key figure at the festival. Garry has been nominated for a Global Production Award at Cannes, a significant recognition of his contribution to youth engagement and creativity in film. He has worked with over 2500 young people annually through the youth arts practice of film and animation.
| Name | Title | Year | Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garry McHugh | Director & CEO, Young Irish Film Makers | 2014 | Nominated for a Global Production Award at Cannes |
| James Hudson | Festival Founder, TITE Film Festival | 2020 | Assistant Programmer, GAZE LGBTQIA Film Festival |
| Theda Hammel | Filmmaker | 2021 | Short film, My Trip To Spain, played at Sundance and Tribeca |
James Hudson, the festival founder, has also worked at the GAZE LGBTQIA Film Festival since 2020, where he is currently Assistant Programmer. Since 2022, he has also programmed the monthly Small Trans Film Club, and has guest programmed at the IFI, the Light House Cinema, and the James Connolly Festival among others.
The Importance of Representation
The TITE Film Festival is dedicated to providing a platform for trans voices to be heard and seen. According to Garry McHugh, “Representation is key to changing the narrative around trans people. By showcasing trans films, we can challenge traditional notions of what it means to be trans and promote a more inclusive and accepting society.”
“The festival aims to break down stereotypes and challenge traditional notions of trans film.”
The Festival Programme
The festival programme includes a wide range of films, from soft-spoken dramas to hyperpop explosions. Dozens of Irish premieres and a special archive screening from 1989 will also be featured. The full programme can be found on the TITE Film Festival website.
A Word from the Festival Founder
According to James Hudson, “TITE is more than just a film festival, it’s a platform for trans voices to be heard and seen.
