The IndieCork Film Festival is facing backlash following anti-trans statements made by its director over a number of years. The controversy has sparked calls for boycotts and institutional action, as industry figures and collectives demand a clear stance in support of the trans community.
A series of posts made by festival director Michael Hannigan on X have resurfaced, drawing widespread criticism. One particularly contentious comment referenced a recent Telegraph article about a trans employee at Marks&Spencer: “I accept that you consider a male M&S employee involving himself in a 14-year-old’s bra purchase to be so unacceptable that it must be fantastical. Unfortunately, it’s no fantasy.”
In another post, Hannigan lamented shifting societal norms, saying: “I’m old enough to remember when certain truths were universally acknowledged, but that was before ‘queering’ became fashionable.”
Aisha Bolaji, a filmmaker, writer, and co-founder of the Gal Pal Collective, issued a public statement condemning Hannigan’s views. “It has been recently brought to my attention the transphobic views that are held by the director of IndieCork Film Festival, Michael Hannigan. His stance on trans rights and mockery of the trans community has been actively shared on social media for years,” she wrote.
Bolaji called on the festival and its funders to respond appropriately, adding, “Until then, I can no longer recommend any filmmaker submit their work or support the festival.”
The GalPal Collective further reinforced their stance in the joint statement: “If Michael Hannigan can voice his transphobic views outwardly, as allies the least we can do is voice our stance being firmly with the trans community.”
Many are turning towards alternative festivals that explicitly support LGBTQ+ artists. These include GAZE International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Queer Spectrum Film Festival, and TITE, all of which are praised for their inclusive programming and commitment to platforming trans and queer voices in Irish cinema.
IndieCork, scheduled for October 5–12, 2025, has yet to make a statement.
Did you know we have a team of wonderful runners taking part in this year’s Dublin Marathon and raising funds for GCN? You can support our athletes at this link.
© 2025 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
Support GCN
GCN is a free, vital resource for Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.
GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity - Charity Number: 20034580.
GCN relies on the generous support of the community and allies to sustain the crucial work that we do. Producing GCN is costly, and, in an industry which has been hugely impacted by rising costs, we need your support to help sustain and grow this vital resource.
Supporting GCN for as little as €1.99 per month will help us continue our work as Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media.
comments. Please sign in to comment.