Belfast filmmaker Maeve Murphy celebrated at London Breeze Film Festival as Silent Grace marks 25th anniversary

Belfast filmmaker Maeve Murphy is being celebrated at this year’s London Breeze Film Festival, marking 25 years since her acclaimed debut feature Silent Grace.

The 25th anniversary of Silent Grace provides an opportunity to revisit a landmark moment in Murphy’s career and Irish cinema. The film has continued to attract recognition over the years and was previously included by The Irish Times in its list of the 50 greatest Irish films.

The anniversary screening forms part of the 2026 London Breeze Film Festival programme, bringing Silent Grace back to audiences in London a quarter of a century after its original release.

Murphy’s work is also represented at the festival through her short film The Wolf, giving audiences the opportunity to see another of her films as part of this year’s programme.

Maeve Murphy is also involved with the 2026 festival as an ambassador and member of the jury, further highlighting the festival’s recognition of her contribution to filmmaking.

The return of Silent Grace after 25 years is particularly significant for Belfast, where Murphy began her filmmaking career. The anniversary offers a chance to reflect on the film’s journey, its place within Irish cinema, and Murphy’s continuing contribution to film.

The London Breeze Film Festival brings together filmmakers and audiences to celebrate cinema and provide a platform for women filmmakers and their work.

The 25th anniversary celebrations for Silent Grace, alongside the screening of The Wolf, offer a timely opportunity to rediscover Maeve Murphy’s work and celebrate a Belfast filmmaker whose films continue to find new audiences.