MATECRIME at Galway Film Fleadh

MATECRIME Short film to premiere

A vulnerable young man enjoys his new found freedom. An unexpected encounter while shopping leads to an unravelling of his world. 

We are thrilled to announce that our self-produced short film, written and directed by Petal Pilley, is set to premiere at the 2026 Galway Film Fleadh on Wednesday 8th July.

MATECRIME  (run time 13 mins) is programmed as part of the Goin’ Out West Shorts which screens at 9.45 am on 8th July at Town Hall Theatre Galway. 

Speaking about the news, Petal told us “We’re buzzing with excitement at being accepted into the Galway Film Fleadh with our short film MATECRIME and as a first-time writer/director its very special for me.” 

The cast includes the debut film performance of Cormac Crawford (Martin), together with IFTA Winning actor Dara Devaney in the lead roles, with the supporting cast of Midie Corcoran, John McHugh, Mary McHugh, Michael Hayes and Roisin Walsh.

Not every friend is on your side

Dara Devaney (Steven) with Cormac Crawford (Martin)

Tickets for the screening are available from Town Hall Theatre Box Office 091 569 777 or

online GOIN’ OUT WEST – Galway Film Fleadh

What is Mate Crime?

The film MATECRIME is an artistic response to a research project led by Dr Charles O’Mahony, Associate Professor in Law, University of Galway, Ireland, on the little understood topic of ‘mate crime’,  a significant but often hidden and underreported issue that many disabled and vulnerable people experience. This can be in the form of  financial exploitation, emotional abuse, coercion and other serious types of abuse.

FIND OUT MORE about making of the film and links to the research project – visit PROJECT Page.