Ruth Keogh

Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production

Donegal – Letterkenny

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your degree.

My ATU journey began when I came into the second year of the film degree. I had completed a level 6 course in NWRC in Digital Design, which was like a taster of different mediums of digital media – graphic design, animation, motion graphics, photography and film-making. Film was my main area of interest, so I continued on with my studies to attain a level 8 degree with ATU, in Digital Film and Video.

What was your overall experience of studying at ATU Donegal?

Although the experience was somewhat hindered by COVID-19 and the transition to predominantly online learning, I still enjoyed the course and got a lot from it. My favourite module was probably Screenwriting, we had wonderful guidance from Karen Quinn who was able to share her talents and experiences with us, and inspire us as writers. There are SO many different pathways for film makers – whether it’s setting up on your own on a freelance basis, screenwriting, or moving into film production and working on sets for film or TV. The course lays the foundations for this, and it’s really up to the students to find their own pathway, many of us from our class went down different routes following graduation.

I experimented with a variety of different genres of films throughout the few years, and was lucky enough to have two of my student films featured for the Disappear Here Film Festival in Ballyliffin, which was a great experience and I felt humbled to be a part of it!

Why did you choose to study your programme?

I always was interested in film and visual arts, generally speaking. It was convenient for me to able to study this in my own town and not have to travel too far.

Were you part of any student clubs and societies, an award winner, or a scholarship recipient?

I won two student achievement awards when I was in 2nd year, which I was very grateful for.

I was featured in the Disappear Here Film Festival two years in a row for student entries. I’ve also been involved with the running of and curation of student films for a student event for the Rathmullan Film Festival for the last few years. Film festivals are great networking opportunities, and once you build up relationships with people in that little pocket of film, more opportunities come your way!

After I graduated, I was awarded a scholarship with ATU to pursue a Masters by Research.

Did you have any unique experiences while being a student at ATU Donegal?

The aforementioned film festival stuff! J

Can you share some details of your career path and/or further studies to date?

I continued straight into a Masters by Research, which I attained by means of scholarship with ATU. My research is focused on the creative industries and third level education, so I have continued to meet lots more people from the film industry as a by product of my research! The research journey has been a challenging one for sure, but I have learned so much along the way, and have very supportive supervisors. Alongside the academic pursuits, I work on a freelance basis as a film maker and photographer, and have been involved in some great projects locally.