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The Crime, Punishment and Rights Research Cluster is delighted to congratulate Blue Teapot Theatre Company on the selection of its short film MATECRIME for the prestigious 38th Galway Film Fleadh.

The film is based on the findings of the Living Independently and Free from Targeted Abuse (LIFT): Understanding the Experiences of Disabled People research project, led by Dr Charles O’Mahony (School of Law, University of Galway).

The project was funded by Research Ireland and the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) and explored the experiences of disabled people who are targeted, manipulated and exploited by individuals they know and trust.

Drawing directly on the research findings, MATECRIME highlights the often-hidden realities of financial exploitation, and coercive control, social isolation and other forms of targeted abuse experienced by disabled people.

Through the powerful medium of film, the project seeks to raise public awareness of a form of abuse that remains significantly under-recognised and under-reported.

Produced by the award-winning Blue Teapot Theatre Company, the film demonstrates the value of creative collaboration in translating research into accessible public engagement.

MATECRIME will receive its official premiere as part of the Goin’ Out West short film programme at the 38th Galway Film Fleadh on Wednesday, 8 July 2026.

The Cluster warmly congratulates Blue Teapot Theatre Company and everyone involved in the production, and looks forward to the film reaching audiences across Ireland and beyond. 

Here’s some links:

Buy Tickets Here: https://tht.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173667503

MATECRIME film project information from our website: https://blueteapot.ie/project/mate-crime/

About Galway Film Fleadh: https://www.galwayfilmfleadh.com/

Mate Crime Research Report: https://research.universityofgalway.ie/files/27874210/Report_Lift_Final_May_2026.pdf

Mate Crime Policy Brief: https://research.universityofgalway.ie/files/27886687/Policy_Brief_Final.pdf