With a campaign that began in 2012, Galway's bid to become part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's Creative Cities network has paid off, with the announcement in Paris last night that the city has been awarded the title of UNESCO City of Film, which recognises an area's contribution to cinema and media production. Beating out sixty three other cities, Galway has become one of five locations in the world who have been awarded the permanent title. The film and t.v. industry in the city and county is already worth €72 million, employing more than six hundred people, and it is hoped that the title will open up the industry to more global opportunities. It is also a boost to the city's campaign to become European city of culture in 2020.
