Alan Hopkins

Screenwriter, Director, Cinematographer | Founder of HAL Pictures

Alan is a Dublin-based screenwriter, director, and founder of HAL Pictures. His work focuses on telling stories from the margins of society, often exploring the lives of individuals whose experiences remain outside the mainstream. For Alan, filmmaking serves as a powerful tool to shed light on both historical and contemporary issues, with the goal of provoking thought and challenging perspectives.

Alan recently completed Ogham (2024), a short film produced with support from Screen Ireland’s Focus Shorts scheme. As writer and director, Ogham represents the continuation of his commitment to nuanced storytelling and visual expression. The film premiered at the Oscar qualifying Galway Film Fleadh in July 2024, had its Dublin Premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival, will make its UK premiere at the BIFA qualifying Beeston Film Festival and has been programmed for festivals across three continents, with its festival run continuing into 2025 and beyond.

His previous directorial project, Jungle (2022), is a poignant reflection of his storytelling ethos. Set in Calais and centered around the European refugee crisis, the film premiered at the IndieCork International Film Festival and continues to be showcased internationally. Alan finds it humbling to witness how audiences from different cultural backgrounds respond to the film’s themes.

Alan’s formal training began at Ballyfermot College of Further Education, where he studied Cinematography, before progressing to The National Film School at Dun Laoghaire IADT, where he earned a BA (Hons) in Film & Television Production. His debut short film, Williton’s Way, which he both wrote and directed, marked a significant turning point in his career, enjoying a successful festival run both in Ireland and abroad.

During his college years, Alan created The Thespians, a comedy web series where he wrote every episode and promotional sketch. Though it achieved moderate success, the series gave him valuable experience in writing lighter, comedic material, and it continues to gain traction on YouTube.

In addition to his work as a writer-director, Alan has extensive experience as a director of photography, contributing to acclaimed Irish shorts such as 69 & Dead and The Beauty of Ballybrack, both of which were showcased at the Galway Film Fleadh and featured on RTÉ’s Short Screen slot. His work as a cinematographer has greatly influenced his directorial approach, where each frame becomes an opportunity to evoke emotion and immerse audiences in the narrative.

Recently, Alan returned to The National Film School to pursue a Master’s Degree in Screenwriting. This has deepened his understanding of the craft and refined his ability to structure complex, resonant stories. His graduate work has only reinforced his commitment to telling stories that resonate on both personal and societal levels, ensuring that every project he undertakes holds meaning in the broader context.

Alan’s career is deeply shaped by his working-class Dublin background. He years spent working in various management and project management roles outside the film industry receiving a degree in project management from UCD,. This experience gives him a grounded perspective that informs his writing and directing, bringing a sense of empathy and real-world understanding to his storytelling.

Currently Alan is developing two feature projects, and has been selected as part of the Screen Ireland mentorship programme where he has been shadowing Writer/Director Frank Berry.

At the heart of Alan’s filmmaking journey is a commitment to giving voice to the voiceless, pushing creative boundaries, and engaging with issues that matter. Whether through writing, directing, or cinematography, his films remain honest, impactful, and thought-provoking.