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A director, writer, and cinematographer working across film, television drama, music videos and commercials, Aoife McArdle has received an Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) Rising Star Award, a Women in Film & Television (WFTV) Best Director Award as well as Directors Guild of America and Primetime Emmy nominations for her work.

Aoife studied English Literature at Trinity College Dublin, where, alongside creative writing, she developed an interest in cinematography and photography. She went on to complete a Master’s in Film Television production at Bournemouth College.

She has created music videos for Jon Hopkins, Bloc Party and Bryan Ferry as well as commercials for Honda, Nike and Superbowl commercials for Squarespace, Audi and Toyota. Her work in advertising has promoted social equality. In 2015, Aoife was commissioned by Jefferson Hack to write and direct a short film to accompany U2’s track ‘Every Breaking Wave.’

Her debut feature length film Kissing Candice premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and played the Berlin International Film Festival in 2018 to critical acclaim.

From 2020 to 2022, she was a director and producer on the television series Severance on Apple TV+.

Receiving news of her Honorary Doctorate, Aoife McArdle, commented:

“It is fantastic to have been recognised by Ulster University for my work, especially at such an exciting time for film production in Belfast. I can’t wait to visit this summer and to meet other Ulster University graduates including, I hope, some of the film makers of the future.”