John Connors the first Irish Traveller (Minceir) Director is also an Irish actor, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, playwright and human rights activist who has broken new ground for his minority community in Ireland. He is best known for his role as Patrick Ward in the Irish crime drama series Love/Hate and for Cardboard Gangsters in which he won best actor at the 2018 Irish film and television awards. John Connors directorial debut was in 2016 where he co-directed and presented John Connors, The Travellers, winning the 2018 IFTA for best documentary series. The same year, he won the best actor IFTA for Cardboard Gangsters. Directing is now his main focus. He directed a short doc/drama called "Eden" premiering in Galway Film Fleadh, 2018. John co-wrote the award winning script "Innocent Boy" and later directed the film, which received a special mention in VMDIFF 2020 and went on to tour the international film festival circuit, winning international recognition. John's debut documentary "Endless Sunshine on a Cloudy Day" won both critical acclaim and the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, Audience Award in 2020. Also, being officially selected for Raindance Film Festival in 2020. Later in 2021 also won the prestigious Radharc award for excellence in documentary filmmaking. John's feature debut drama "The Black Guelph" won best film at Oldenburg International Film Festival in September 2022. It also picked up the best actor award. John was named one of the 50 most incredible people who are shaping modern Ireland - Irish independent, 2017. He was named in the 22, twenty something's that are likely to influence Ireland and the world" - Irish Times, 2018
