Highlights from Fresh International Film Festival’s 2024 Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTYs) in collaboration with RTÉ and Screen Ireland. With the spotlight firmly on young cinematic talent, this year’s event, broadcast from the iconic Troy Studios in Limerick, promises a thrilling blend of creativity, inspiration, and a glimpse into the future of filmmaking.
Watch the show on Monday, April 29 at 7pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, presented by multi-talented actor and comedian Faye Shortt and radio presenter Gemma Bradley.
Jayne Foley, Artistic Director of Fresh Film, shared her excitement: “We are thrilled for this year’s awards with the largest number of entries ever – an exciting indicator of Ireland’s booming film industry. Hosting our biggest awards show yet at Troy Studios in Limerick is so exciting. This marks just the start of an exciting journey for these young filmmakers, destined for a future filled with numerous accolades.”
Now in its 28th year, the IYFTY’s, part of the esteemed Fresh International Film Festival, continues to be a beacon for aspiring filmmakers worldwide. Notable alumni include Oscar-nominated director Vincent Lambe (Detainment), acclaimed Irish filmmaker Dónal Foreman, and comedian and TV personality Justine Stafford among others.
Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content at RTÉ, shared her excitement about the event: “It’s back! One of my favourite events in the calendar year, the Fresh Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards, 2024. I continue to be so inspired & impressed by the quality of films and animated content emerging from Fresh every year and RTÉ are thrilled that we can play our part in supporting all of you on your creative journeys. Massive congratulations to all the nominees and everyone who took part this year.”
This year, Fresh International Film Festival, generously supported by the Arts Council, received an overwhelming number of submissions from young filmmakers worldwide, reflecting the vibrant diversity and talent in young storytelling. From heartfelt dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, the shortlisted films offer a captivating journey through the lens of tomorrow’s storytellers.
Fresh International Film Festival, and the IYFTY’s, encourage young people to explore filmmaking as a career, learning the art of visual storytelling, understanding the filmmaking process from first draft to final frame, and the sustainable career opportunities that exist both in front of and behind the camera, inspiring and building Ireland’s future film, television and digital talent-pool. The IYFTYs shortlist is a rich collection that showcases the imagination, creativity and skills of the world’s future storytellers, and interest in the festival from 82 countries is a reflection of Ireland’s ascendancy as a global hub for film, television, digital and creative industries.
Film highlights from the IYFTYs shortlist include;
Charlie made by St. James CBS, Liberties Dublin
This beautifully short film follows the journey of a resilient teenager named Charlie, grappling with adversity. Amidst the harsh realities of homelessness and family illness, this gripping film delves into the depths of struggle and resilience. However, at its core, it’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit, highlighting themes of survival and the power of friendship.
Law and Order by St. Brigid’s Community College, Galway
These Transition Year students worked in collaboration with An Garda Siochana on a mini criminal Investigation about a theft in a local chemist. The film highlights the presence of CCTV in our lives and the consequences of bad decision making at a young age. This film is almost like a docudrama in its realistic portrayal of the Justice system.
Ivy is a short film by Fiachra Cotter O’Culachain from Dublin
This coming-of-age film follows Hugh, a teen facing the struggles of life. Life for Hugh is pretty good, but it becomes that much better when he meets Ivy, the new girl next door. As he embarks on another summer of fun with his friends. Fantastic cinematography and performance from this young ensemble cast.
Who Killed Cinema? By filmmaker Corey Talbot from Kildare
The Animated Saga presents an epic LEGO adventure, featuring a colourful array of characters from the film industry, all entangled in a mystery to uncover who’s behind the demise of cinema. With meticulous attention to detail, this 15-minute stop-motion comedy showcases a monumental effort to entertain and delight audiences.
Fighting For Home a short film by Sienna Graham, Dublin
An electrifying boxing documentary that intimately captures the journey of two teenage athletes as they strive to achieve greatness. With raw emotion and unwavering determination, the film delves into their dreams, struggles, and unyielding ambition to conquer the world of boxing. Through captivating storytelling, we are immersed in the adrenaline-fueled world of these young fighters, witnessing their trials, triumphs, and the unbreakable spirit that propels them forward towards their ultimate goal.
Devil May Care by Nora Twomey, Cork
May Casey, my great-grandmother had a secret political life which came to light from her
military pension application for her involvement in the Irish Civil War. Fantastic factual documentary with great reconstruction and a personal connection for the
filmmaker. Like ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ but better!
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards encompass a diverse array of categories, including Best School, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Screenplay and many more, alongside specialist awards such as the Radharc Trust Award for documentaries, the new SPI, Most Sustainable Production Award, and the RTÉ Factual Award, along with the highly sought-after peer-to-peer Audience Award.
Fresh Film, Fresh International Film Festival and Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards are made possible with the generous support, investment and partnership of The Arts Council of Ireland, RTÉ, Screen Ireland, Omniplex Cinema Group, Limerick City and County Council, Coimisiún na Meán, Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, Screen Producers Ireland, The Radharc Trust, Animation Ireland, Bow Street Academy, Troy Studios, IFCO and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.
Don’t miss Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards 2024 airing on RTÉ2 on Monday, April 29, at 7pm, and available on the RTÉ Player. For more information, visit www.freshfilm.ie.
