Fresh Film Inspiring, Nurturing and celebrating excellence in young people's filmmaking
Fresh Film runs programmes throughout the year under four headings; Fresh Education, Fresh International, Fresh Production and Fresh International Film Festival featuring Ireland’s Young Filmmaker Awards.
Fresh Film encourages young people to make films and empowers them as artists.
Make. Watch. Share. Inspire
Submit for 2025
Celebrating Young film makers
Engaging film programmes
Liam Raymond: Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 – Full Winners List Inside
Celebrating 30 Years of Fresh Film: Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026
our social media posts
"They are the future—and it`s an honor to support them on their journey." 📺✨
Host @meggghughes caught up with Suzanne Kelly from RTÉ during our 30th-anniversary celebrations! 🏆
Suzanne highlighted the importance of championing young creators across both live-action and animation, noting how essential it is to give emerging filmmakers a voice and a platform to share their work with the world.
Thank you, Suzanne and RTÉ, for your continued support and dedication to the next generation of Irish storytellers! 👏🎬
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts.
@artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
#FreshFilm30 #FreshFilmFestival #RTE #RTESupportingTheArts #YoungFilmmakers IrishFilm LiveAction IrishAnimation FilmmakingLife ShortFilm NextGenTalent
"Documentary has a wonderful way of capturing real life, real people, and real situations." 📽️🎙️
Host @meggghughes spoke with Peter Kelly about the legacy of the Radharc Trust and the significance of the Radharc Award for documentary and heritage filmmaking! 🏆
Peter shared how documentary film allows young creators to explore personal perspectives, reflect different cultures, and help us understand the world just a little bit better.
Thank you to Peter and the Radharc Trust for supporting documentary storytelling and inspiring young directors at Fresh Film! 👏✨
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts.
@artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
#FreshFilmFestival #RadharcTrust #RadharcAward #DocumentaryFilm #IrishDocumentary HeritageFilm YoungFilmmakers IrishFilm FilmmakingLife ShortFilm RealStories
THE ""ACTOR"" (The friend you basically forced into it) 🎭🤪
Actor / noun /
A person usually recruited by force from your immediate friendship group or family, paid exclusively in cold pizza. 🍕
Key Features:
Has an uncontrollable urge to look directly into the camera lens at the absolute most dramatic moment of the scene. 👁️🎥
Cannot stop giggling during serious takes (successfully turning your psychological thriller into a 4-hour blooper reel). 💀
Guaranteed to ask: ""Wait, we have to shoot this again from a different angle? But we literally just did it!""
Tag your favorite ""actor"" in the comments who either deserves an Oscar—or owes you 3 hours of your life back from your last shoot! 👇💬
#FreshFilmDictionary #SetLife #BehindTheScenes #IndieFilm #ActorProblems YoungDirectors FilmmakerHumour IYFTY2026 GenZCreators"
"There isn`t just potential here—there is already so much talent and maturity." 🎨✨
Host @meggghughes caught up with Delphine from Animation Ireland during our 30th anniversary celebrations! 🏆
Delphine Coudray highlighted how rich and varied Ireland`s animation scene is—from 2D, 3D, and stop-motion to XR, AR, and VR—and why Animation Ireland loves returning to Fresh Film every year to support the next generation of creative storytellers.
Thank you, Delphine and Animation Ireland, for championing young animators! 👏🎥
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts.
@artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
#FreshFilm30 #FreshFilmFestival #AnimationIreland #IrishAnimation #YoungAnimators AnimationStudio ShortFilm IrishFilm FilmmakingLife XR StopMotion"
"Documentary has a wonderful way of capturing real life, real people, and real situations." 📽️🎙️
Host @meggghughes spoke with Peter Kelly about the legacy of the Radharc Trust and the significance of the Radharc Award for documentary and heritage filmmaking! 🏆
Peter shared how documentary film allows young creators to explore personal perspectives, reflect different cultures, and help us understand the world just a little bit better.
Thank you to Peter and the Radharc Trust for supporting documentary storytelling and inspiring young directors at Fresh Film! 👏✨
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts.
@artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
#FreshFilmFestival #RadharcTrust #RadharcAward #DocumentaryFilm #IrishDocumentary HeritageFilm YoungFilmmakers IrishFilm FilmmakingLife ShortFilm RealStories
IASCAIRE GOES INTERNATIONAL! ✈️🇭🇷🎬
Huge congratulations to young filmmaker Lily Sheehan (Limerick, Ireland)! Her short film Iascaire has been officially selected for the Four River Film Festival in Croatia! 🏆🎉
At Fresh Film, we love seeing young creators` films travel to screens around the world! 🎥✨
Drop a 👏 in the comments to congratulate Lily!
Why is EVERYONE talking about IMAX right now? 🍿🎬
From Oppenheimer to Dune, the biggest directors in Hollywood are obsessed with shooting in IMAX—and audiences are flocking back to theaters to experience it.
Swipe through to see why IMAX is revolutionizing the moviegoing experience and what it means for the future of cinema! ➡️
🎬 "Every great story deserves the big screen."
Whether you’re shooting on a smartphone or a cinema camera, dream big for your next film project!
✨ Ready to see your work on the big screen?
Submissions for Fresh International Film Festival 2027 are officially OPEN! Submit your short film today via FilmFreeway (link in our bio) 🔗📲
#FreshFilmFestival #IMAX #FilmmakingLife #YoungFilmmakers #CinemaIsAlive ShortFilmFestival FilmFreeway IndieFilmmakers DirectorLife FilmProduction Screenwriting Cinematography MovieMagic
The advice young filmmakers need to hear! 💡🎬
Part 3/3 of our interview series with @meggghughes at the Fresh Film Festival.
When starting out in cinema, we often focus only on directing or writing—but Meg highlights the power of Film PR and Marketing. Learning how to pitch, promote, and market a film is just as important as knowing how to shoot it! 🍿
Never rule out any sector of the film industry; every skill you learn makes you a stronger creator. 💫
A huge thank you to Meg for sharing her insights with our young community! ❤️
👉 Got a film ready to share with the world? Submissions are OPEN on FilmFreeway! Link in bio. 🔗
#FreshFilm #FilmmakingAdvice #FilmMarketing #FilmPR #YoungFilmmakers ScreenIndustry BehindTheScenes YouthCinema
IrishCinema GenZCreators MovieLover.
Interview: @elizabeth_monerawela // Camera: @celine.fragments
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts. @artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
"From watching movies for a living… to MAKING movies for a living." 🎬✨
Part 2/3 with creator @meggghughes!
From interviewing Ryan Gosling (and getting advice for young creators!) to dreaming of directing her own films, Meg reminds us that there is no single path into the film industry.
Social media, journalism, short films—every step you take is a stepping stone to making your own feature one day. 🚀
What`s your ultimate filmmaking dream? Let us know in the comments! 👇
👉 Bring your dream to life! Submit your short film to Fresh Film 2027 today via the link in our bio. 🔗
#FreshFilm #RyanGosling #FilmDirecting #YoungFilmmakers #IndieFilm LaLaLand GenZFilmmakers IYFTY2027
FreshFilm Meg FilmTikTok FilmDegree YoungFilmmakers CareerInFilm IrishCinema GenZCreators MovieLover.
Interview: @elizabeth_monerawela // Camera: @celine.fragments
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts. @artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
"I watch movies for a living!" 🍿🎬
Part 1/3 of our interview with creator @meggghughes during the Fresh Film Festival! ✨
Meg turned her film degree and love for cinema into a full-time career simply by sharing her film thoughts on TikTok and Instagram. Now she spends her days reviewing films, interviewing cast members, and attending press junkets! 🎥
If you love movies, your voice matters—start sharing your perspective today! 🌟
👉 Ready to tell your story on screen? Submissions for Fresh International Film Festival 2027 are officially OPEN on FilmFreeway! Link in bio. 🔗
#FreshFilm #Meg #FilmTikTok #FilmDegree #YoungFilmmakers CareerInFilm IrishCinema GenZCreators MovieLover.
Interview: @elizabeth_monerawela // Camera: @celine.fragments
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts. @artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
Quick! The sun is out! ☀️🏃💨
In Ireland, we have "sunny intervals of roughly 4 minutes.". And those 4 minutes are the absolute prime time to shoot your outdoor scenes!
Let’s be honest: your film is going to look much more cinematic if your actors aren`t shivering under a massive umbrella while trying to look cool. 🌧️🥶
Why you should grab your camera TODAY:
– Free lighting: The sun is actually shining (well, for now. Go, go, go!).
– Dry gear: Your phone or camera will thank you for not exposing it to a sudden August monsoon.
– Happy actors: It’s much easier to convince your friends to be in your movie when you can promise them an ice cream in the sun afterwards. 🍦
Don’t wait until January when it’s pitch black at 4 PM and freezing. Grab your crew, step outside, and capture that summer magic while it lasts!
👉 Submissions for 2027 are officially OPEN on FilmFreeway. Beat the winter rush and submit your masterpiece early! Link in bio. 🔗
#FreshFilm #IrishSummer #FourSeasonsInOneDay #FilmmakingLife #YoungFilmmakers GrabTheSun ShootNow IrishCinema
WE NEED YOU 🚀
As we prepare for another year of celebrating young cinema, we want to make sure we keep growing, improving, and reaching even more young talents across Ireland and beyond. 🌍🎬
That’s where you come in! If you’ve ever submitted a film, attended our regional screenings, or been part of the Fresh Film family, we would love to hear about your experience.
Leaving a review on FilmFreeway takes less than 60 seconds, but it means the world to our team and helps other young filmmakers discover our community. ❤️
How to leave your review:
1️⃣ Click the FilmFreeway link in our bio and log into your account.
2️⃣ On our festival page, scroll down and click on the `Reviews` tab (right next to `About` and `Awards`).
3️⃣ Hit the green `Write a Review` button, share your thoughts, and you`re done!
Note: You just need to have submitted a film to Fresh Film in the past to be able to leave a review! ✨
A massive thank you to everyone who has already shared their journey with us. Let’s make the next chapter even bigger! 🚀
🔗 Head to the link in our bio to share your Fresh journey with us!
#FreshFilmFestival #FilmFreeway #YoungFilmmakers #IndieFilmCommunity #IrishCinema LookingBack FilmmakingLife SupportIndieFilm IYFTY2026 GenZCreators
Photos: @apphoto.ie
"You’re never going to feel 100% certain of anything… I’d tell my younger self to have more faith in herself!"✨
Alumni Spotlight: Emma Whelan (@cinem.m.a), our 2025 Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year! 🏆
From DIY vlogs to the National Film School at IADT, Emma reflects on her journey, the thrill of winning at Troy Studios, and her upcoming premiere at the Dublin Film Festival thanks to the Fresh Film Hothouse Program.
"It’s scary sharing something when you feel it’s not perfect, but we are often our own biggest enemy."
Happy World Emoji Day! 🥳📱
Since it’s officially the day of the 🌍👀🍕🤡, we have a challenge for all you future directors.
Before you write your script, you need a hook. Before you draw your storyboard, you need a vibe. So, let`s simplify!
If you had to pitch the film you are going to shoot this summer using ONLY three emojis, what would they be?
Are we talking…
🧟♂️🍕🎒 (A zombie school lunch disaster?)
🕵️♂️🕵️♀️🔍 (A thrilling backyard mystery?)
🛹🩹🐶 (An extreme skateboarding dog adventure?)
Drop your 3 emojis in the comments below! No words allowed, let your fellow filmmakers guess your plot! 🤫👇
Got your pitch? Now make it happen. Summer is the best time to bring these emojis to life. Submissions for 2027 are officially open on FilmFreeway! 🎬🔗 Link in bio.
#WorldEmojiDay #FreshFilm #YoungFilmmakers #PitchYourFilm #SummerShoot GenZCreators Storytelling IndieFilm Limerick
Your next masterpiece is waiting right outside your door… 🎬✨
Ireland isn’t just a beautiful country—it’s a giant, living movie set. From Hollywood blockbusters to award-winning indies, these iconic locations prove you don’t need a massive studio budget when you have landscapes like these. ⛰️🎥
Swipe through to get inspired by these legendary Irish backdrops. The best part? They belong to everyone.
You don`t need to travel far to find the perfect setting for your story. Grab your camera, look around you, and start creating! 🚀
👉 Where is your go-to filming spot in Ireland? Drop your favorite locations or hidden gems in the comments below and inspire your fellow filmmakers! 👇💬
#FreshFilmFestival #YoungFilmmakers #CreateEveryday #IrishCinema #FilmMakingLife OnLocation Inspiration IndieFilm YouthCreativity BehindTheScenes IrelandInMovies Storytelling
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 🏆🥇
Deep Where the Cailleach Lives – Liam Raymond (Cavan)
Huge congrats to Liam for taking home the top prize! 🎉 He completely captivated everyone with a deeply atmospheric, compelling, and masterful piece of cinema. 🌟
Entries for next year are officially OPEN! Imagine yourself holding this trophy. Head over to YouTube right now to discover the amazing films that paved the way this year. Get inspired, start creating, and this could be you next year! 🎬👏
#LiamRaymond #YoungFilmmakerOfTheYear #DeepWhereTheCailleachLives #CavanCreatives #IrishFilm YouthCreativity ArtsCouncilIreland RTE ScreenIreland Omniplex CoimisiunnaMean EntriesOpen StartCreating YouTubeInspiration
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts. @artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil @liamraymondfilms
Second Place 🥈🏆
The Volunteer – Charlie Beimers (Down)
Huge congrats to Charlie for this outstanding achievement! 🎉 She left a massive impression with this powerful, dedicated, and beautifully crafted cinematic project. 🌟
Entries for next year are officially OPEN! Take the leap! Check out our YouTube channel to discover amazing, high-caliber films for inspiration. Start creating your masterpiece, and your film could earn a top spot next year! 🎬👏
#CharlieBeimers #TheVolunteer #YoungFilmmaker #CountyDown #IrishCinema YouthCreativity ArtsCouncilIreland RTE ScreenIreland Omniplex EntriesOpen StartCreating YouTubeInspiration
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts. @artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil @charlie.animates
Third Place 🥉🏆
So-N-So’s Frozen Frog Museum – Hugo Fearon (Belfast)
Huge congrats to Hugo for securing third place! 🎉 He brought something completely fresh, quirky, and memorable to the screen with brilliant imagination. 🌟
Entries for next year are officially OPEN! Don’t be afraid to share your unique, original ideas. Head over to YouTube to discover amazing films from this year, get inspired, and start creating. This could be you next year! 🎬👏
#HugoFearon #FrozenFrogMuseum #YoungFilmmaker #BelfastCreatives #OriginalStory YouthCreativity ArtsCouncilIreland RTE ScreenIreland Omniplex EntriesOpen StartCreating YouTubeInspiration
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts. @artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil @___hugoesthere
Best Director 🎬🏆
Fisher Boy – Alexander Hollingsworth (Dublin)
Huge congrats to Alexander for winning this major award! 🎉 He brought his world to life beautifully, showcasing a truly remarkable and distinct directorial vision. 🌟
Entries for next year are officially OPEN! Ready to share your vision with the world? Check out our YouTube channel to discover amazing work from this year`s filmmakers. Get inspired, start creating, and this could be you next year! 🎬👏
#AlexanderHollingsworth #BestDirector #FisherBoy #DublinFilmmakers #DirectorLife YouthCreativity ArtsCouncilIreland RTE ScreenIreland Omniplex EntriesOpen StartCreating YouTubeInspiration
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts. @artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
Best Screenplay ✍️🏆
Possessed By You – Sonny Santiago (Wicklow)
Huge congrats to Sonny for taking home the writing prize! 🎉
Entries for next year are officially OPEN! Put your pen to paper. Need an spark? Head to YouTube to watch some of this year`s amazing storytelling. Start creating, and you could be taking home the screenplay award next year! 🎬👏
#SonnySantiago #BestScreenplay #PossessedByYou #WicklowCreatives #Screenwriting YouthCreativity ArtsCouncilIreland RTE ScreenIreland Omniplex EntriesOpen StartCreating YouTubeInspiration
We are deeply grateful for the support 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, IFCO, RTÉ Supporting the Arts. @artscouncilireland @screenireland @cnam.ie @limerickcityandcountycouncil
are you ready?
