Limerick – April 2026 – Last month, the Omniplex Cinema in Limerick was transformed into a hub of cinematic wonder for the IYFTY Junior Finals 2026. Following in the footsteps of previous legendary years, the event held on Wednesday, March 25th, showcased the incredible talent of filmmakers aged 7 to 12.
A Celebration of Young Visionaries
The 2026 Junior Finals marked three decades of the Fresh Film Festival, and the quality of the films reflected thirty years of growth in youth media. From primary school projects to independent young animators, the screen came alive with stories that were as diverse as they were professional.
Highlights from the Screenings
The audience was treated to an eclectic mix of genres. This year’s selection stood out for its emotional depth and technical ambition:
Narrative Shorts: Creative stories ranging from suspenseful mysteries to lighthearted comedies.
Animation: A stunning array of stop-motion and digital work that showed a high level of patience and craftsmanship.
Documentary: Insightful looks at local life and the issues that matter most to the younger generation today.
The “Big Screen” experience remains the heart of the festival. For many young directors, the highlight of the month was hearing the roar of the crowd and seeing their names in the credits at a professional cinema.
Fionn Barra Raymond was awarded Ireland’s Junior Young Filmmaker of the Year for his film ‘The Battle of Time’.
Photos credit: Brian Arthur ‘IYFTY Junior Final’
The Awards Ceremony
The energy peaked during the afternoon awards ceremony. While every filmmaker walked away with the pride of having been officially selected, the category winners were recognized for their exceptional storytelling, cinematography, and originality. The judges noted that the standard in 2026 was among the highest in the festival’s history, making the final decisions more difficult than ever.
The Legacy of the 2026 Finals
As we look back on the events of March, it is clear that the spirit of youth filmmaking in Ireland is stronger than ever. The Junior Finals provided a platform for young voices to be heard, proving once again that age is no barrier to creating impactful cinema.
The memories of the red carpet and the shared excitement in the theater will undoubtedly inspire these young creators as they begin work on their next projects.
Photos credit: Céline Mermier ‘IYFTY Junior Final’
FRESH FILM FESTIVAL 2026: THE LEGACY CONTINUES
Marking three decades of cinematic excellence, the Fresh International Film Festival and Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards continue to ignite the creative spark in the next generation of storytellers. By providing a platform for visual narrative and collaborative production, Fresh remains the primary launchpad for Ireland’s emerging talent, bridging the gap between young imagination and professional careers in the screen industries.
The success of our 2026 edition—and the continued vitality of the Irish film and television sector—is made possible through the visionary investment of our partners: 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, and RTÉ Supporting the Arts. Together, we are fostering a thriving, inclusive, and enduring future for Irish film.
