You have an idea, a camera, and the ambition to tell a story. The Fresh International Film Festival – a flagship event for creators aged 7 to 18 – is much more than just a competition. It is a vibrant platform dedicated to the development of young artists, offering them awareness and understanding of contemporary film culture.
Every year, we are amazed by the excellence, creativity, and diversity of the submissions. We know that a film is a collective effort of many talents. That’s why we have meticulously designed a range of awards to reward every aspect of your work, from the initial concept to the final production.
Are you wondering which category is right for you? Let us guide you through our major awards and find the ideal place for your masterpiece.
The Fresh International Film Festival Awards: Celebrating Every Facet of Filmmaking
Each of our awards highlights a specific skill essential to the art of film. Explore the categories below to determine which one best suits your project and your passion.
Animation Award (Animation Ireland)
Did you know we have a whole award dedicated just to animation? This category is a tribute to visual innovation and boundless imagination. Whether you are mastering stop-motion, drawing frame by frame, or exploring 3D, this is your moment to showcase your command of this dynamic medium.
Sponsored by: Our friends at Animation Ireland, who support the next generation of animated storytellers.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film Keys by Aaron Carter, Newtownabbey, Belfast.
Best Performer (Bow Street Academy)
Do you love performing and captivating an audience? The Best Performer Award recognises authenticity, emotional depth, and acting technique. A great film relies on an unforgettable performance.
Sponsored by: Bow Street Academy – The National Screen Acting School of Ireland, an institution dedicated to training screen talent.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning performance by Liam Raymond in Sluaghs of the Forest, Kingscourt, Cavan.
Best Cinematography
This award celebrates the eye of the director of photography. It’s all about visual storytelling: how you use light, camera movement, framing, and perspective to create atmosphere and drive the narrative. This is the award for technical and artistic excellence.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film The Absence of Things by Eoin Murphy, Clonakilty, Cork.
Best Factual (RTÉ)
True stories deserve the spotlight too. The RTÉ Factual Award celebrates films that capture real life, compelling interviews, and authentic social or personal narratives. This is an award for those who seek the truth.
Sponsored by: RTÉ, the national broadcaster that values journalism and real-life storytelling. The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film Cliff Edge by Grace Gonnelly, Dundalk, Louth.
Best Documentary (Radharc Trust)
A step above factual, the Radharc Trust Documentary Award honours in-depth works that explore subjects deeply and shed light on stories we need to see. What social phenomenon or striking life story do you want to investigate?
Sponsored by: The Radharc Trust, a historical organisation supporting films dealing with social justice.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film Home from Home by Cahersiveen Film Group, Tralee, Kerry.
Most Sustainable Production (Screen Producers Ireland)
The Most Sustainable Production Award recognises filmmakers who integrate sustainability into their process. It celebrates those who make great films while protecting the planet, from logistics to set resource management.
Sponsored by: Screen Producers Ireland, the representative body for film and television producers in Ireland.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film The Absence of Things by Eoin Murphy, Clonakilty, Cork.
Best Screenplay
It all starts on the page. The Best Screenplay Award recognises the architect of the story. We look for excellence in structure, believable dialogue, and narrative power. Show us that your words can create worlds.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film The Four Failed Attempts of Finn Downey by Mischa McCarthy, Killarney, Kerry.
Best Concept
The Best Concept Award proves that you don’t need big budgets, just a brilliant, original idea. This award is entirely dedicated to imagination and how a simple idea is transformed into a memorable short film.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film More Than Peanuts by Devlin Murphy, Dublin.
60 Second Film (RTÉ)
Got a story that fits in a minute? The RTÉ 60 Second Film Award challenges filmmakers to condense their impact. This award proves that powerful films don’t need to be long—just memorable and expertly crafted.
Sponsored by: RTÉ.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film Life by Adam Fannelly, Athenry, Galway.
Best School Film
& Best Group Film
We celebrate the team spirit! Whether you work with your class (Best School Film) or with friends/a youth club (Best Group Film), these awards recognise collaboration, creativity, and the collective process. This is often where the greatest films begin.
Inspiring School Film: Disconnected by Alexandra College, Palmerstown, Dublin.
Inspiring Group Film: Frequency 208.4 by Waterford Youth Arts, Waterford City.
Best Director
This is the honour for the visionaries—the ones who see the whole picture. The Best Director Award recognises the individual who orchestrates the technical, creative, and performance elements into a cohesive and impactful film. If you lead with clarity and vision, this is your category.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film Barracuda by Izzy Dalton, Limerick.
Best Comedy
Honouring the craft of making us laugh — sharp structure, pitch-perfect comedic dialogue, and ideas that stay with you long after the audience finishes wiping their tears (of laughter!).
The Grand Prize: Your Industry Launchpad
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year (Junior, Senior & International)
The most prestigious award. Every year, young filmmakers from all over the world (and all over Ireland) compete for the title of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year – presented at our annual festival in Limerick. This award is often a launchpad for future careers, offering visibility and recognition.
The Inspiration: Watch last year’s winning film Abhaile by Emma Whelan, Finglas, Dublin.
Why Participate? The Fresh Film Experience
Fresh Film Festival is much more than an awards ceremony. It is a gateway to the world of cinema:
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Screening: Every selected film is shown on the big screen during our regional screenings across the country. It is an unforgettable experience for any creator.
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Prizes and Mentorship: Winners receive exciting prizes, including monetary awards, filmmaking equipment, and mentorship sessions with industry professionals.
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Networking: The festival offers workshops, meetings, and international exchange opportunities, allowing you to build vital connections.
Got an idea? Write it down tonight. Film it this weekend. Submit it to Fresh Film Festival. The world is ready to see your vision.
About Fresh Film
Fresh Film, established in 1997, is an Irish organization passionately committed to fostering youth engagement with cinema. It is the driving force behind the Fresh International Film Festival, which holds the title of Ireland’s longest-running and largest film festival dedicated to young people. Beyond the festival, Fresh Film runs developmental programs like HotHouse, actively encouraging the next generation to voice their ideas and narratives through the medium of film. Their core belief is in the power of cinema as a vital instrument for expression, education, and personal growth, ultimately aiming to empower young people to become the filmmakers of tomorrow.
