PROGRAMME
Feature Screening – Second Level School (French)
The Fantastic Three / Les Trois Fantastiques
Dir. Michaël Dichter
Monday, 7th April | 10:00-12:00
Location: Omniplex Cinema, Limerick
The IFI Senior French choice for this year brings us three friends—Max, Tom, and Vivian—who spend all their time together as the Fantastic Three, supporting each other in and out of school. When Max’s brother returns from prison seemingly reformed, he has one last scheme to tie up. Led by Max, the Fantastic Three try to intervene in the hope of saving his brother. A gripping tale of conflicting ties of friendship and family.
Filmwide Green Screen Workshop – Scoil Ide
Monday, 7th April
Location: Scoil Ide
Join Limerick-based company Filmwide for an exciting hands-on Green Screen Workshop! Discover how green screen technology brings fictional worlds to life in movies. Learn how scenes are edited on a computer and explore accessible software that you can use yourself. You’ll even get to experiment with some tricks and film scenes you’ve scripted—but be sure to avoid wearing green, or you might just disappear!
About Filmwide
Filmwide is dedicated to making filmmaking accessible to young people, giving them the opportunity to work with professional equipment while exploring their creativity. Our mission is to develop new skills in young filmmakers and spark their imaginations. Filmmaking involves a wide range of roles, from hands-on activities like camerawork and acting to behind-the-scenes essentials such as makeup, directing, lighting, sound, set design, and location scouting. This workshop offers a chance to experience multiple aspects of filmmaking while having fun and learning from industry professionals.
Feature Screening – Primary School
The Borrowers
Dir. Peter Hewitt
Tuesday, 8th April | 10:00-12:00
Location: Belltable, Limerick
In this charming family adventure, the Clock family—tiny, four-inch-tall people—live secretly beneath the floorboards of a human house, “borrowing” everyday items to survive. When a scheming lawyer (John Goodman) tries to demolish their home, the Borrowers must band together with a young boy to outwit him and save their way of life. Featuring BAFTA-nominated special effects that bring their miniature world to life, The Borrowers is a delightful tale of courage and teamwork for all ages!
IFCO Classification Workshop – CBS Sexton Street
Tuesday, 8th April | 12:00-2:00pm
Location: Belltable, Limerick
Join Dr. Ciarán Kissane, Director of Film Classification, for an insightful workshop and discussion on the importance of film classification. Explore how films are rated, the criteria used to determine age suitability, and the impact of classification on audiences and filmmakers alike. This session will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making process, including real-world examples and case studies. Whether you’re a filmmaker, student, or film enthusiast, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to gain expert knowledge and ask questions about how films are classified in Ireland.
Careers in Screen
Panel Talk
Wednesday, 9th April | 10:00-12:00 | FREE
Location: Engine Collaboration Centre, Cecil St, Prior’s-Land, Limerick, V94 TN32
Booking is essential (places are limited)
Ever wondered how to get started in the film and television industry?
Careers in Screen is an informative and interactive audience-led event for students, which aims to highlight the wide variety of career paths available in film and television. The event will explore the nature of filmmaking as a career, the different skill sets involved, and take a deeper look at the screen industry in the Mid-West.
Experienced speakers will discuss their experiences working in the screen sector and give insights into the collaborative process of film production. The event will also explore screen developments in the region and how to get involved. This panel-based event will provide plenty of opportunities for Q&A.
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year – Juniors Final
Screening and Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, 9th April | 10:00-14:00
Location: Omniplex Cinema, Limerick
Pre-booking is essential (places are limited)
Join us for the final of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year – Juniors, where we celebrate the creativity and talent of young filmmakers aged 7-12. Experience the very best in storytelling and filmmaking from both individual young filmmakers and school groups. The screening will be followed by an exciting awards ceremony, where we will crown this year’s winners and honor the next generation of filmmaking talent. Don’t miss this inspiring showcase of young creativity on the big screen!
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year – Grand Final
Thursday, 10th April | Screenings 11:00-14:30 | Awards Ceremony 16:00-17:00
Location: Omniplex Cinema, Rathmines, Dublin
Pre-booking is essential (places are limited)
The big day is here! Join us for the highly anticipated final of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year, a dazzling celebration of young filmmaking talent. With glitz, excitement, and an electric atmosphere, this is where the brightest rising stars take center stage.
Experience an unforgettable showcase of the very best films from talented young creators aged 13-18, followed by a thrilling awards ceremony, where we crown this year’s winners. And for those who can’t be there in person, the awards ceremony will be filmed for YouTube—so the world can watch these young filmmakers shine! It’s a day to celebrate creativity, passion, and the power of storytelling—don’t miss it!
Fresh x Big Shots Short Film Screenings and International Networking Event
Friday, 11th April | 7pm – 10pm | FREE
Location: Engine Collaboration Centre, Cecil St, Prior’s-Land, Limerick
Fresh is thrilled to collaborate with Big Shots, an open mic night for filmmakers, to showcase short films from Ireland and beyond.
This special event will feature screenings, international guests, and members of the National Youth Film Council, creating a unique space for networking, collaboration, and celebrating young talent in film.
Fresh Young Filmmakers Forum
Saturday, 12th April | 10:00-17:00 | FREE
Location: Engine Collaboration Centre, Cecil St, Prior’s-Land, Limerick
Join us for a day of peer-to-peer learning, industry insights, and networking opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.
The day begins with a Virtual Masterclass and live Q&A with Sir David Puttnam, covering storytelling and industry trends.
After a networking break, join our panel discussion From Indie Dreams to Funded Screens: Filmmakers Who Made It Happen with Jonathon Farrelly, (An Taibhse) Aisha Bolaji,(Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky) and Liam Boland, (Alone Together) Chaired by Dr Tony Tracy, Huston School of Film & Digital Media, University of Galway, exploring funding, casting, and overcoming production challenges
After lunch, learn the art of pitching with Sinéad Collopy (Paddy, Every Five Miles, Long Way Home), before testing your own skills in a Pitching Competition, where you’ll receive live feedback from an industry panel.
A day designed to inspire, connect, and elevate the next generation of filmmakers!
