Irelands Young Filmmaker of The Year Awards
A Global Celebration of Young Filmmakers
Fresh International Film Festival is all about celebrating young creative voices — filmmakers aged 7 to 18 who are shaping the future of cinema. It’s more than just a showcase. Fresh is a space where young people can grow their skills, share their stories, and be recognised for their talent and hard work.
Film is never made by one person alone — it’s the result of many different talents coming together. That’s why our awards are designed to celebrate every part of the filmmaking process, from the first spark of an idea to the final frame on screen.
Awards Overview
At the heart of the festival are our top honours — Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year (Senior, ages 13–18), Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year (Junior, ages 7–12), and the highly prestigious Fresh International Young Filmmaker of the Year, celebrating outstanding young talent from around the world.
Alongside these, we present a range of special awards that highlight the incredible variety of skills that go into making a film.
Best School
Celebrating the best film made by a school — showcasing teamwork, imagination, and creativity from students working together to bring their story to life.
Best Group
For film clubs and youth groups who come together to make something brilliant — celebrating creativity, teamwork, and the fun of making films together.
Best Animation
For imagination, creativity, and technical skill in bringing stories to life through animation — from classic 2D and stop-motion to cutting-edge 3D.
Sponsored by Animation Ireland.
Best Performer
For the actors who totally steal the show — who make us believe, feel, and never forget their characters.
Sponsored by Bow Street Academy – The National Screen Acting School of Ireland.
Best Cinematography
Recognising outstanding visual storytelling — the art of light, framing, and movement that gives a film its unique look.
Best Factual
Honouring short films that capture real life with honesty and heart — from personal stories to strong social themes.
Sponsored by RTÉ.
Best Documentary
For films that dive deeper, exploring real-world subjects with insight, care, and curiosity.
Sponsored by The Radharc Trust.
Most Sustainable Production
For filmmakers who make great films responsibly — thinking about the planet in how they shoot, build sets, travel, and use resources. It’s about the process, not the plot — proving that creative production can also be green.
Sponsored by Screen Producers Ireland.
Best Screenplay
Honouring the craft of storytelling — strong structure, authentic dialogue, and ideas that stay with you long after the credits roll.
Best Concept
For bold and original ideas that shine through, no matter the budget. A reminder that creativity always comes first.
60-Second Film Award
A test of pure storytelling skill — creating impact and emotion in just one minute.
Sponsored by RTÉ.
Best Director
For the filmmaker who brings it all together — guiding story, performance, and style into one powerful vision.
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!).
🚀 Grand Prize: Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year
The festival’s highest award, honouring a young filmmaker whose creativity, talent, and storytelling stand out on the world stage.
Alumni
Take a look at our hall of fame Winners 1997 to 2020