FRESH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF YOUNG FILMMAKING
Fresh International Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades of championing young filmmakers in Ireland and beyond. Since 1996, Fresh has provided a platform for emerging voices, supporting young people to develop their creativity and see their work on the big screen.
This year’s festival brings together screenings, workshops, industry events and the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards, alongside the Youth Cinema Network Conference, welcoming international youth film organisations to Limerick as part of this special celebration.
PROGRAMME
IFI Education Screening – Second Level Schools
Monday, 23 March | 10:00–12:00
Location: Omniplex Cinema, Limerick
Fresh International Film Festival is delighted to partner with the Irish Film Institute Education Department to present a special screening for second level students.
The IFI Education Programme introduces students to outstanding international cinema selected specifically for young audiences. This screening offers students the opportunity to experience high quality filmmaking on the big screen while exploring storytelling, character and visual language through international film.
Animation Workshop – Primary School
Animation Workshop – Primary School
Monday, 23 March
Location: St. Mary’s National School, Kings Island, Limerick
Animator: Freya Porritt Wessman
Fresh International Film Festival welcomes animator Freya Porritt Wessman for a hands-on animation workshop with students at St. Mary’s National School.
Using a colourful and accessible approach to paper stop-motion animation, students will explore how images are brought to life frame by frame. Participants will design and create a collaborative “living portrait”, inspired by themselves, mythology, animals or imagined characters.
Primary Schools Film Screening
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Tuesday, 24 March | 10:00–12:00
Location: Belltable, Limerick
Fresh International Film Festival presents a special screening of the beloved classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, designed especially for primary school audiences.
Steven Spielberg’s timeless story of friendship between a young boy and a stranded visitor from another world has captivated audiences for generations and remains one of cinema’s most magical family experiences.
Animation Workshop – Second Level Schools
Tuesday, 24 March 10- 1pm
Location: Coláiste Mhichíl (CBS), Sexton Street, Limerick
Animator: Freya Porritt Wessman
Animator Freya Porritt Wessman leads a second workshop with students at Coláiste Mhichíl (CBS), delivered in collaboration with Fighting Words.
Students will incorporate elements from their Fighting Words scripts, transforming ideas from their stories into visual sequences using paper stop-motion animation.
Careers in Screen – Panel Event
Wednesday, 25 March | 10:00–12:00 | FREE
Location: Engine Collaboration Centre, Cecil Street, Limerick
Ever wondered how to get started in the film and television industry?
Careers in Screen is an interactive panel event designed for students interested in creative careers in film and television. Industry professionals will discuss their experiences working in the screen sector and offer insights into the collaborative process of film production.
Featured speakers include
- Pat Shortt– Actor, Director and Producer
• Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin – Managing Director, Virgin Media Television
• Aisling Wallace Byrne – Costume Designer
• Rebekah Bustos – Production Designer
Additional contributors represent departments including animation, hair and make-up and camera, offering students a broad insight into the many creative and technical roles within the screen industry.
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year – Junior Finals
Screening and Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, 25 March 10am- 3.00
Location: Omniplex Cinema, Limerick
Join us for the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year – Junior Finals, celebrating the creativity and imagination of filmmakers aged 7–12.
This special event showcases the very best films created by young filmmakers and school groups from across Ireland, followed by an exciting awards ceremony recognising outstanding young talent.
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year – Awards Ceremony
Thursday, 26 March | 12:30–15:00
Location: Mansion House, Dublin
The highlight of the festival week.
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year is a celebration of the very best young filmmaking talent from across the country. Finalist films will be showcased before winners are announced across a range of categories.
Young Filmmakers Day
Masterclass, Industry Talks and Pitching Competition
Saturday, 28 March | 10:00–15:30
Location: Engine Collaboration Centre, Limerick
Young Filmmakers Day brings together emerging filmmakers for a day of inspiration, learning and networking.
The programme begins with a special masterclass with Director David Gleesson and Q&A, offering insights into storytelling and filmmaking from experienced industry professionals.
In the afternoon, participants take part in a Pitching Workshop and Pitching Competition, where young filmmakers present their ideas and receive feedback from industry professionals.
Youth Cinema Network Conference
26–29 March | Limerick, Ireland
As part of Fresh International Film Festival’s 30 year celebrations, Limerick will host the Youth Cinema Network Conference, welcoming youth film organisations and festival leaders from across Europe and beyond.
The conference will include discussions on supporting young filmmakers, opportunities for collaboration, and visits to key screen industry locations including Troy Studios. An evening event will bring delegates together to share YCN and Fresh Film highlights from the past 30 years, with entertainment from Limerick’s own Hazey Haze.
The programme will feature a keynote address by Dr Ciarán Kissane, Director of Film Classification at IFCO, exploring regulation, responsibility and creative freedom in screen storytelling.
Delegates will also take part in a panel discussion examining the relationship between film classification and creative freedom for young filmmakers, alongside networking opportunities and a special Fresh 30 celebration.