Young filmmaker awards to stream live tonight!

Cork will be proudly represented at this evening’s final of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards which for the first time ever will be streamed live for all to see.

Presented by the Fresh International Film Festival, the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTYs) shines a spotlight firmly on young cinematic talent.

Representing the Rebel County in the senior category this year are students from Loreto School, Fermoy with their film ‘Strange Addiction: The Girl That is Obsessed with Gingers’, and 17 year old Eoin Murphy from Clonakilty with his film ‘The Absence of Things’.

In the Junior Awards category, Cork is again in the mix with ‘Random Stories’ by Max Cummins (12) from Carrigaline, and ‘What a Load of Rubbish’ by Sally Smart from Schull in the 10–11 age category.

For the first time, the prestigious event will be broadcast live on YouTube from Omniplex Cinema, Rathmines, Dublin, this evening (Thursday) at 8pm. Two of Ireland’s most exciting comedic talents, Justine Stafford and Hannah Mamalis, are leading this year's celebrations, while actor and comedian Faye Shortt brings viewers live updates from the red carpet and behind the scenes.

Speaking in the build up to the awards, Jayne Foley, Artistic Director of Fresh Film, said: “This year’s festival is buzzing with energy. With a record-breaking number of entries, it's clear that young filmmakers are thriving.”

Now in its 29th year, the IYFTYs continue to be a beacon for aspiring filmmakers worldwide. Past participants include Oscar-nominated director Vincent Lambe ('Detainment'), acclaimed Irish filmmaker Dónal Foreman and comedian and TV personality Justine Stafford who now returns as a host.

Mark Anderson, Director of Omniplex Cinema Group, said: “What a fantastic opportunity to celebrate young talent on the big screen.

“Cinema has always been a place for storytelling and it’s inspiring to see the next generation share their voices on the big screen,” he added.

Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards encompasses a diverse array of categories, including Best School, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Screenplay, and many more, alongside specialist awards such as the Radharc Trust Award for documentaries, the new SPI, Most Sustainable Production Award, and the RTÉ Factual Award, along with the highly sought-after peer-to-peer Audience Award. To tune into this evening’s broadcast, visit youtube.com/@freshfilmfestival.

Viewer discretion is advised for younger audiences and parents, guardians, and teachers are encouraged to preview the films in advance or watch along with younger children.