Fresh reminder for film makers

Calling all young filmmakers in Cork, the deadline for submissions to the Fresh International Film Festival 2025 is fast approaching.

All entries to this year’s festival must be registered by 10 January with regional screenings taking place from 10-21 March at Omniplex cinemas across the country.

There are three categories again this year: junior, ages 7-12; senior, ages 13-18; and international, ages 7-18.

All filmmakers within these age groups are invited to enter, whether they are independent, part of a school group, or part of a collective.

From dramas to documentaries and animations, the festival sets no restrictions style or genre. Every filmmaker who enters will have their work shown on the silver screen.

Celebrating 29 years of championing young filmmakers, the Fresh International Film Festival has seen many past participants achieve international success, including Oscar nominations and major industry accolades.

Every year, the festival chooses Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year across its three categories. Winners are rewarded with prizes including monetary awards, filmmaking equipment, mentoring sessions with industry professionals, and the thrill of seeing their work screened theatrically.

The festival also features specialist awards, such as the Animation Ireland Award, the SPI - Sustainability Award, and the Bow Street Performance Award, alongside audience-voted prizes, documentary honours, and more, ensuring every facet of filmmaking excellence is celebrated.

“We’re excited to showcase and celebrate the extraordinary creativity of young filmmakers,” said festival founder and artistic director, Jayne Foley.

“This year’s festival is a celebration of storytelling in all its forms. Whether it’s a 60-second short or a sweeping cinematic vision, we’re calling on young creators everywhere to share their unique voices and bring their stories to life.”

Last year’s Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year, Dublin student, Fiachra Cotter O’Culachain, captivated audiences with his coming-of-age short film, ‘Ivy’. Written, directed, and edited by Fiachra, the film featured stunning cinematography and heartfelt performances.

Fiachra said: “Fresh Film Festival provides a great opportunity to young filmmakers as an output for our creative work and finding a community of like-minded individuals.”

Ireland’s Young Filmmaker Awards are open to films in both English and Irish, or films with English subtitles. The festival is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland, Screen Ireland, RTÉ, Omniplex Cinemas, The Radharc Trust and RTÉ Supporting the Arts, Limerick City and County Council, Coimisiún na Meán, Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, Animation Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland, and Bow Street Academy.

For submission details, visit freshfilm.ie.