Today, March 26, Fresh Film announced a number of exciting new film industry partnerships for Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTYs). Screen Producers Ireland, Animation Ireland, and Bow Street Academy join the Fresh Film community as prestigious awards partners, enhancing opportunities in filmmaking for young cinematic talent across Ireland and beyond.
As the 28th edition of the Fresh International Film Festival approaches, running from April 15th to 21st at Omniplex Limerick, anticipation builds for the prestigious Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTYs). Recognised globally as Ireland’s leading annual film event for young film creators aged 7 to 18, the IYFTYs celebrate exceptional filmmaking from home and across the world.
Fresh Film plays a pivotal role in fostering young filmmaking talent across Ireland. Through direct engagement with schools, youth clubs, and community centres, cultivating a lifelong appreciation for Irish cinema and providing invaluable opportunities for budding filmmakers. As Jayne Foley, Artistic Director of Fresh Film, puts it, “Our industry partnerships are vital. Not only are we showcasing films; we’re nurturing talent and shaping the future of Irish film.”
Focusing on sustainability in filmmaking, animation skills and screen performance excellence Fresh Film are delighted to announce three new accolades for the IYFTYs, made possible by Screen Producers Ireland, Animation Ireland, and Bow Street Academy:
‘The Screen Producers Ireland Sustainability Award’, in collaboration with Screen Producers Ireland, encourages young filmmakers to consider and commit to sustainable filmmaking practice. It is aligned with ScreenGreening, a coalition of the main film and TV organisations in Ireland dedicated to achieving higher environmental sustainability standards in the industry. It comprises the following organisations: Screen Producers Ireland, TG4, RTE, Virgin Media Television, Screen Ireland, and Coimisiún na Meán. Susan Kirby, CEO of Screen Producers Ireland, said: “Screen Producers Ireland is delighted to support Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards. Fresh International Film Festival is an exceptional initiative that nurtures and celebrates young filmmakers. It’s exciting to see the next generation of filmmaking talent carrying on the torch and we hope to continue our support and discovery of fresh and original voices from young people from around Ireland and the ongoing work Fresh do.” This special award is being designed in collaboration with Forge Design Factory and Limerick School of Art & Design, with sustainability at the heart of the design, materials and creation process.
“Animation Ireland is delighted to support the Fresh Film Festival, as it’s wonderful to be part of an event that’s nurturing the next generation of talent. Through studio visits, one-to-one mentoring, and portfolio reviews, Animation Ireland is fully committed to encouraging new talent to sample and participate in our industry. We wish all the participants well with their submissions and in their future careers.”
Sponsoring the ‘Animation Ireland Award’, Ronan McCabe, CEO of Animation Ireland, said;
Additionally, the ‘Bow Street Performance Award’, presented in partnership with Bow Street Academy (The National Screen Acting School of Ireland), showcases screen excellence. Shimmy Marcus, Artistic Director of Bow Street Academy said “Bow Street Academy is very excited to be a part of this unique event that promotes, nurtures and celebrates emerging young talent in our industry. We have been lucky to observe first hand just how much young talent is emerging and awards like these are so important, not just to recognise this talent but also to inspire those starting out, proving anything is possible. Bravo to all the shortlisted nominees.”
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards encompass 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 RTÉ 60 Second Award, and the RTÉ Factual Award, along with the highly sought-after peer-to-peer Audience Award.
Fresh International Film Festival, and the IYFTYs, encourage young people to explore filmmaking as a career, facilitating opportunities to learn the craft of visual storytelling and helping young people to understand the collaborative filmmaking process from first draft to final frame. Fresh works to drive awareness for the sustainable career opportunities both in front of and behind the camera, inspiring and strengthening Ireland’s future film, television and creative talent pool.
Fresh Film, Fresh International Film Festival and Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards are made possible with the generous support, investment and partnership of The Arts Council of Ireland, RTÉ, Screen Ireland, Omniplex Cinema Group, Limerick City and County Council, Coimisiún na Meán, Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, Screen Producers Ireland, The Radharc Trust, Animation Ireland, Bow Street Academy, Troy Studios, IFCO and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.
Stay tuned for updates and further information at freshfilm.ie and omniplex.ie
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