Red carpet rolled out for Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards 2024

Pictured at the announcement of the RTÉ2 April 29 the broadcast of 2024 Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTYs) were BR Faye Shortt, Actor/Comedian, Jayne Foley, Fresh Film Festival, Artistic Director, Louise Ryan, Screen Ireland, Head of Marketing and Communications, Suzanne Kelly, RTÉ, Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content. FR Meagha Marcharla 17, Young Filmmaker and entrant, GracieMay Burke 7, Junior Young Filmmaker and entrant and Louis Martin 17, Young Filmmaker and entrant.

Fresh International Film Festival, in collaboration with RTÉ and Screen Ireland, presents the much-anticipated 2024 Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTYs)

With the spotlight firmly on young cinematic talent, this year’s event promises a thrilling blend of creativity, inspiration, and a glimpse into the future of filmmaking.

Mark your calendars for Monday, April 29, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, when the excitement takes centre stage on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player. Guiding us through the evening are the fabulous hosts; the multi-talented actor and comedian Faye Shortt alongside the vibrant radio presenter Gemma Bradley. Their infectious energy and wit are sure to make this a fun night to remember, broadcast from the iconic Troy Studios in Limerick.

Representing Limerick in this year’s awards are ‘When It Rains’ by Kevin Dillon, Coláiste Chiaráin; ‘Rat King’ by Róisín Leavy-Sahin, ELF; ‘Getting Lain’ by Jonty Ross and Dylan Rice Limerick Youth Theatre.

Faye Shortt, a Gaiety School of Acting and Bow Street Academy alum, has charmed audiences with her sketches co-created with her dad, Pat Shortt. Gemma Bradley has a talent for discovering the freshest new music on Radio Ulster, a songwriter in her own right with her distinctive brand of Pop RnB. This dynamic duo are set to bring their own brand of magic to the event, ensuring laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments.

Jayne Foley, Artistic Director of Fresh Film, shared her excitement: “We are thrilled for this year’s awards with the largest number of entries ever – an exciting indicator of Ireland’s booming film industry. Hosting our biggest awards show yet at Troy Studios in Limerick is so exciting. This marks just the start of an exciting journey for these young filmmakers, destined for a future filled with numerous accolades.”

Now in its 28th year, the IYFTY’s, part of the esteemed Fresh International Film Festival, continues to be a beacon for aspiring filmmakers worldwide. Notable alumni include Oscar-nominated director Vincent Lambe (Detainment), acclaimed Irish filmmaker Dónal Foreman, and comedian and TV personality Justine Stafford, among others.

Suzanne Kelly, Head of Children’s and Young People’s Content at RTÉ, shared her excitement about the event: “It’s back! One of my favourite events in the calendar year, the Fresh Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards, 2024. I continue to be so inspired & impressed by the quality of films and animated content emerging from Fresh every year and RTÉ are thrilled that we can play our part in supporting all of you on your creative journeys. Massive congratulations to all the nominees and everyone who took part this year.”

💥 Meet our lovely hosts @MCluvs2laugh and @demiisaac who just presented #IrelandsJuniorYoungFilmmakerOfTheYear

📆 Tune in to @rte 2 on April 29 at 7pm to hear the results #freshfilm #freshinternationalfilm #iyfty #youngfilm #film #competition #irishfilm pic.twitter.com/OT4zpwdUIK— Fresh International Film Festival (@FreshIreland) April 17, 2024

This year, Fresh International Film Festival, generously supported by the Arts Council, received an overwhelming number of submissions from young filmmakers worldwide, reflecting the vibrant diversity and talent in young storytelling. From heartfelt dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, the shortlisted films offer a captivating journey through the lens of tomorrow’s storytellers.

Fresh International Film Festival, and the IYFTY’s, encourage young people to explore filmmaking as a career, learning the art of visual storytelling, understanding the filmmaking process from first draft to final frame, and the sustainable career opportunities that exist both in front of and behind the camera, inspiring and building Ireland’s future film, television and digital talent-pool. The IYFTYs shortlist is a rich collection that showcases the imagination, creativity and skills of the world’s future storytellers, and interest in the festival from 82 countries is a reflection of Ireland’s ascendancy as a global hub for film, television, digital and creative industries.

Don’t miss Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards 2024 airing on RTÉ2 on Monday, April 29, at 7:00pm, and available on the RTÉ Player.

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