Limerick Roots at the Heart of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker Of The Year Awards 2026

Angie Smalis (Artist Director) accepted the Best Art Direction Award on behalf of all the cast and crew at Limerick Youth Theatre for 12 Scissors at Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards 2026. In collaboration with Fresh Film Festival

Limerick connection celebrated at Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTY) was evident this week at the 2026 national awards as Fresh Film celebrates 30 years!

Limerick’s connection to Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTY) 2026 was evident this week as the national awards, founded in the city, celebrated emerging filmmaking talent from across the country in the Mansion House yesterday, 26 March.

While this year’s overall title of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 went to Liam Raymond (18), Cavan, for his film Deep Where The Cailleach Lives, the awards continue to reflect Limerick’s long-standing role at the centre of youth filmmaking in Ireland.

Second place was awarded to Charlie Beimers (18), Holywood, Co. Down, for The Volunteer, while third place went to Hugo Fearon (18), Belfast, for So-n-so’s Frozen Frog Museum.

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Limerick was also represented among the category winners, with Limerick Youth Theatre taking home the Best Art Direction Award for 12 Scissors, a visually inventive film exploring identity through a murder investigation told from multiple perspectives.

The awards are part of the Fresh International Film Festival, which was founded in Limerick in 1996 and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. What began as the Irish Schools Video Competition has grown into a national platform for young filmmakers, with participants now working in a fully digital and increasingly professional environment.  Jayne Foley, Founder and Director of Fresh Film, said: “After almost 30 years of Fresh Film, it is incredible to see the level of talent coming through. These finalists represent a new generation of filmmakers who are skilled, ambitious and ready to be part of the wider screen industry.”

Often described as the “Young Oscars” of Irish film, the awards are recognised as one of the leading platforms internationally for young filmmakers.

This year’s awards attracted more than 1,500 entries, with 60 films shortlisted. Finalists progressed through regional screenings held earlier this month, where their work was shown on the big screen to audiences of peers, teachers and families.

More than 300 young filmmakers aged between 12 and 18 attended the ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin, where 17 awards were presented.

The ceremony was hosted by filmmaker and three-time IYFTY winner Seán Treacy and comedian and actor Faye Shortt, with Meg Hughes covering red carpet arrivals.

Previous IYFTY winners and participants include Oscar-nominated director Vincent Lambe, filmmaker Dónal Foreman, director Conor McMahon, broadcaster Justine Stafford and Cal O’Driscoll, recently nominated at the 2026 IFTAs.

“Once again, Screen Ireland is delighted to support the creativity, resourcefulness and energy of everyone who attended the Fresh Film awards ceremony at the Mansion House. We extend our congratulations to the remarkable young winners, as well as all who participated, and acknowledge their commitment to creative filmmaking in Ireland.

We also thank the schools, teachers and parents who support these young people, and Jane Foley and the Fresh Film team for delivering a wonderful event that truly reflects the creativity and skill of Ireland’s young filmmakers.” Louise Ryan, Head of Marketing and Public Affairs, Screen Ireland

Fresh Film and the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards are supported by The Arts Council, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Omniplex Cinema Group, Coimisiún na Meán, Limerick City and County Council, RTÉ, Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board, The Radharc Trust, Animation Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland and Bow Street Academy.

The winners at this year’s IYFTY were Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 (1st): Deep Where The Cailleach Lives – Liam Raymond (Cavan); Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 (2nd): The Volunteer – Charlie Beimers (Down); and Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 (3rd): So-n-so’s Frozen Frog Museum – Hugo Fearon (Belfast).

Other category winners were Best School: Birdy – CBS James Street (Dublin); Best Group: Pricked – Stagecraft Youth Theatre, Clonmel, (Tipperary); Best Cinematography: What’s The Job – Alana Gaston (Antrim); Best Screenplay: Possessed By You – Sonny Santiago (Wicklow); Best Director: Fisher Boy – Alexander Hollingsworth (Dublin); and Best Comedy: Slasher – Liam Donohoe Dunne (Roscommon).

More category winners were Best Concept: Shattered Reality – Eoin Brennan (Antrim); Best Art Direction: 12 Scissors – Limerick Youth Theatre (Limerick); Radharc Award: Life in Listowel – Airt Lyons & Jack Carney (Kerry); RTÉ Factual: Embers of the Damned – Rachel Emily McIlhagger (Antrim); RTÉ 60 Second: What Goes On Behind – Le Chéile Secondary School (Dublin); Animation Ireland Award: The Volunteer – Charlie Beimers (Down); and Bow Street Performance Award: Abbie Burke – Pricked (Tipperary).