Five emerging young filmmakers from across Connacht have been shortlisted for Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards 2026, with Galway leading the charge.
The shortlist was announced at the IYFTY Connacht Screening at Galway Omniplex, where 28 films were showcased on the big screen to an audience of peers, teachers, families and film lovers.
Celebrating its 30th year, Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards, part of the Fresh International Film Festival produced by Fresh Film, are globally regarded as one of the world’s leading annual film events for young people.
In 2024, Fresh Film was honoured with the Community Impact Award at the Screen International Global Production Awards at the Cannes Film Festival.
More than 1,500 short film entries were received for consideration for the 2026 IYFTY Awards, IYFTY Awards founder Jayne Foley noted, ‘The Connacht regional finalists have delivered an exceptionally high standard this year, with striking originality across thriller, drama and dark comedy.”
“There’s a real sense of ambition and originality in the work, and we are thrilled to see such strong voices coming through.”
Galway leads the region with three nominations. Coláiste Éinde, Salthill is shortlisted in the Best School category for Erinys, a psychological thriller in which a new student’s arrival sparks paranoia and escalating tragedy, culminating in a shocking act of violence driven by grief and suspicion.
In Best Screenplay, Coláiste Iognáid is nominated for Influenced, a hard-hitting drama exploring how social media and online influencers draw a young man into gambling, addiction and self-destruction.
Also shortlisted in Best Screenplay is The Letter We Lost, directed by Keelan Gallagher from Rossaveal. This emotional drama follows two estranged friends who reunite after the sudden death of their best friend to read a final letter he left behind, a meeting that spirals into confrontation, grief and long-buried truths.
Mayo is represented in Best Art Direction by Charlie Foy from Rice College Westport for Falling Forever, a revenge drama centred on a brother seeking justice after tragedy devastates his family.
Roscommon brings dark humour to the province with Slasher, directed by Liam Donohoe Dunne,from Kilteevan nominated in Best Comedy. Blending comedy with slasher tropes, the film follows two friends who decide to track down a serial killer in their locality, only to encounter an unexpected twist.
The IYFTY Awards 2026 take place on March 26 at The Mansion House in Dublin and will be attended by filmmakers aged 12-18 from across the island.
From hundreds of entries, 60 films have made it to the final stage, with 17 awards to be revealed at the ceremony before the prestigious title of ‘Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026’ is announced.
The Awards ceremony will be attended by more than 500 young filmmakers, their crews and supporters, and will be hosted by Seán Treacy, filmmaker, actor and three time winner of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year, and actor, podcaster and comedian Faye Shortt.
