Fresh International Film Festival, RTÉ and Screen Ireland have announced the 34 films and filmmakers shortlisted for the 2023 IYFTYs – Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards.
For the first time ever, audiences will have the opportunity to preview all the shortlisted IYFTYs on the Fresh International Film Festival YouTube channel from Monday, March 27.
The filmmaking work of young people aged 7 to 18 years from Ireland and across the world will be celebrated at the 27th IYFTYS, which are globally regarded as one of the world’s leading annual film events for young people.
Previous award winners and participants include Oscar-nominated director Vincent Lambe (Detainment), All-American High School Film Festival, New York ‘Best Director’ Seán Treacy, acclaimed Irish filmmaker Dónal Foreman, BBC presenter and author Nick Sheridan, IFTA nominated director Conor McMahon (Let The Wrong One In), comedian and TV personality Justine Stafford and countless more.
The IYFYS will be broadcast on RTÉ2 on Wednesday, April 12 from 7pm, hosted by radio and television presenter Stephen Byrne and BBC Radio presenter Gemma Bradley, recorded live from Odeon Cinemas, Limerick.
Speaking about Fresh International Film Festival and Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards, Minister Catherine Martin said that Ireland’s film, television, digital and creative industries are globally renowned.
“Our strength is our people, a strong and vibrant creative workforce that equally values those who work behind the scenes and those who step into the limelight,” said the Minister.
“I am delighted to see the next generation of Ireland’s filmmaking talent present their work through Fresh International Film Festival and Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards.
“Film and television are exciting, rewarding and sustainable career choices for young people, and Fresh International Film Festival is a wonderful first introduction to filmmaking.”
She congratulated all the young filmmakers, their casts and crews, along with their teachers, parents and supporters, for “such an extraordinary and beautiful array of short films, made for young people by young people.”
“I would encourage all to explore film and television studies and apprenticeships as an excellent career path.”
