Dublin student crowned Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year for 2024
Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year Fiachra Cotter O'Culachain pictured at the Fresh Film International Film Festival. Photo: Don Moloney
Dublin Leaving Cert student Fiachra Cotter O’Culachain has been named Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2024 for his short film Ivy.
He was named the overall winner of the competition at the Fresh International Film Festival at Omniplex Cinema and Troy Studios in Limerick. Dundrum native Fiachra wrote, directed and edited the short film.
Ivy is a coming-of-age story featuring Hugh, a teenager whose life takes a turn when he meets the new “girl-next-door” Ivy.
"Fiachra's award-winning film, Ivy, is a perfect example of short filmmaking. It boasts a compelling story, talented ensemble cast, and impressive cinematography,” said Fresh International Film Festival director Jayne Foley.
"Made by teens for teens, it beautifully captures the timeless tale of 'boy meets girl.' It's truly a deserving recipient of the title Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year 2024."
The “fantastically shot” winning film was praised for its “beautiful cinematography and natural performances” from the young ensemble cast.
It was Fiachra’s third time entering the Young Filmmaker of the Year. Last year he made a film focusing on the Covid-19 pandemic and he already has plans for his next project, set to begin filming in August.
The second place award went to 17-year-old Co Leitrim girl Olivia Louise Curto for Freequencies, the story of 10-year-old boy Oliver’s experiences with electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
In third place was the “thought-provoking film” Adaptation of the Only Nightmare I’ve Ever Had by Jake Dundon from Co Tipperary. The award for best school went to St James CBS in The Liberties, Dublin for Charlie, a “gripping” short film following the journey of teenager Charlie as he deals with homelessness and family illness.
Emerging Limerick Filmmakers took home the best group award for Rat King, a film about a young boy who falls in love with a dead rat.
There were 17 winners announced in total, including:
All 42 of the films shortlisted in Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2024 are available to watch on the Fresh Film YouTube channel.
The Fresh International Film Festival aims to encourage young people to explore filmmaking as a career. Past winners include director Vincent Lambe, who received an Academy Award nomination for the short film Detainment, filmmaker Dónal Foreman and TV personality and comedian Justine Stafford.
This year’s awards ceremony was broadcast on RTÉ 2 and is available to watch back on the RTÉ Player.
Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel
Stay up to date with all the latest news
