Leaving Cert student Fiachra Cotter O'Culachain from Dublin was crowned Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2024 at the Fresh International Film Festival, for his short film Ivy.
The winning film, a coming-of-age tale, follows Hugh, a teen facing the struggles of life. Hailing from Dundrum, Fiachra wrote, Directed and edited this fantastically shot film with beautiful cinematography and natural performances from his young ensemble cast.
This is Fiachra’s third time entering Ireland's Young Filmmaker of The Year. The inspiration for his latest Ivy stems from his own experiences with teenage romance. Already looking ahead, Fiachra is planning to shoot his next film in August.
WINNER - Ivy was Directed by Fiachra Cotter O'Culachain
This coming-of-age film follows Hugh, a teen facing the struggles of life. Life for Hugh is pretty good, but it becomes that much better when he meets Ivy, the new girl next door. As he embarks on another summer of fun with his friends, a sea of new emotions emerges that Hugh decides to navigate.
Second Place - Freequencies by Olivia Louise Curto
Ten-year-old Oliver experiences life differently due to electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). This rare condition makes everyday technology a challenge: he feels the buzz of electronic devices more intensely than others. Oliver's journey sheds light on the often-overlooked effects of our technological footprint and inspires a quest for more genuine human connections.
Third Place - Adaptation of the Only Nightmare I've Ever Had by Jake Dundon
I was 14 years old, far from home, and paralysingly anxious about the future. So, the same as I am now, except for the 14-years-old part. An adaptation of the only nightmare I've ever had.
And here all the winners from the Fresh Film Awards 2024:
Best School
St James CBS, Liberties Dublin - 'Charlie'
This beautifully short film follows the journey of a resilient teenager named Charlie, grappling with adversity. Amidst the harsh realities of homelessness and family illness, this gripping film delves into the depths of struggle and resilience.
Sienna Graham, Dublin - ‘Fighting for Home’
An electrifying boxing documentary that intimately captures the journey of two teenage athletes as they strive to achieve greatness. With raw emotion and unwavering determination, the film delves into their dreams, struggles, and unyielding ambition to conquer the world of boxing.
Best Group
Róisín Leavy-Sahin, Emerging Limerick Filmmakers, Limerick - 'Rat King'
A young boy falls in love with a dead rat. It begins to rot him, setting off a frenzy in his village with disastrous consequences.
Best Cinematography
Georgia Kelly, Wicklow - ‘The Girl I Knew’
Charlie, a 16 year old girl, tries to navigate the summer without her best friend Lila, while also wondering what has happened to her.
Best Director
Cian Conachy, Cavan - ‘Showtime’
A lazy understudy shows up unprepared on the opening night of his school's musical.
Best Screenplay
Oonagh Waldron and Cathal Anderson, NYAFS Kilkenny, - ‘Dear Mrs Green’
A woman working as a carer connects two people across generations.
Best Art Direction
Ellen McSweeney, Kerry - ‘Summer’
A meditation on the hazy summer season, the beauty, nostalgia and joy, but also the dread, the pressure and fear of the future. The summer can't last forever after all.
Best Comedy
Abbi Henderson, Kilkenny - ‘Chog’
Beth is thrilled to receive the honour of minding Janet's beautiful home and beloved dog Chog whilst she is away on business. Chog the dog however, isn't so welcoming.
Best Concept
Sam Mullins, Dublin - ‘Mornin’
A boy tries and fails to get through his mornings due to the influence of an unwanted companion.
Erin Geraghty, Mayo - ‘The Seraph’
A girl becomes more aware of a presence that lingers nearby.
Animation Ireland Award
Eoin Murphy, Cork - ‘Inferno’
The protagonist is in the midst of his desolate, unfulfilled life. He encounters an ancient book entitled 'Dante's Inferno.' Perhaps, he will unearth something that he wished had remained on the shelf, forever waiting to be told.
Radharc Award
Nora Twomey, Cork - ‘Devil May Care’
May Casey, Nora’s great-grandmother had a secret political life which came to light from her military pension application for her involvement in the Irish Civil War. Fantastic factual documentary and a personal connection for the filmmaker. It's Who Do You Think You Are? - but better!
Screen Producers Ireland Sustainability Award
Isobel Johnston and Laura O' Doherty Alexandra College, Dublin - ‘Rumours’
A rumour spreads in school...
Bow Street Performance
Louis Martin, Dublin - ‘Fog’
A young man struggling with his mental health navigates through an overwhelming depressive episode in his life.
All 42 shortlisted films, made by young people, for young people, can be viewed on the Fresh International Film Festival YouTube Channel.
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