Cavan's Liam Redmond Named Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year at 2026 Awards Presented by Fresh International Film Festival
Posted: 1st April 2026
Fresh International Film Festival has announced the filmmakers and students among those recognised at this year’s Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTY) 2026, held at the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday, 26th March 2026.
The overall title of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 was awarded to Liam Raymond (18), Cavan, for his film Deep Where The Cailleach Lives, selected from more than 1,500 entries nationwide. Just a day earlier, his younger brother Fionn Barra Raymond (12) was awarded Ireland’s Junior Young Filmmaker of the Year for his film The Battle of Time, completing a notable double success for the family.
Dublin schools were strongly represented among the winners. Students from CBS James Street were awarded Best School for their film Birdy, a story centred on a young girl whose ambitions are challenged as she tries to find her voice.
Dublin was also represented in the RTÉ 60 Second Award, which went to What Goes On Behind by students from Le Chéile Secondary School. The stop-motion animation explores the hidden struggles people carry and was recognised for its clarity and emotional impact within a short format.
Among the national category winners, Alexander Hollingsworth received the Best Director Award for Fisher Boy, a film exploring themes of isolation and connection, praised for its sensitive and assured direction.
The Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards are part of the Fresh International Film Festival, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Often described as the “Young Oscars” of Irish film, the awards are recognised as one of the leading platforms internationally for young filmmakers.
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.
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, 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.
Representatives from supporting organisations, including Animation Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Bow Street Academy and The Radharc Trust, were in attendance, highlighting the strong industry support behind the awards.
Louise Ryan, Head of Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, Screen Ireland, said:
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.
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.
Full List of Award Winners
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)
Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2026 (3rd): So-n-so’s Frozen Frog Museum – Hugo Fearon (Belfast)
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)
Best Comedy: Slasher – Liam Donohoe Dunne (Roscommon)
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)
Bow Street Performance Award: Abbie Burke – Pricked (Tipperary)
See www.freshfilm.ie for details on all the films, the IYFTY Awards 2026 and the work of Fresh Film.