National Talent Academy for Film & TV Announces Selected Projects for 2026 First Credit Short Film Scheme & NTA Short Film Fund
Posted: 9th June 2026
The National Talent Academy (NTA) for Film & TV, an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland managed by Ardán, has today announce the teams selected for the 2026 First Credit Short Film Scheme and NTA Short Film Fund.
Following a highly competitive open call which attracted hundreds of applications from across Ireland, five live-action short film projects have been selected to receive funding, mentorship and professional development support through the schemes.
The selected teams were chosen through a multi-stage assessment process involving external assessors and interviews with industry selection panels.
Designed to support talent at different stages of their careers, the schemes provide filmmakers with opportunities to develop new work, build professional credits and strengthen their creative and production skills.
The selected participants will now take part in a structured development programme featuring mentorship, workshops, training opportunities and tailored industry support as they progress towards production.
The 2026 programme will begin with a dedicated Crew Call networking event taking place in Dublin on Sunday, 14th June 2026, where the selected filmmaking teams will meet potential collaborators and crew members for their upcoming productions. Crew members can now register below.
First Credit Short Film Scheme
The First Credit Short Film Scheme supports emerging filmmakers seeking to gain their first professional funded credits as writers, directors or producers.
Another Christmas
While working as Santa in Dublin, a Hong Kong man shares a moment of recognition with a child.
- Writer/Director: Choy-Ping Ní Chléirigh-Ng 吳彩萍
- Producer: Alannah Jennings
GNIB
Two Nigerian pharmacy students queue all night outside the immigration office building for a re-entry visa, juggling exam preparation and the bureaucracy of migration, interacting with the humanity of other immigrants on the queue.
- Writer/Director: Dagogo Hart
- Producer: Aesha Tandy
Raising Spirits
A psychic medium sees her business, her relationship and her digestive system in peril when a real ghost threatens to reveal her scamming ways.
- Writer/Director: Niamh McAllister
- Producer: Odhrán McNulty
Producer Karina Cotter has joined the 2025-funded production You Need to Leave, written and directed by David Kiarie. The project will now continue its development as part of the 2026 cohort.
NTA Short Film Fund
The NTA Short Film Fund supports established screen professionals as they transition into directing live-action drama projects alongside established producers. This year’s cohort includes cinematographer Seán Doupe and theatre-maker and podcaster Peter Dunne, both of whom will direct their first funded live-action drama short films within the scheme.
The Bronze Chip
On the anniversary of his sobriety, a recovering alcoholic reveals to his sponsor that the demon he was battling was not a metaphor.
- Writer/Director: Peter Dunne
- Producer: Ali Doyle
Imitations
A young woman at an art exhibition encounters a provocateur whose work displays images of systemic violence. Their conversation will shake her grip on reality.
- Writer/Director: Seán Doupe
- Producer: Séamus Waters
Crew members interested in attending the Crew Call event to meet the filmmakers and learn more about the upcoming projects are invited to register HERE
NTA Film & TV extends sincere thanks to the external assessors for their time, expertise and thoughtful evaluation throughout the application process, including Antóin Beag Ó Colla, Paudie Baggot, Linda Bhreathnach, Gemma Creagh, Emer Durcan, Simon Doyle, Mary Fox, Husni Hafid, Hiram Harrington, Jack Hickey, Patricia Kelly, Claire Mooney, Edwin Mullan, Joshua Donoghue, Jamie O’Rourke and Eimer Riley.
Special thanks also to the final selection panel members: Aisling Byrne, Claire Frances Byrne, Eibh O’Brien-Collins, Aisling Malone, Grace Odumosu, Derek Ugochukwu and Shannon Welby.
About the National Talent Academy for Film & TV
The National Talent Academy for Film & TV is a national initiative of Screen Ireland, managed by Ardán, dedicated to developing talent across all levels of the Irish screen industry. Through funding schemes, training initiatives and career development opportunities, the Academy supports the growth of diverse voices and sustainable careers across film and television in Ireland.