Virgin Media Discovers, in partnership with Screen Ireland, Announces Four Winning Projects Now in Production for Spring 2026
Posted: 8th December 2025
Virgin Media Television, in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, is proud to announce that four exceptional projects have been selected as winners of this year's Virgin Media Discovers 6 and are now currently in production.
This initiative continues to champion original Irish storytelling while giving emerging creatives the opportunity to bring bold and thought-provoking stories to life.
The four winning projects explore powerful contemporary themes and issues while showcasing incredible talent within Ireland’s creative community. Speaking on this year's winning projects, Director of Programming, Anthony Nilan says:
Each year, Virgin Media Discovers unveils stories that challenge, inspire, and reflect on the world we live in. These projects don’t just entertain – they spark conversations and showcase the incredible depth of talent in Ireland. We’re excited to see how our viewers connect with these powerful narratives."
Details of the four winning projects are below:
Emergency Accommodation
Created by Seán Connolly (Writer), Eamonn Keane (Producer), Kate Haley (Director).
After escaping Garda custody while in hospital, a homeless man realises that he can live undetected amidst the chaos, overcrowding, and perpetual waiting of a typical Irish Emergency Department.
Kate Haley, Director of Emergency Accommodation, comments: “We’re honoured to be one of the teams selected for this year’s Virgin Media Discovers. This incredible platform allows us to showcase our passion, creativity, and commitment to filmmaking, while telling a story that shines a light on some of our country’s most pressing issues”.
Lydia
Created by Caleb J Roberts (Writer & Director) and Anna Callan (Producer).
Trapped in a bureaucratic maze not built to see her, one transgender woman sparks a historic battle against the Irish State to be recognised as female in this dramatisation of real events.
Caleb J Roberts, Writer and Director of Lydia, shares: “Anna and I are so thrilled to be bringing this story to life, one that is so vital for audiences right now. This project has been crafted with care and intention, and we are excited to get stuck into production”.
Samhain
Created by Amy De Brún (Writer & Actor), Michael Donnelly V (Producer) and Seán Branigan (Director).
When her autistic son goes missing from his preschool, a worn-out mother must delve into his imagination to follow his tracks in the hopes of finding him.
Seán Branigan, Director of Samhain, states: “We are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to tell a story so close to our hearts with the support of the Virgin Media Team. It is so timely and important, and we feel so lucky that it will reach the audience it deserves”.
SUB5
Created by Rhona McAuliffe (Writer), Tom Hopkins (Producer) and Laura Kavanagh (Director).
Angus, a reclusive teen, catfishes his own mother to stop her from dating. When a radical incel hijacks the plan, Angus must race to save her.
Speaking on their success, Director, Laura Kavanagh says: “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have been selected for production. This is a huge vote of confidence in our story and vision. We’re really excited at the opportunity to make SUB5, and to bring what we believe is both an urgent topic and a compelling perspective to life”.
Virgin Media Discovers continues to provide a vital platform for Irish creatives to tell stories that matter, with funding and support from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. These projects will premiere at Dublin International Film Festival in February 2026 and will be broadcast on Virgin Media Television and available to view on Virgin Media Play in 2026.