LIMERICK filmmakers were among the winners at the Fresh International Film Festival awards broadcast this week on RTÉ2 from Limerick’s Troy Studios.
Director Róisín Leavy-Sahin from Corbally from Emerging Limerick Filmmakers picked up the Best Group Award for the feature ‘Rat King’, a story where 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. Rat King took the top award recently at the First Cut Youth Film Festival held in Youghal, County Cork.
Leaving Certificate student Fiachra Cotter O’Culachain from Dublin was crowned Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year. Fiachra wrote, directed and edited ‘Ivy’, his third time entering the competition.
This fantastically shot film with beautiful cinematography and natural performances from his young ensemble cast is inspired by his own experiences with teenage romance. Already looking ahead, Fiachra is planning to shoot his next film in August.
Speaking of Fiachra’s film, Fresh International Film Festival Director Jayne Foley said: “Fiachra’s award-winning film, Ivy, is a perfect example of short filmmaking. It boasts a compelling story, talented ensemble cast, and impressive cinematography. 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.”
Now in its 28th year, the IYFTY’s, part of the esteemed Fresh International Film Festival, continues to be a beacon for aspiring filmmakers worldwide. Notable alumni include Oscar-nominated director Vincent Lambe (Detainment), acclaimed Irish filmmaker Dónal Foreman, and comedian and TV personality Justine Stafford, among others.
