Young Dublin filmmaker wins big prize at Fresh International Film Festival

Dublin leaving cert student Fiachra Cotter O’Culachain from Dublin was crowned Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2024 at Fresh International Film Festival, for his short film IVY. 

This coming-of-age film follows Hugh, a teen facing the struggles of life.

Life for Hugh is pretty good as as he embarks on another summer of fun with his friend but it becomes that much better when he meets Ivy, the new girl next door.

Hailing from Dundrum, Fiachra wrote, directed and edited the film.

Ivy marks Fiachra’s third time entering Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of The Year having previously entered a film that focused on the Covid-19 pandemic.

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.”

Fiachra was one of seventeen award recipients at the 2024 IYFTYs, which were broadcast on RTÉ2 on April 29, and hosted by Faye Shortt and Gemma Bradley. The awards, which were filmed in Omniplex Cinema and Troy Studios in Limerick are now available to view on the RTÉ Player. All 42 shortlisted films, made by young people, for young people, can be viewed on the Fresh International Film Festival YouTube Channel.

Other Dublin winners included Louis Martin from Dublin for his performance in Fog, earning him the Bow Street Best Performance Award, while Sam Mullins, a promising student from Dublin, was honoured with the Best Concept Award for his film, Mornin’.

All shortlisted films can be viewed right now on the Fresh Film YouTube Channel