Leitrim students shine at FÍS Film Awards 2025

Students from Leitrim were among the winners at the FÍS Film Awards 2025, Ireland’s celebrated short filmmaking contest for primary school pupils. Held earlier today at Dublin City University, the ceremony recognized young talent from across the country for their exceptional creativity and technical skills.

Leitrim’s Saint Hugh’s National School received accolades in two major categories: Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking – Production and Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking – Drama. These awards highlight the school’s ability to combine innovative production techniques with compelling storytelling, setting a high standard in this prestigious competition.

The FÍS Film Awards, now in its 19th year, continue to inspire the next generation of filmmakers. In partnership with the Institute of Art, Design, and Technology (IADT) and hosted by RTÉ’s Sinead Kennedy, the event celebrates the creative accomplishments of both students and their teachers. The awards encourage participants to explore various genres—from comedy and horror to science fiction and films as Gaeilge—fostering a love of storytelling and the technical aspects of film production.

While Leitrim’s achievements were a standout, the top honour of the evening went to Shanbally National School in Cork for their drama short film, “Anne Frank.” Directed and produced by a group of talented sixth-class students, the film offers a dramatized retelling of Anne Frank’s experience during World War II. The production not only won the Outstanding Achievement in Filmmaking for Curriculum Relevance (History) but also received The Aileen MacKeogh Film of the Year Award. This remarkable project illustrates how the FÍS Film Project transforms classroom learning into an immersive creative experience.

The FÍS Film Project empowers young students to develop storytelling, collaboration, and digital literacy skills by engaging them in the filmmaking process. Christina Reynolds, Creative Manager at IADT, remarked, “The FÍS Film Awards showcase incredible young filmmaking talent from across Ireland, and we are immensely proud to support an initiative that enriches both the classroom and the creative industries.” By combining hands-on experience with state-of-the-art technology, FÍS provides a platform where creativity meets education, preparing students for an increasingly digital future.

READ MORE - Leitrim Waterfall ranks among Ireland’s top ten visitor attractions