Students from Leitrim shortlisted for 20th Annual FÍS Film Awards

The 2026 FÍS Film Awards have this week announced that students from Leitrim have made the shortlist for this year's competition. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the renowned ceremony will feature a host of short films created by primary school children and their teachers across Ireland. This year’s event, hosted by RTE’s Sinead Kennedy is set to take place in the Helix, Dublin on Thursday, 12th of February. With more than 1,500 pupils taking part nationwide, the FÍS Film Awards continues to encourage creativity and filmmaking skills in classrooms across Ireland.

Students from Saint Hugh's NS, Dowra in Leitrim were this year shortlisted for "From Tullynaha to Muckadilla".

Students from St. Garvan's NS and Scoil Cholmcille in Donegal have also made the cut. 

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Designed for primary pupils, the FÍS Film Project guides children through every stage of filmmaking, from developing ideas and scripts to filming and editing. The creative process encourages learning beyond the traditional classroom, while helping pupils to strengthen communication and collaboration skills. Along the way, children gain hands-on experience with digital tools and technology, supporting the aims of the Government’s digital strategy for schools and its focus on integrating technology into teaching and learning.

This year’s FÍS Awards Ceremony will recognise a wide range of achievements across 24 categories, including acting, costume design, originality, and storytelling. The awards highlight the many different components pupils and teachers consider when working as directors, producers, and screenwriters. 

This year, the FÍS Film Awards will also feature a special category sponsored by Met Éireann, Ireland’s National Meteorological Service. In honour of its 90th anniversary, this year’s special category is named “Met Éireann: Weather, Climate, and Our Future”, and invites pupils to explore meteorology and climate science through film. From the history of weather recordings to real-life climate stories, students have the opportunity to create educational and imaginative videos that capture the science behind storms, rising temperatures, and changing weather patterns. 

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Commenting on the shortlist, Christina Reynolds, FÍS Creative Manager, Institute of Art, Design & Technology, said: “At its heart, the FÍS Film Project is about young filmmakers- their ideas, creativity and confidence in using film as a way to tell stories. As the awards show marks its 20th anniversary, it’s especially encouraging to see such strong and sustained participation from young filmmakers right across the country. Through the long-standing partnership between IADT and Oide Technology in Education, the FÍS Film Project continues to support schools in developing creative digital skills, giving students a platform to share their work and see what’s possible.”

From one generation of students to the next, the FÍS Film Awards ceremony is captured and broadcast by students of IADT’s National Film School, giving them invaluable hands-on experience in a professional setting. The post-production of the awards is undertaken by students from IADT’s BA in Film and TV programme, allowing them to develop practical skills in editing, production, and storytelling while contributing to a nationally recognised event. Members of the public can watch the 20th Annual FÍS Film Awards live at fisfilmproject.ie.