The Fresh International Film Festival () is a festival for young people which takes place in Limerick, Ireland each Spring.
Founded in 1997, the event was originally known as the "Irish Schools Video Competition". The annual festival includes its competitive event, Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year, which screens films made by young people aged between 7 and 18 years.
Events The festival's main stated aim is to encourage young people to make films. The festival also hosts workshops and meetings for young filmmakers. Workshops, undertaken at past events, have included a videogame design workshop and a filmmaking workshop by Eugene O'Connor.
Screenings of feature films also occur at the festival. Past screenings have included the animated feature film Persepolis at the 2011 event. The films selected for screening at the 2004 event were all based on the theme of "war".
Award winners Awards at the event, including "Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year", are judged by a number of film and education professionals and the 1st and 2nd prize winners at the previous years competition. The award ceremony for the senior category is held in March/April. Past winners have included:
Best short film (senior award) 2025: "Abhaile" - by Emma Whelan 2024: "Ivy" - by Fiachra Cotter O'Culachain 2023: "The Tell-Tale Heart" - by Max Hendrickson 2022: "The Least I Can Do" - by Seán Tracey 2021: "Learning to Dance Like a Bird" - by Ella Nethercott, Dublin 2020: "Pirates"- Directed by Cal O'Driscoll 2019: "Rue"- Directed by Sean Treacy 2018: "Choice" - Directed by John Farrelly 2017: "Hidden Potential" - Directed by Eamonn McMahon 2016: "Poppies" - Directed by Rachel McGill, Limerick 2014: "The Perfect Place" - by Dara O'Cairbre 2012: "Together in Dreams" - by David Brazil, Conor Igoe, Shane O'Brien, Dublin 2011: "4:27 AM" -Directed by Seán Murphy 2010: "Dystopia" by Seán Conroy from Dublin 2009: "The Grim Trials of Vida Novac" by Nicholas Sheridan from Wexford 2008: "Alien Verbatim" by Laurence Snashall from Schull 2007: "Hang Up Noise Man" by Re Productions from Dublin 2006: "The Cycle" dir. Eoghan McQuinn from Dublin 2005: "The Vent" dir. Glenn Lambert DublinMade Films, Dublin 2004: " The Boy's Revenge" dir. Jonathan Lambert, DublinMade Films, Dublin 2003: "The Unmentionable" dir. Dónal Foreman & Danny McMahon, DogDay Films, Dublin 2002: "Weird Evolution" dir. Emlyn Lewis, Cavan 2001: "Oxygen" by Jeremy O'Hanlon, Dublin 2000: "After The War" by Vincent Lambe, Dublin 1999: "The Jock Club and the Mellon Collie Death of Eugene Nerdlinger" dir. Anthony Kinsella - C13 Pictures
Radharc Trust: Documentary Award This category is sponsored by the Radharc Trust. Past winners have included: 2012: "Joy Ride" by Southhill Youth Space, Limerick 2011: "The First Rose" by 5th Class Scoil Eoin 2008: "Sneakers" by Patrickswell National School, Limerick
Brown Bag Animation Award The animation award is supported by Brown Bag Films. Previous winners have included: 2011: "Ages Ago" by Ryan and Mark Buckley 2010: "Reflection" by Alfie Hollingsworth and Dylan Bickerton 2009: "The Show-Offs" by Colaiste Chiarain, Croom, Limerick 2008: "The Last Penguin" by Sacred Heart School, Portlaoise 2007: "UpsideDown Goldfish" directed by Bryan O'Sullivan, Cork
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