Emerging Mayo filmmaker makes the shortlist for prestigious awards ceremony

Five emerging young filmmakers from across Connacht have been shortlisted for Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards 2026 (IYFTY Awards 2026), which takes place at the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday, March 26. Among them is Charlie Foy from Rice College, Westport, who has been shortlisted for Best Art Direction for Falling Forever - a revenge drama centred on a brother seeking justice after tragedy devastates his family.

The shortlist was announced at the IYFTY Connacht screening at the Galway Omniplex, where 28 films were showcased on the big screen to an audience of peers, teachers, families and film lovers.

Celebrating its 30th year, Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards, part of the Fresh International Film Festival produced by Fresh Film, are globally regarded as one of the world’s leading annual film events for young people.

In 2024, Fresh Film was honoured with the Community Impact Award at the Screen International Global Production Awards at the Cannes Film Festival. More than 1,500 short film entries were received for consideration for the 2026 IYFTY Awards. IYFTY Awards founder Jayne Foley noted: “The Connacht regional finalists have delivered an exceptionally high standard this year, with striking originality across thriller, drama and dark comedy. There’s a real sense of ambition and originality in the work, and we are thrilled to see such strong voices coming through.”

Galway leads the region with three nominations. Coláiste Éinde, Salthill is shortlisted in the Best School category for Erinys, a psychological thriller in which a new student’s arrival sparks paranoia and escalating tragedy, culminating in a shocking act of violence driven by grief and suspicion.

In Best Screenplay, Coláiste Iognáid is nominated for Influenced, a hard-hitting drama exploring how social media and online influencers draw a young man into gambling, addiction and self-destruction.

Also shortlisted in Best Screenplay is The Letter We Lost, directed by Keelan Gallagher from Rossaveal. This emotional drama follows two estranged friends who reunite after the sudden death of their best friend to read a final letter he left behind, a meeting that spirals into confrontation, grief and long-buried truths.

Roscommon brings dark humour to the province with Slasher, directed by Liam Donohoe Dunne, from Kilteevan, nominated in Best Comedy. Blending comedy with slasher tropes, the film follows two friends who decide to track down a serial killer in their locality, only to encounter an unexpected twist.

Across Connacht, this year’s nominees demonstrate an impressive range of storytelling, from psychological suspense and social commentary to emotionally charged drama and genre-bending comedy.

All shortlisted films can be viewed from Monday, March 9, on the Fresh International Film Festival YouTube channel here.

Viewer discretion is advised for younger audiences, and parents, guardians and teachers are encouraged to preview the films in advance.

For details on all the films, the IYFTY Awards and the work of Fresh Film, please visit here.