The award is open to all students enrolled in a film programme and films can’t be any longer than twenty minutes, including titles and credits and must be submitted through FilmFreeway.
The winning film will be screened at the Catalyst International Film Festival and will receive €1,000 sponsored by the TUS Digital Arts and Media Department in Limerick.
Catalyst International Film Festival National Student Short Film Award is designed to recognise and celebrate the work of emerging student filmmakers from across the country.
Catalyst International Film Festival is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the film industry, and this award is a key part of that mission.
The festival is keen to engage with emerging filmmakers, ‘new’ rather than inevitably ‘young’, in order to broaden the horizons of potential future filmmakers and audience members.
All Catalyst Award Judges comprise esteemed professionals and experts from the film industry, guaranteeing that the work of the finalists will be showcased to pertinent industry figures, thereby presenting an exceptional opportunity for the winning filmmaker.
Previous Catalyst Awards judges include Colm Bairéad, Rebecca Daly, Frank Berry, Ursula Rani Sarma, Paddy Breathnach and Nell Roddy.
“We are thrilled to launch this new Award in association with TUS” said Dr Susan Liddy, Director of Catalyst.
“We believe that talent is plentiful but opportunities can be limited, and we are committed to supporting emerging filmmakers from all backgrounds. We look forward to seeing the submissions and celebrating the work of the next generation of filmmakers.”
James Greenslade, Head of Department, Digital Arts and Media, TUS, added: “Empowering emerging filmmakers to share their diverse narratives and voices is not just a celebration of their talent but a pivotal step in shaping a more inclusive and expansive film landscape. Through this platform, we embrace the power of film to inspire, connect, and pave the way for the future of storytelling.”
Entries will be accepted up until February 6, 2024 and the festival will be on from April 18-20, 2024.
For more information or to submit a film, click here.
Simon McGuire 