Long-running Offaly Short Film award returns for 2026

THIS week sees the launch of FilmOffaly’s annual Short Film Award for 2026.

The award, which has been running since 2008, is the highlight of FilmOffaly’s calendar and attracts entries from talented filmmakers with unique and original stories to tell. The successful filmmakers will receive a €12,000 bursary as well as a local premiere for the completed film.

The competition is open to live-action fiction short films. In the first stage, entrants submit their scripts to FilmOffaly, after which a panel of readers shortlists the finalists. Filming must take place in County Offaly, and at least one key member of the production team (writer, producer or director) must be based in the midlands of Ireland.

FilmOffaly is Offaly County Council’s Film Office and one of Ireland’s first film commissions. Its mission is to stimulate the local economy by attracting film crews to the county, while also offering training and opportunities to those interested in the screen industry.

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The award aims to make a positive impact on the local filmmaking community and local businesses. Since its inception, it has funded sixteen short films, each distinctive and memorable. Many previous winners have gone on to feature at international film festivals, on television, and even on Aer Lingus flights.

The first award was made in 2008 and saw Domhnall Gleeson direct the darkly comic film Noreen, which starred Brendan and Brian Gleeson. The 2025 winner, Bigfoot Lover, was shot in and around Tullamore last November and caused quite a stir among Charleville Forest’s dog walkers, who occasionally spotted the lead actor roaming in giant beast make-up. Bigfoot Lover will premiere later this year, and FilmOffaly is excited to see what lies ahead for this year’s successful applicant.

Full details are available at www.filmoffaly.ie. Applications are open until noon on February 23rd.

FilmOffaly is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021–2027.

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