Limerick students are finalists in FÍS Film Awards

PRIMARY school students from Milford National School are finalists in the FÍS Film Awards for their two short film productions. 

The titles reaching the shortlist for the awards are 'Dimension Disturbance' and 'Creative Control', both produced by their 6th class students. 

‘Creative Control’ is a film which addresses the topical issue of the increasing use of technology and artificial intelligence in education from the students perspective, and emphasises the need for creative and engaging learning in school. 

And ‘Dimension Disturbance’, is an exciting tale of inter-dimensional travel, a story of teamwork, and an action-packed adventure, created entirely from stop-motion Lego. 

Short films about Anne Frank, Magic Homework, Irish folklore, and more are also among the finalists for this year’s FÍS Film Awards. 

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Partnering with the Institute of Art, Design, and Technology (IADT), and hosted by RTÉ’s Sinead Kennedy, the annual event honours the filmmaking achievements of Irish primary school students and their teachers across multiple categories like directing, acting, design, music, and many film genres, with the distinguished Film of the Year award taking centre stage. 

Christina Reynolds, Creative Manager at the Institute of Art, Design & Technology, spoke on this year's finalists: “With so many entries and such a high level of talent involved this year, it was extremely difficult to choose our finalists. It’s truly inspiring to witness the incredible creativity and innovation coming from young aspiring filmmakers who are guided by their teachers across the country. This year’s contest saw several entries that provided a creative twist on stories of historical significance. The awards highlight not just the talent of the students but also the power of collaboration and the role that technology and innovation play in shaping their storytelling. We look forward to this year’s awards which look to be bigger than ever before,” said Christina. 

The FÍS Film Project is an initiative of the Department of Education in a collaborative partnership between the Institute of Art, Design & Technology’s FÍS Office and Oide Technology in Education. 

The project has been in operation for over 22 years and gives children an outlet to express themselves and showcase their talents in an educational but non-academic way.

The event will take place at the Helix, Dublin on February 12 and will be broadcast online via the FÍS film project website. 

The event’s broadcast will be filmed and produced by third-level students from the Institute of Art, Design, and Technology’s National Film School, offering them an opportunity for industry-relevant practical experience to further develop their skills. 

The awards seek to celebrate creativity, and encourage teachers and children to engage in the process of filmmaking in a cross-curricular way in the primary school classroom.