Three Galway students are among the finalists in Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2021.
Fifteen-years-old Ruadhán Gormally from Tuam, Co Galway, with his film ‘Feeling Blue’; Anthony Loewen who attends Coláiste Iognáid with the ‘The Confession’, and Sive Sampietro of St Enda’s Galway with ‘Unplugged’ are among the films shortlisted for the final at the Fresh International Film Festival 2021 which takes place this week.
Gormally, a third year student in Archbishop McHale College, Tuam, uses characters played by puppets - all of which he makes himself. An accomplished young filmmaker, he previously won the European Day of Languages song competition with his version of ‘Das Fliegerlied’, also performed by puppets.
‘The Confession’ by Anthony Loewen is about a woman who is killed and a confession is heard but all is not what it seems, while ‘Unplugged’ by Sive Sampietro is about a boy named Will who is in a coma, but those around him are not who they seem.
Films shortlisted for the finals will be screened at the festival which takes place online this year and features an alumni showcase and a week of film screenings and workshops with the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Junior Finals taking place today (March 25 ).
Jayne Foley, founder and artistic director of Fresh Film says the films entered this year are a glimpse into how young people in Ireland are dealing with the challenges of the pandemic.
"Films are a powerful form of expression and an effective way to educate, create awareness, improve understanding and encourage action. Lockdowns during the pandemic have forced young people to come to terms with a new way of living life. What surprised me about this year’s crop films was how positive the films were and how resourceful young people can be. This year’s festival is introducing the world to a new generation of young film innovators highlighting how they are living and coping with global health issues.”
Fresh Film encourages young people to make films by hosting an annual international film festival for young people, presenting Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards, acting as an advocate for young filmmakers, and promoting their work worldwide.
