THE 2026 SHORT FILM AWARD IS HERE!
Entries for this year's Short Film Award are now open.
Our award has been running since 2008 and is the highlight of FilmOffaly’s calendar, attracting entries from talented filmmakers who have unique and original stories to tell. The successful filmmakers will be awarded a 12,000 euro bursary, as well as a local premiere for the completed film.
The competition is open for live-action fiction short films. The first stage sees entrants sending their scripts in to us before they are shortlisted by a panel of readers.
Filming must take place in County Offaly, and at least one of the key production team (Writer, Producer or Director) should be based in the Midlands of Ireland.
Since its inception the award has been responsible for the funding of sixteen short films, each of which are distinctive and unmissable. Many of the previous winners have gone on to be shown at international film festivals, on TV, even on Aer Lingus flights. Could yours be number seventeen?
Click below for further guidelines on how to apply.
Situated in the heart of Ireland, Offaly boasts a unique landscape, good road and rail infrastructure and plenty of experience and enthusiasm in hosting film productions. We are delighted to welcome your crews here.
Offaly boasts some amazing and atmospheric locations, including 22 monastic sites and approximately 90 castles, as well as typical Irish towns with plenty of character. The north eastern part of the county is situated within the commuter belt of Dublin with the southern and western parts bordering the Slieve Bloom Mountains and the Shannon River.
FilmOffaly is Offaly's Film Commission and a project of Offaly County Council. Up and running since 2008, we are one of the first local film offices in Ireland, and our annual Film Award is now in its fifteenth year. We are cofunded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund programme 2021-2027.
