FilmOffaly and the National Talent Academy (NTA) for Film & TV are delighted to announce a new Smartphone Filmmaking Course in Offaly this coming June.

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The course is designed for new and emerging filmmakers who are interested in producing content on their phone and on low budget equipment.

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FilmOffaly’s Darren Lee said: “Equipment is often a barrier for people wanting to make their own films, and this course will offer hands-on experience to give filmmakers the confidence to work together using equipment that’s easy to find. Most of us carry around with us a miniature film studio in our pockets without realising it.”

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The course will be taught by Donegal’s Póca Productions who are experts in training individuals and groups in the art of filmmaking using the hardware and software available on a smartphone. The course is open to interested adults of all ages and backgrounds and the deadline for applying is May 9 at 12noon.

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Click on the button for further details.

FilmOffaly would like to engage a production company or individual to deliver a Documentary Mentorship Programme to a minimum of four students. Mentees will work together on the production of a short documentary to be based on a subject matter with a strong link to the county.

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The final product of this programme will be be a short documentary film, length 20 minutes or under, ideally film ready for submission to film festivals. It should be based on a unique and compelling subject matter with a strong connection to Offaly and new footage should be filmed entirely in the county. This will be an inclusive work made by a minimum of four Offaly filmmakers, under the mentorship of the experienced production company.

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The filmmakers can deploy a variety of documentary techniques (e.g. interviews, dramatic reconstruction, archival footage) to best serve the subject matter.

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Deadline for proposals is Thursday 8th May at 12.00 PM. Please click on the link button to download a full briefing document.

Many thanks to everyone who attended our Midlands Network event on Saturday 12th April 2025, which we held in conjunction with the National Talent Academies.

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We've been getting lots of good feedback on the panel and networking session. It was great to get so many from the local screen sector in one room for chats, cake and coffee

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A big shout out to everyone who made it possible. Not least our special guests on the panel: Maura Foley, Gary Hoctor, Jade Travers, Jess Whelehan and Eibh O'Brien-Collins

NTA Crew Academy East is managed by Clermont Screen Hub CLG.

NTA Film & TV is managed by Ardán.

The National Talent Academies are an initiative of Screen Ireland

We are very excited to announce this network event run by the National Talent Academies: Crew Academy East and Film & TV,  in collaboration with Film Offaly.

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It will be held on 12th April from 11am-1pm at Esker Arts in Tullamore.

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It is designed to provide opportunity, insight, inspiration and connections for those looking to access or progress in the screen sector.

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This will be a great opportunity to talk and connect with your creative peers, the National Talent Academies, and other stakeholders in the screen sector. 

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There will be a panel with screen sector stakeholders where you will learn the opportunities and resources available to those wanting to access and progress within the screen sector and about the different journeys into the industry. There will be a Q&A section following this for audience questions.

Guests must RSVP on a first-come, first-served basis.

CLICK FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND HOW TO REGISTER.

The deadline to RSVP is Friday, April 4th, at 12pm or when the guest list reaches capacity.

Please address any questions to crew.east@nationaltalentacademies.ie

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NTA Crew Academy East is managed by Clermont Screen Hub CLG.

NTA Film & TV is managed by Ardán.

The National Talent Academies are an initiative of Screen Ireland
 

Entries for our annual film award are now open. We want your scripts!

We are pleased to announce the FilmOffaly Short Film Award 2025. This funding initiative aims to foster creative, resourceful filmmaking in the county. We are looking for unique, original stories by talented new filmmakers, professional and novice alike. The only stipulation is that filming must take place in County Offaly. FilmOffaly also encourage the use of local crew and business.

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There will be one award to one successful applicant who will receive €12,000 towards the cost of their production and a local premiere for their completed film.

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Short-listed applicants will receive mentoring for developing their scripts.

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​If you want to learn more and take a look at previous winners then go to our FUNDING page. 

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Closing date 5pm Tuesday 18th March 2025

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Any questions? Feel free to contact us at filmoffaly@offalycoco.ie

Since 2009, FilmOffaly’s Short Film Award has fostered creative filmmaking within the county and wowed audiences with compelling storytelling. Join us for the launch night of 2025’s award.

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There will be screenings of previous winners, many of which have gone on to win accolades on the film festival circuit. This is a great opportunity to see the sights and sounds, drama and emotion of Offaly on the big screen.

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In addition, there will be a chance to hear more about this year’s award and how to enter.

Films – Men and Women (2012 Dir: Ruth Meehan), Whale (2019 Dir: Lorna Fitzsimons), The Passion (2020 Dir: Mia Mullarkey), Kubrick by Candlelight (2016 Dir David O’Reilly),  A Simple Killing (2024 Dir: Jason Branagan), Noreen (2009 Dir Domhnall Gleeson)    Total Duration – 85 mins approx

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Tickets: Free, booking essential

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FilmOffaly, Offaly County Council’s Film Commission is pleased to announce that filming has wrapped on For The Cure, a new short film from director and writer Conor McCormick. Filming was made possible thanks to the Film Offaly Short Film Award. This funding initiative aims to foster creative filmmaking in the county, utilising Offaly’s many locations, crew and local businesses. The annual award looks for unique and original stories by talented new filmmakers, professional and novice alike.

Offaly-based short film "A Simple Killing" has been wowing audiences on the festival circuit. As well as a recent screening at Offaly's own OFFline festival, the film recently received its US premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival. It is also due to be shown in Derry as part of this year's Foyle Film Festival, which is an Oscar and BAFTA qualifying festival.

Offaly County Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Lee to the position of Film Resource Officer. The FilmOffaly Development Resource Officer is a temporary post to deliver a project co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.

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