The Fresh Film Festival has come and gone, and for the first time since its creation 20 years ago the title of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year was awarded to a young woman.

17 Year old Rachel McGil was awarded the title on the 10th of March along with a cheque of €1000 as prize money. The film, titled ‘Poppies’, was one of over 400 entries submitted to the festival from all over Ireland and beyond.

The award winning film is inspired by the poem ‘Poppies in July’  by Sylvia Plath. McGill has been making short films for 2 years and is set to do her leaving cert this year. Fresh is a major festival for young emerging filmmakers in Ireland and has run every year since 1997. It accepts submissions in three categories, Junior for those aged between 7 and 12 years, senior for those aged between 12 and 18 and an international category, all dedicated to encouraging young people to go into film.

If you’re interested in getting involved for 2017 or beyond it’d be worth having a look at the festivals website for more information, and for examples of past works. You can also take a look at the film ‘Poppies’ on Youtube.