FilmOffaly seeks applications for 2023 Short Film Award

FilmOffaly is seeking applications for its Short Film Award 2023. The award of €10,000 is a funding initiative that aims to foster creative and resourceful filmmaking in the county.

Up and running since 2008, FilmOffaly is looking for unique, original stories by talented new filmmakers and film professionals. The only stipulation is that the filming must take place in Offaly!

The FilmOffaly Short Film Award has enabled the production of an array of wide-ranging, diverse and stimulating films since 2008.

Garrett Daly of Mixed Bag Media, winners of the 2021 award for Personal Space, said: ‘The award is a vital support mechanism to assist filmmakers. Offaly has so much to offer in terms of locations and potential for all types of productions. There’s also a great willingness to assist storytellers. Our team were encouraged and welcomed as we filmed throughout the county and had a very positive experience making our short documentary.”

Personal Space premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in July 2022 and had its first Offaly festival screening at the OFFline Film Festival. It also won Best Short Documentary at the Richard Harris International Film Festival 2022.

FilmOffaly Award for 2022 went to the script Missing, written by Maura Foley. Missing will be produced by Escape Pod Media Ltd. Maggie Ryan, producer, said: “We are delighted to bring Maura Foley's "Missing" to the screen, with the support and backing of Film Offaly. As an Offaly native Maura is honoured to receive the award and we look forward to going into production in early 2023.”

Offaly County Council’s Arts Officer Sally O’Leary said: “The FilmOffaly Award has had a huge impact on the development of film and the level of film activity taking place in Offaly since the award’s inception. County Offaly has much to offer film makers with a unique and diverse landscape, a network of resources and importantly an enthusiasm for welcoming filmmakers to discover all the county has to offer.”

FilmOffaly is Offaly County Council’s Film Commission, for further information and application forms see www.filmoffaly.ie, contact (057) 93 57400 or email filmoffaly@offalycoco.ie.

All entries must be received by 12 noon on March 13.