IRISH FILM PIONEERS TAKE OFF

In 2024, Dublin International Film Festival one of a handful national organisations to receive support through Rethink Ireland’s ‘TikTok Digital Future Fund.’

Rethink Ireland is a non-profit organisation that supports social innovations and community-driven initiatives across Ireland. It works to address critical social, environmental, and economic challenges by partnering with social enterprises, charities, and other  organisations to help them scale and create lasting impact.

The TikTok Digital Future Fund is a three-year initiative established in partnership between TikTok and Rethink Ireland. It aims to empower young people, particularly from underserved communities, with digital and creative skills. With this support, DIFF created ‘Ireland’s Film Pioneers’ and embarked on an exciting journey to inspire and mentor the next generation of filmmakers. Over the course of six immersive weeks, young people aged 14 – 20 from diverse community groups across Dublin met at Poppintree Youth Project in Ballymun. They met a talented team of industry professionals, gaining hands-on experience and guidance in the art of filmmaking.

The programme was led by an exceptional group of experts, including Director Aisha Bolaji (Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky), Cinematographer Tim Fleming (The Boy That Never Was), Producer Eamon Hughes (Songbird, To All My Darlings), Editor Iseult Howlett (Birdsong, I Am Immigrant), Actor Darragh Gilhooly, and Sound Mixer Trevor McKenna (Vikings: Valhalla, Kin). These professionals shared their expertise, guiding the participants through every aspect of filmmaking — from conceptualising stories to mastering the technical elements of cinematography, editing, sound design, and performance.

The result? A powerful collection of short films created by the young pioneers, each showcasing their voices and perspectives. Ireland’s Film Pioneers’ isn’t just about filmmaking; it’s about inspiring creativity, empowering young people, and giving them the tools to tell their own stories through the magic of cinema. We are proud to present these films as part of the programme at the festival, offering the filmmakers a platform to share their work and celebrate their newfound skills with a wider audience.

See them at the Light House Cinema on Sat 22 Feb, 12:00 and listen in to a Q&A with participants about their experience of the programme, and putting their new skills into action!