As a tribute to the achievements of young Irish filmmakers under the age of 18, the Fresh Film Festival award winners have been announced – with Radharc awards given to this year's documentaries of outstanding quality.
The Radharc Awards were established in memory of the late Fr Joe Dunn, co-founder of Radharc Films, in recognition of documentaries that address national or international topics of social justice, morality or faith.
Fifth and sixth class pupils of Ahiohill National School, West Cork, won the Radharc documentary award in the junior category for their film ‘The Normans at Desertserges’, which also won the award for 'Best Film Editing' at the West Cork Fís Film Festival 2012.
The Radharc 'Highly Commended' award was given to ‘Now and Then’ - a film made by young people from Tipperary, which examines the similarities and differences between the generations. It was made under the auspices of Europe Direct Thurles and facilitated by Action School of Film, to celebrate 2012 as the European year of active ageing and solidarity between generations.
The international film category honoured ‘Unforgettable Night’ by Clementine Mukarukundo, which examines the suffering of refugees and the need for others to help them in their plight.
'Highly commended' under the international category was the documentary film ‘Life under the Hood’ by Joseph Wilson, which follows the courageous efforts of a young man who succeeds in transcending disadvantage by learning the craft of automotive maintenance.
The Limerick-based Fresh Film Festival began in 1997 as the Irish Schools Video Competition, and is open to pupils aged seven to eighteen years. It currently showcases up to 200 films a festival season.
For further information on getting your school involved, click on: www.freshfilmfestival.net
