Dr. Annie Doona, announces the Film of the Year 2018 at the 14th National FÍS Film Awards Ceremony.
Close to 900 people attended the ceremony in the Helix Theatre, Dublin and saw ‘Outstanding Achievement in Film Making’ awards made to Irelands’ youngest film-makers. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Doona said, ‘Part of the Screen Irelands’ mission is to support and promote Irish film and animation through fostering artistic vision, diverse creative talent while supporting gender equality in the industry. So, it is especially encouraging for me, as Chair of the Screen Ireland, to see awards being made to Irelands’ youngest film makers, girls and boys, and to know that the future of film making in Ireland looks bright for the years to come.‘
Dr. Doona announced the coveted Aileen MacKeogh Film of the Year Award 2018 which went to St. Gerard’s Junior School, Bray, County Wicklow. Their winning film ‘When You Wash Upon A Star!’ was screened at the ceremony. The judging panel commented, “Precious childhood innocence is beautifully captured in this film. Great artwork, props, special effects, intrigue, adventure and acting combined to give this film the ‘aaaah’ factor.” The film also earned St. Gerard’s the Outstanding Achievement in Film Making Award for Production Design.
Addressing all award winners for their creativity and imagination, Dr. Doona said “You should all be very proud of yourselves. You and your teachers have worked hard to create films that entertain, engage, challenge, inform, that make us laugh, cry and wonder. In a growing technology-based world you have been given the opportunity to prepare well for the future as you collaborate, create, share and learn through the film making process.”
She stated “The FÍS Film Project also has a lot to be proud of. Now in its’ 18th year, its’ longevity is testament to the excellent collaboration between the Ireland’s National Film School at the Institute of Art, Design & Technology and the Department of Education’s largest professional development service for teachers, the PDST. FÍS has continued to capture the imagination of schools nationwide and it’s probably one of the best examples where the creative use of technology is meaningfully applied in Irish primary school classrooms.”
Enquiries to info@fis.ie or Bernadette Meagher – 086 141 4704
The FÍS Film Project is an initiative of the Department of Education and Skills managed by Institute of Art, Design & Technology’s FÍS Office and the Professional Development Service for Teachers (Technology in Education Dept.)