First Cut Youth Film Festival is thrilled to announce that submissions for the 2025 festival are now being accepted!

Calling young filmmakers, aged between 12-24 years! Do you have a short film that you want to see in one of Ireland’s biggest and most exciting youth film festivals? Then First Cut wants to hear from you!

The Festival runs from Monday March 3rd to Saturday March 8th 2025. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday January 20th 2025.

To find out how to submit your film free of charge, see our Call for Entries page. Every type of film is welcome including fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, Irish language and music video.

This annual festival, based in Youghal, Co.Cork, is dedicated to showcasing new films by young filmmakers. This sixteenth edition will feature both in-person and online events. It will offer its usual rich programme of screenings, workshops and talks in a fun and inclusive environment.

First Cut presents awards in eighteen categories. This year we are delighted to announce that the Best Irish Language Film Award will include a cash prize thanks to the generous support of the family of Micheál O’Loinsigh. The Best Experimental Film Award will be selected by aemi, an organisation that supports and exhibits moving image works by artists and experimental filmmakers in Ireland. The award winner will receive valuable mentorship from aemi. Each year, Cork International Film Festival also presents an award to a film selected from the First Cut open call programme.