The First Cut! Youth Advisory Council is a rotating group of young people who act as festival advisors each year. The group introduces a youth perspective to First Cut’s development and planning, and in return get to meet like-minded peers interested in filmmaking. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) also take part in specially programmed workshops, as well as taking on significant roles during the festival itself. Most prominently, they select the annual First Cut! Youth Council Award, for which they choose a favourite film from the festival programme. We’re excited to introduce you to the 2022 council!

This is my third year on the Youth Council and I’m looking forward to working with other young filmmakers and First Cut! again this year – Aislinn.

Hi my name is Dylan and I absolutely love anything film. From Acting to Directing and everything in between! And I’ve Edgar Wright to thank for this crazy obsession of mine!

My name’s Emma. I’m 18 years old and this is my third year being a part of the Youth Advisory Council here at First Cut. It’s lovely to be holding the festival in person again and I look forward to seeing ye all there!

I make up for my filmmaking skills with my passionate personality, which is why you should Check me out on twitch Xcypress – Gearoid

I started filmmaking at an early age, have made or been involved in a number of short films that have gone on to be officially selected by film festivals and is currently an undergraduate for Film and Screen Media at UCC. – George

I’m Kyra Owers, I’m 18 years old and this is my first year as a member of First Cut’s Youth Council. I am very passionate about filmmaking budding from my love for film. I have taken part in a number of workshops from Cork Young Filmmakers and have made a variety of short films. There are many elements in filmmaking I’m interested in which include writing, directing and editing. Being a part of this years Youth Council has been very enjoyable; I’ve made new friends and the meetings have been so much fun. I can’t wait to see the festival come to life and watch all the films taking part. ‘Film is a medium where anything can be achieved and I feel that the youth should be able to express their passion through the lens.’

My name is Liam O’Leary. I have been involved with the festival for a number of years and am glad to be back on the Youth Council for 2022!

This is my third year of being involved with FirstCut! Film Festival, and the experience gets better every year! – Muireann

“If you choose a job you enjoy, you will never work a day in your life” Nora

My name is Sinéad and I am a 16 year old from cork. I began film making in the summer of 2021, and have had a huge passion for film since then. I’m so grateful to be involved with the youth council and I am very excited to share my love of film with others my age.

Hey, my name is Thomas McNamara. I love football, filmmaking, and maths (please don’t judge me too much). You can often find me listening to Avicii or playing FIFA. I joined the First Cut! Youth Council because I wanted to meet some like-minded individuals and see some talented people create amazing films!

My name is Veronica Howells. I’m 18 years old and I love film, especially sci-fi films. I’ve been doing workshops with First Cut for two years now and I’m so excited to be on the Youth Advisory Council.