Call for Entries from Irish Primary Schools: 2026 FÍS Film Awards

FÍS Film Competition for Primary Schools
Deadline: Friday 26 June 2026

There is an open invitation to all Dept. of Education designated Irish primary schools to enter their films into the annual national FÍS Film Awards competition. There is no need to register in advance. To enter, primary schools across the country are asked to create an (up to) five-minute film on a subject of their choice.

Before you begin, check out the rules and guidelines and judging criteria for further details and information on the competition.

If you would like more information on incorporating film into the primary classroom, check out the Teacher Resources and Document Drawer to help get you started with your submission.

This year, the 2026 21st Annual FÍS Film Competition will have the option of submission to the special award category of: “Voices of the Future”: Stories from children to leaders about the future *

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. This year’s special category award is sponsored by the Oireachtas, award for the winner in this category will be awarded the “Oireachtas Award: Our Future, Our Voice”, receiving a special trophy and the opportunity to showcase their winning project in Leinster House.

*Film submissions do not have to be on this theme. Participants will have the option to ‘opt in’ for consideration under this category at time of submission.

The competition closes on the last Friday of June each year – 26 June 2026.  Entries can be made via this online submission form.

Shortlisted schools must be available to attend the FÍS Film Awards Ceremony, which takes place in the Helix Theatre, DCU Dublin. It is a large-scale national event with over 900 people in attendance, filmed and broadcast by students and staff from the National Film School, at the Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT). Shortlisted schools must be available to attend the ceremony.

For more information, visit the 21st Annual FÍS Film Competition