The  National Talent Academy (NTA) for Film & Television, an initiative of Screen Ireland managed by Ardán, is pleased to announce the six teams selected for its 2025 First Credit Short Film Scheme and NTA Short Film Fund. These flagship initiatives aim to support both emerging and established professionals working in the Irish screen industry. 

Following a highly competitive open call that attracted hundreds of applications, six live-action short film projects have been selected to receive funding and development support. The selected teams were chosen through a rigorous multi-stage process, which included evaluation by external assessors and interviews with panels of industry professionals. 

Selected participants will now embark on a structured skills development phase, which includes mentorship from experienced industry professionals, targeted training, workshops, and bespoke support. This phase will begin with a CREW CALL event, taking place on 29th June in Dublin City. The event is designed to help the selected teams connect with potential crew members for their upcoming film productions.

The 2025 selected projects are:
First Credit Short Film Scheme 

This scheme supports individuals who are new to the screen industry and seeking to gain their first professional funded credits as writer, director, or producer: 

 

  • 4C 

Logline: Anxious and excited to meet new people, Tobi a black man with mesmerising hair, is invited to a dinner party. Swarmed by the party guests, they grab and pull his afro for a euphoric out of body experience.
Writer/Director:  Sodiq Ajibola Abiola
Producer:  James Patrick Murphy 

 

  • Babysitter 

Logline: Ray is a dedicated single Mother whose social life has been on hold since her daughter arrived. She is attempting to go on a date that has been put off multiple times. Could tonight be different?

Writer:  Aisling O’Mara
Director:  Clare Monnelly
Producer:  Niamh Ní Chonchubhair 

 

  • Let Go 

Logline: Two Irish teenage girls obsessed with Avril Lavigne were always outsiders, but when one joins the cool gang, the other learns who she really is.
Writer/Director:  Louise Bruton
Producer:  Jemma NicLochlainn 

 

  • You Need to Leave 

Logline: A night of passion spirals into dread when a man finds himself trapped in a bedroom with nowhere to run

Writer/Director:  David Kiarie
Producer:  Saoirse Griffin 

 

NTA Short Film Fund 

This fund is aimed at professionals currently working in the industry who wish to transition into new creative roles. 

 

  • The Race 

Logline: A family gathers at the home of their grandfather on his last living day. But their ulterior motives are rattled when the racehorse he owns is a domestic myth.
Writer:  Gemma Kane
Director:  Edelle Kenny
Producers: Conor Hayes and Lorcan O’Hanlon 

 

  • The Parting 

Logline: A 9-year-old girl gains control amidst family chaos by striving for her hair’s perfect parting and pigtails, becoming self-reliant despite emotional turmoil.
Writer:  Libby McCormack
Director:  Maríssa Aroy
Producer:  Elaine Walsh 

 

NTA Film & TV extends its sincere gratitude to the external assessors for their time, expertise, and thoughtful evaluation throughout the application process, including Antóin Beag Ó Colla, Seán Breathnach, Linda Bhreathnach, Paul Fitzsimons, Táine King, Aisling Magill, Aisling Malone, Claire McCabe, Lochlainn McKenna, Claire Mooney, Jamie O’Rourke, and Sinéad O’Loughlin.

Special thanks also go to the selection panellists who conducted the final stage of the selection process, including Louise Byrne, James Doherty, Nell Hensey, Grace Odumosu, Eibh O’Brien-Collins, Tamryn Reinecke, and Hannah Quinn. 

 

Crew interested in attending the CREW CALL event to meet the filmmakers and learn more about the upcoming projects are invited to register HERE. Unfortunately, this event is not suitable for actors. While we aim to accommodate everyone who registers, capacity is limited. To ensure a diverse mix of roles and experience levels, registration does not guarantee a place. We strongly encourage early registration to avoid disappointment.

 

 Applications for the 2026 NTA Short Film Fund will open in December 2025. Further details will be published on the NTA Film & TV website in due course. 

About National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama: 

The National Talent Academy for Film & Television is a national initiative of Screen Ireland, delivered by Ardán, with the mission of developing talent across all levels of the Irish screen industry. Through a range of schemes, training programs, and funding opportunities, the Academy supports the growth and diversification of storytelling in Ireland’s film and television sector.