We’re thrilled to announce that five live-action short films funded through the First Credit Short Film Scheme and the NTA Short Film Fund will have their world premieres at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival
These shorts highlight bold new voices and the exceptional emerging talent shaping the future of Irish filmmaking. Over the past nine months, participating teams have taken part in mentorship, training, and production support through the National Talent Academy Film & TV, developing original, distinctive stories now set to debut on the big screen.
The films will screen in the iconic Light House Cinema on February 20th at 14.00
Congratulations to Our Five Premiering Shorts
First Credit Short Film Scheme:
4C
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
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
When ex-best friends Orla and Meghan run into each other as adults, revisiting their past reminds us that while being disabled is hard, being a teenage girl is harder.
Writer/Director: Louise Bruton
Producer: Jemma NicLochlain
NTA Short Film Fund:
The Parting
If nine-year-old Abbey can achieve perfect hair she just might rise above the turmoil of her disintegrating home life.
Writer: Libby McCormack
Director: Marissa Aroy
Producer: Elaine Walsh
The Race
A family gathers at the home of their grandfather on his last day. But their motives are rattled when they each discover everyone has a hidden agenda.
Writer: Gemma Kane
Director: Edelle Kenny
Producers: Conor Hayes & Lorcan O'Hanlon
These productions reflect the strength of Ireland’s short film sector, championing diverse voices and fresh perspectives. The creativity and ambition shown by these filmmakers is remarkable, and NTA Film & TV is proud to have supported such talented creatives. We look forward to audiences discovering their work and celebrating everyone involved at DIFF 2026.
Ticket Lottery
Attending festivals and watching short films are an integral part of a filmmaker’s professional development. As part of NTA Film & TV’s Inclusion Fund, we are operating a ticket lottery for our upcoming short film screening.
This lottery is open to writers, directors, and producers of all career and experience levels who would like to attend the NTA short film screening but are unable to do so due to the cost of attendance being a financial barrier.
If this applies to you, please complete THIS FORM and tell us a little about why you wish to attend in order to enter the lottery. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
On 10 February, a longlist of eligible candidates will be created, and names will be drawn at random. Each selected participant will receive a (one only)complimentary ticket.
The Inclusion Short Film Fund, piloted for 2025 offers up to €5,000 per live-action NTA-funded team to support inclusion, accessibility, and equity in short film production. The fund supports all stages of production and prioritises the authentic inclusion of underrepresented voices, inclusive workflows, and accessible deliverables.
Funding Calls Opening Soon
Funding for the 2026 First Credit Short Film Scheme and the NTA Short Film Fund will open this December.
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Dublin International Film Festival will run from February 19 – March 1, 2026
Book your tickets now at: www.diff.ie
The National Talent Academy Film & TV is an initiative of Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, managed by Ardán.