Young Talent in the Spotlight at Rubbish Film Festival Awards

Tasked with the challenge to create short films tackling key environmental issues, such as climate change, sustainability, and waste reduction, students developed their filmmaking, editing, and storytelling skills under the guidance of industry professionals. The finished products were screened and celebrated at a prestigious event featuring submissions from schools from all four Dublin Local authorities. Students also presented their projects and discussed the environmental messages behind their thought-provoking films.

Councillor Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council,  said: 

" These students have shown great talent in filmmaking as well as a keen awareness of the environmental challenges facing our County. Through their creative short films, they have highlighted the personal impact of these issues which resonates   have resonated with the audience today and will go on inspire people to take action to protect our local environment.”

Six schools from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown featured at the awards ceremony, each exhibiting film making talent and a keen awareness of environmental issues. St. Josephs of Cluny Secondary School took home the top prize with their thoughtful film examining the unseen impact of fast fashion “ It’s On You”. The other finalists in the competition included Dominican College Sion Hill, Mount Anville Secondary School, Rockford Manor, Holy Child Community School and Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School. 

Regional winners will advance to the national awards where they will face off against 1,800 students in 150 schools nationwide all vying for the top prize. The Rubbish Film Festival, funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council empowers young people to use digital storytelling to raise awareness and drive action and has been widely recognised for its impact, winning the Green Stakeholder Award at the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards and receiving high commendations at the Digital Education Awards and Media Literacy Ireland Awards.  

All short films and a full list of winners is available on our website: Rubbish Film Festival 2025 | Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.