Kildare schools clean up at regional film awards
Richard Curtin of Kildare Co. Co. presents the ‘Impact’ Award to students from Coláiste Lorcáin, Castledermot for their film titled ‘The Truth is ‘Plane’ to See’
KILDARE students were celebrated recently for this year’s Rubbish Film Festival, as the winners of the Kildare section were announced.
The award ceremony, held at the Moat Theatre in Naas, showed the passion and innovation of Kildare’s emerging filmmakers, with students using film to explore key environmental issues in creative and impactful ways.
Proudly supported by Kildare County Council, the Rubbish Film Festival empowers transition year students to spotlight environmental challenges through one-minute films.
Participants were invited to explore themes such as waste reduction, climate action, fast fashion, biodiversity, and responsible consumption. Their films combined research, storytelling, and visual creativity to inspire meaningful conversations and positive action about sustainability.
The Kildare winners for this year were: Coláiste Chiaráin Leixlip Community School for their film Blinded, which won Best Film, runner-up Maynooth Post Primary for their film Nightmare on Your Doorstep, Cross & Passion College, Kilcullen won Best Poster, and Coláiste Lorcáin in Castledermot won the award for Impact Film for their film The Truth Is Plane to See.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Richard Curtin, Environmental Awareness Officer, Kildare County Council, said:
“Kildare County Council is delighted to support the Rubbish Film Festival 2026. The creativity and conviction shown by the school participants this year is truly inspiring. What makes this competition particularly special is that it places local voices at the centre of global environmental issues. I want to congratulate all the winners and participants in this year’s competition; you have all advocated for a more sustainable world.”
Dave Sheehan, Rubbish Film Festival, added: "It was fantastic to see the creativity and passion from the ten schools who took part in the Rubbish Film Festival in Co. Kildare. The energy and imagination from the students' films on display at the Regional Awards was extremely high and shows how engaged young people are with environmental issues. I’d like to thank Kildare County Council for their continued support of the festival, which plays an important role in raising awareness about waste, climate action, and sustainability, not only here in Kildare but across the country."
The winners will now progress to the National Rubbish Film Festival Awards in Dublin, where they will represent County Kildare alongside finalists from across Ireland.
