Limerick’s screen sector has received major international recognition, with Fresh Film and Film in Limerick among just three Irish nominees shortlisted for the 2026 Global Production Awards, taking place at the Cannes Film Festival this month.
Founder of Fresh Film, Jayne Foley, has been shortlisted for the Impact Leadership Award, recognising over three decades of work in building a national platform for young filmmakers and advocating for youth voice in the screen industry.
Film in Limerick has also been recognised through its Screenability initiative, which actively supports adults with complex learning needs, to access and build careers in the film and television industries.
The Global Production Awards, presented by Screen International, celebrate excellence and leadership across the global screen industry. With only three Irish nominees across all categories this year, the shortlist highlights the strength and ambition of Ireland’s screen sector and highlights the strength and ambition of Ireland’s screen sector.
Fresh Film, established in 1996, works with young people aged 7 to 18 across Ireland, providing opportunities to create, screen and develop their work through its national festival and year-round programmes.
Film in Limerick, the film office for the Mid-West region, has been instrumental in attracting major productions to the Mid-West in recent years, while supporting local talent and infrastructure, contributing to both the economic and cultural development of the region.
Mayor of Limerick John Moran commented:
“This international recognition for Fresh Film and Film in Limerick reflects the ambition at the heart of Limerick. We are building a city that supports creativity, backs talent and competes on an international stage. It is particularly welcoming and encouraging to see initiatives like Screenability, that support new and diverse talent continuing to thrive and gain recognition on the world stage.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr. Catherine Slattery said:
“These nominations highlight the incredible work being done across Limerick to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage with the arts. From supporting young filmmakers to ensuring accessibility through initiatives like Screenability, this is about building a creative sector that is open, inclusive and reflective of our communities.”
Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly added:
“This recognition, at an international level, reflects the strong foundations that have been built in Limerick in recent years. Through sustained investment, collaboration and a clear strategic focus, we are developing a sector that supports talent, attracts production, and delivers economic and cultural value for Limerick.”
Speaking on the announcement, Jayne Foley Founder of Fresh Film said:
Given the calibre of this year’s shortlist, this nomination is a huge honour. It reflects 30 years of building Fresh Film and backing young filmmakers in Ireland, and to be recognised at this level really matters.
Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick, added:
“We are so thrilled that our Screenability initiative has received this recognition at the Global Production Awards. Fantastic work is being done with our partners including Avista and the National Talent Academies to broaden access opportunities to the screen industries for all and to ensure that there is a place for all abilities both behind and in front of the camera. We are so grateful to all our partners and all the productions for working with us to make this a reality and we are looking forward to celebrating Irish film and our diverse crew base at the event.”
The recognition for the two organisations reflects the scale of ambition of the screen sector across the Mid-West in recent years and the strength of Irish and international collaboration developing the sector.
The winners of the Global Production Awards will be announced on May 17 during the Cannes Film Festival.
