In 2027, ESB will celebrate its 100th anniversary, while Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) will mark its 25th year. To celebrate these milestones, ESB has partnered with DIFF to give aspiring filmmakers aged 18-28 the opportunity to bring their vision to life. The public pitch for the ESB Short Film Award will take place on Thursday, 8 October in the Light House Cinema.
The pitches and subsequent film will be inspired by the following theme: “Powering Possibility: exploring how electricity, energy and innovation enable everyday life, connection, creativity and greater future opportunity - not just through infrastructure, but through people, ideas and communities.” One project will be selected to receive an €18,000 award to develop a short film script into a completed production, which will premiere at the 25th Dublin International Film Festival, taking place from 18 to 28 February 2027.
During the public pitch event, participants from each shortlisted project will present their film concept to a panel of national and international industry representatives, as well as an audience of industry peers and members of the public. They will also be required to submit a budget proposal demonstrating how they would effectively utilise the €18,000 award.
Speaking ahead of the event, Sarah Sharkey, Corporate Reputation Manager, ESB said: “At ESB, we believe that great ideas, driven by talented people, can unlock new possibilities and create a brighter future. Over the past century, ESB has helped shape and transform Ireland’s energy landscape while powering progress for the communities and customers we serve. The ESB Short Film Award reflects that belief by giving emerging filmmakers a platform to tell compelling stories inspired by the theme ‘Powering Possibility’. Through our partnership with the Dublin International Film Festival, we are proud to champion creative talent and help bring new voices and perspectives to the fore.”
Gráinne Humphreys, Executive Festival Director, Dublin International Film Festival added: "Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) is delighted to celebrate its 25th anniversary through this new initiative that will empower young filmmakers to reach their potential, made possible with the partnership and support of ESB. Both DIFF and ESB are committed to championing burgeoning creative talent, and we are thrilled to include the ESB Short Film Award in our 2027 programme during a landmark year for the festival."
The winning pitch will receive up to three mentoring sessions with an experienced industry professional to support script development. The successful project will be announced in mid-October, with the completed film premiering at the 25th Dublin International Film Festival as part of an ESB showcase event.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit: ESB Short Film Award | Dublin International Film Festival
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