INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL & SCREENPLAY CONTEST

Welcome to the Roscommon International Film Festival, a thrilling celebration of cinematic talent in front of and behind the camera. 

Based in the breathtaking heartlands of Roscommon, Ireland, this event - now in its fourth year - sets the stage for emerging filmmakers and screenwriters to showcase their creativity on a global platform. 

​Open to submissions from all corners of the world, our contest welcomes short films, as well as short and feature-length screenplays, of diverse genres, be it drama, animation, thriller, comedy, action, horror, documentary or any captivating narrative that captures the imagination. Our primary goal is to discover and promote exceptional talent, searching for those hidden gems that possess the power to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the world of cinema. 

​Every submission to our contest is highly valued. As a testament to our dedication to nurturing talent, our panel of judges will provide valuable feedback on each entry, offering constructive insights and guidance to help refine their skills and craft.

​With an unwavering commitment to supporting Irish talent, we have reserved special categories for entries originating from the Emerald Isle. We believe in the richness of Irish storytelling and are passionate about providing a platform for local creatives to shine brightly among their global peers. We are particularly keen to encourage submissions with a link to Roscommon and its neighbouring counties.

Selected films will be screened at the Roscommon Arts Centre on 23rd and 24th October 2026. Trophies will be awarded across various categories and feedback is provided on every entry received. Selected screenwriters will be offered mentoring and production opportunities. As a testament to their outstanding achievements, winners will be honoured with prestigious trophies and laurels, symbolising their excellence in film-making and screenwriting. 

This contest marks the continuation of an extraordinary journey. Building upon its initial success, we are delighted to be hosting another physical film festival in 2026, continuing to foster a vibrant atmosphere for networking, collaboration, and the celebration of cinematic artistry. 

Submit your films and screenplays now!

Awards & Prizes

We believe in recognising and celebrating outstanding talent. As such, each film and screenplay entered will receive written feedback from our judges.

As part of our commitment to honouring excellence in film-making and screenwriting, we will be awarding trophies to the best films and screenplays across a wide range of genres. Whether your creation falls into the realms of drama, thriller, comedy, horror, animation, documentary or any other captivating genre, our panel of experienced industry judges will evaluate each entry, seeking those that demonstrate exceptional storytelling, innovation, and cinematic prowess.

In addition to the trophies, selected films will be screened at our festival in the Roscommon Arts Centre on 23rd and 24th October 2026. This platform provides a global stage for film-makers to present their creations to a diverse audience, including representatives from the film distribution industry. By participating in our contest, not only do you stand a chance to win accolades, but you also gain the invaluable exposure and recognition that comes with being part of a carefully curated film festival. It's an opportunity to captivate audiences, forge connections, and propel your career forward in the dynamic realm of cinema.

Rules & Terms

1) The Roscommon International Film Festival is open to participants worldwide. All entrants, regardless of their country of residence, are invited to submit their short films and short and feature-length screenplays. Films which have been screened in other festivals are welcome.

2) Submissions must be made through FilmFreeway, our official submission platform.

3) Multiple entries from an individual or team are welcome. However, each submission must be accompanied by a separate entry fee.

4) Films submitted to the contest can be of any genre, including but not limited to drama, thriller, comedy, horror, and experimental. Screenplays can also explore a diverse range of genres and narratives.

5) All films and screenplays must comply with copyright laws. By submitting your work, you affirm that you hold the necessary rights to the content included in your entry and grant the Roscommon International Film Festival the option to screen and promote your work in association with the event.

6) The duration of short films should not exceed 30 minutes.

7) Screenplays must be formatted according to industry-standard guidelines.

8) Submitted films and screenplays should be in English or accompanied by English subtitles.

9) The deadline for submissions will be communicated on the Roscommon International Film Festival website and FilmFreeway. Please ensure that your entry is submitted before the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be accepted.

10) Our panel of judges will evaluate all submissions based on criteria such as storytelling, creativity, technical execution, and overall impact. The decisions made by the judges are final and binding.

11) Winners will be notified via the contact information provided during the submission process. Additionally, the list of winners will be announced on the Roscommon International Film Festival website and through other relevant channels.

12) By participating in the contest, entrants agree to allow Roscommon International Film Festival to use their names, film or screenplay titles, images, and excerpts for promotional purposes related to the event.

13) Roscommon International Film Festival reserves the right to disqualify any entry that violates the stated rules and terms or that is deemed inappropriate, offensive, or infringing upon the rights of others.

14) Participation in the contest implies acceptance of these rules and terms.

19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gary Sheridan

    A fantastic festival run by people who truly care. They are shining a light on films that other festivals can sometimes overlook and curate a program of excellent films to see. I highly recommend entering into the festival as one of the more beautiful aspects of it is that any film you submit will be not only viewed but the team writes invaluable feedback on each entry unlike 99.9% of other festivals. I also can't recommend going along to it more as it's one of the most welcoming festivals I've ever been to!

    February 2026
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  • Christal Kahles-Jones

    Love the Roscommon Film Festival! This Festival opens a lot of doors for contacts and opportunities. I was very honored to be an award Winner here! See you all in 2026!
    Christal Kahles-Jones, IN THE GARDEN
    www.GardenMinistries.net

    December 2025
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  • David Toolan

    Our film Poison screened at the most recent RIFF back in October 2025 and I have to say it was a terrific overall experience. The orgnaisers where welcoming, communicative, and you could tell they had a genuine interest and love for the medium.

    This was backed up by a great venue, the Roscommon arts center. Which had excellent audio visuals, seats, staff, a fully stocked café, and not to mention complimentary RIFF themed buns!

    Massive thank you and shout out to Andrew and Christine! We had a great time and we hope to attend again next year!

    November 2025
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  • CONOR O MAHONY

    We were delighted to receive an Honourable Mention for our short documentary The Mood Swings from RIFF. Andrew and Christine sent me very detailed feedback that showed how closely they watched the film. It was emotional to read their heartfelt insights into our project on how stigma makes the lives of people with severe mental health issues all the more difficult. The level of attention they give is really impressive and shows how much they value film makers. Thank you both for your time.

    October 2025
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  • Dan Burns

    It was an honor to have our short film, "Come Out, Wherever You Are," participate in the festival as an official selection and honorable mention. Thank you to the festival team for your recognition and support!

    October 2025
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