The Wicklow Stories Film Festival is based in the ‘Garden of Ireland’ County Wicklow on Ireland’s east coast. The last three years were a complete success, bringing industry professionals as well as film fans to the Whale Theatre in Greystones in droves. Local press as well as dignitaries were happy to grace the red carpet, while filmmakers had an opportunity to showcase unique storytelling and Wicklow landscapes.

The Wicklow Stories Film Festival aims to highlight local filmmaking talent, local stories, and Wicklow as a county.

The Festival will hold Live Screenings on 15th November 2025 in the Whale Theatre in Greystones.

The only mandate for selection is that the film was shot at least 60% in Wicklow County or that the film itself, the filmmakers, or the story have a significant and substantial connection to the county. We do not have an age limit for the films, and the films can be publicly available and still be eligible.

Awards & Prizes

The selected films will be screened in front of a live audience at this red carpet event in Greystones, Ireland. This is an excellent way to network with other filmmakers and industry professionals.

Rules & Terms

Submissions:

To be eligible for Live Screenings, films must be 22 minutes or less in duration including end credits. Films should be password protected. Films should be presented in their original versions with English language subtitles or commentary where necessary.

All films not in English must have English Subtitles.

All Films must have been filmed in County Wicklow, Ireland (at least 60%).

You can submit your film made in any year.

DEADLINES & FEES
Please note, only one submission will be accepted per short film. If a second submission of the same film is made it will be disregarded and the Wicklow Stories Film Festival will not be held responsible for losses incurred.

Filmmakers can submit more than one Film into the competition.

All Fees must be Paid with Submission. Failure to pay will mean your Submission will be disregarded.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Films selected for screening during the Festival should be in digital format MPEG-4. Please note Wicklow Stories Film Festival does not accept DCPs at this time. Selected films should be made available for download by the Festival.

USING EXTRACTS OF THE FILM FOR PROMOTION
The entrant agrees that up to 30 seconds of their film may be used by Wicklow Stories Film in promotional activities including screening a clip on television, on the Festival’s website and social media.

Acceptance of these regulations implies that you will abide by them in your dealings with the Festival and also that you are legally entitled to submit this film for consideration.

ONLY SEND THE FINAL COMPLETED VERSION OF YOUR FILM. WE DO NOT ACCEPT RE-EDITS OR WORKS IN PROGRESS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ESPECIALLY AFTER FILMS ARE SUBMITTED FOR SELECTION.

Deadline for Submission: 24th September 2025
Submissions received after the Deadline will be disregarded.

SELECTION & NOTIFICATION
All selected filmmakers are invited to attend Wicklow Stories Film Festival. The Festival cannot subsidise or pay for any expenses for travelling, accommodation etc.

The Wicklow Stories Film Festival will provide you with a Free Pass for ONE, to attend the festival.

All entries will be viewed by the selection committee. Official Festival selection will be announced on 7th October 2025. Only successful entrants will be notified. Details of selected films will also be posted on our website and social media.

The Festival does not pay fees for submitted work.

Official Selection films will have their live screening during the festival.

COPYRIGHT
Filmmakers are responsible for securing all copyright clearances and music rights.

FEE
€15 per film submission
Email: wicklowstoriesfilmfestival@gmail.com

8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Dave Thomas

    It was an absolute honour to have my film SEVEN MOMENTS IN TIME Officially Selected to screen at this amazing festival. The entire festival, from submission stage to the follow up with professional photographs from the Red Carpet is excellent. Wicklow Stories is unique, and even boutique as it specialises in showcasing films from County Wicklow. This not only gives filmmakers a platform, but encourages filmmakers to shoot their film in County Wicklow, to tell rich engaging stories, and to collaborate with talented cast and crew from the County too.

    Every year the festival reaches out to engage with schools and youth organisations to encourage and facilitate creativity from young people, while also giving them a platform to showcase (in most cases) the young filmmakers first ever piece of work. This is another aspect of this festival which makes it unique and important.

    The festival takes place in the picturesque seaside town of Greystones in County Wicklow which is easily reached by public transport from Dublin and elsewhere. The venue is beautiful, at the famous Whale Theatre, which allows to create an atmosphere where filmmakers can network with each other before, during and after the festival. If your film is at least 60% shot in County Wicklow, then it could be eligible to be screened at Wicklow Stories. If you want to see an eclectic and engaging programme of films, then this is the place for you. Highly recommend!

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words Dave! We really appreciate your review. "Seven Moments In Time" was extremely well received by the WSFF audience. Congratulations

  • Rafal Rozalski

    It was an honor to see my film on the big screen at the Wicklow Stories Film Festival, among so many talented filmmakers. The atmosphere was fantastic, full of creativity and inspiration. I’m grateful to have been part of such a wonderful event with amazing people!

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! It was such a wonderful film, showcasing the true beauty of the county.

  • Jackie Walsh

    What a wonderful festival. The films were all great and the atmosphere in the Theatre was electric. I am honoured 'Mourning' was selected to screen at the festival.

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Jackie, it was so good to have the film there! It was such a great, suspenseful short film.

  • Seán Treacy

    Few words could quantify the joy of having a festival like this in Wicklow! Having the opportunity to showcase my short film at such a superb venue was a privilege, but it was equally an honour to get to discover and enjoy the work of so many talented filmmakers from my home county.

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Seán, and congratulations again on winning the Ardmore Studios Recognition Award. We were so delighted to see your amazing film.

  • Richard Childs

    WSFF put on a great event with a really lovely vibe. We were delighted to have our film screened here with a great crowd. Well done to all involved 🙌

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Richard. Your short film "Take Care Now" was extremely well received by the WSFF audience. We were delighted to showcase your excellent work.