Wicklow Stories Film Festival

The Wicklow Stories Film Festival is based in the ‘Garden of Ireland’ County Wicklow on Ireland’s east coast. The Festival in 2022 and 2023 was 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 12th October 2024 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.

We are delighted to announce the partnership between the Wicklow Stories Film Festival and Ardmore Studios - Ireland's oldest and most iconic film studio.

This year we are introducing a very special Ardmore Studio Recognition Award which will be announced and presented by Elaine Geraghty, Managing Director of Ardmore Studios during the evening show on Saturday, 12th October in the Whale Theatre.

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.

Submissions:

To be eligible for Live Screenings, films must be 20 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: 15th August 2024
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 1st September 2024. 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.

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

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

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.
noel keane

Honoured to have our short film 'Skedaddle' screened alongside some excellent productions. This is a great festival in a wonderful venue and very well run by enthusiastic and supportive organisers.

October 2023

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thank you Noel. We loved sharing your wonderful film with our audiences, and it was our pleasure to showcase your excellent work.