Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council announces 2025/2026 dlr First Frames Short Film Scheme – to support emerging film talent.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is pleased to announce that the dlr First Frames Scheme will continue for 2025/26, supporting emerging filmmakers looking to develop creative short films based in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The County Council works closely with the Institute of Art, Design and Technology’s (IADT) National Film School on this programme. Over the last number of years, a wide range of films have been supported, with many going on to screen at festivals in Ireland and abroad and to win awards. The application closing date is Monday 21 July 2025 at noon (12.00). An online briefing session for those interested in applying for the Scheme will take place on Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 1pm and anyone interested in attending can register here.

Councillor Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, commented:

“We are delighted to support emerging film talent in the County.  dlr First Frames provides a vital opportunity for emerging filmmakers at a key stage of their career development and many of the films have screened at festivals here in Ireland and abroad.”

Chief Executive Frank Curran added:

“As a county, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has a wealth of amazing locations for film and this Scheme makes excellent use of these. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is very pleased to continue our strong working relationship with IADT to provide this important Scheme.”  

Vanessa Gildea, Lecturer in Film and Television said:

"The dlr First Frames Scheme plays an increasingly vital role in Ireland’s film funding landscape, offering crucial support to emerging voices in the industry. At the National Film School, we are proud to collaborate with our local partner, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office, in championing this important initiative and helping to bring new stories and creative talent to the screen.”

dlr First Frames is funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Arts Office and Economic Development Unit, and managed by IADT.  Funding will be available through the Scheme to support two short films with awards of up to €13,500 (VAT inclusive) each. Mentoring support as well as additional equipment and facilities will be provided by the National Film School, IADT.

dlr First Frames welcomes a variety of filmmaking styles and themes. It is open to creative shorts; the Scheme does not support animated films or documentaries. It aims to provide funding and support to emerging filmmakers, and to support employment in the film industry in the area. Emerging is defined by career stage – the Scheme is for filmmakers who are at an early stage making creative films.

For further information please see full details here