As well as celebrating the work of local filmmakers, the showcase allows next-gen creatives to view films made by their peers and offers opportunities for them to network and talk movies!

At the showcase the shortlisted films will be presented before we announce the 2026 winners in the categories - Best Film for a Youth Audience, Best Documentary & Best Animation. Come along to celebrate the achievements of new Irish creatives and meet the filmmaking stars of the future.

SHORTLIST – BEST FILM FOR A YOUTH AUDIENCE

Glitch (Dir: Bonnie Dempsey)

A comedy adventure about a girl who spends every day staring at her tablet. But when her neighbour gets taken over by a friendly alien, she goes on an adventure and discovers the thrills, fun and wonder that the real world has to offer.

Mamó & Mise (Dir: Cian Desmond & Jack Desmond)

10-year old Fionn skips school to spend one last day with his grandmother, on an adventure in the Irish countryside. A heartwarming family film exploring life and grief.

Pike (Dir: Andrea Ferran)

Two young Belfast boys try to catch a giant & mythical pike rumoured to live in their local pond. A coming-of-age drama about the transformative power of friendship and terrible monsters, both real and imagined.

Written in the Stars (Dir: Vincent Gallagher)

Seán, a spirited and enthusiastic 9-year-old boy, possesses an unwavering passion for acting and dreams of commanding the spotlight. However, Seán's journey is hindered by his overprotective father and his unique learning difference, making it difficult for him to read and memorise lines.

SHORTLIST – BEST DOCUMENTARY

Euro-Children (Dir: Áindréas Fallon Verbruggen)

During 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland, a charity helped children escape the sectarian violence during the Summer via holidays to Germany and Belgium. 40 years later, the children revisit their host families and share the impact the holidays had on their childhood.

North Coast Stories (Dir: Joshua Adrain)

'North Coast Stories' follows two people and their stories within the surf community of Portrush in the North Coast of Northern Ireland.

Perfect Match (Dir: Matthew Martin, Jude Campbell, Ava Kelly, Ella O'Neill & Aimee Crossey)

A documentary exploring the world of local pro-wrestling beyond the spectacle, to reveal the real people behind the personas, fighting for their place in the ring. 

SHORTLIST – BEST ANIMATION

Unanimated Strangers (Dir: Róisín Kelly)

Surrounded by strangers, a woman's memories of her past relationship unravel and mesh with the people around her.

Lipstick (Dir: Éilis O'Neill)

'Lipstick' explores the lives of three generations of women within one family as they deal with ageing, sickness and interdependence.

I Remember Spring (Dir: Joshua Graham)

An old wizard lies on his deathbed. In his last moments, after a long and selfish life, the playing of an old record affords him an intimate memory seeping with regret and love for a forgotten person.

The Solace of Artemis (Dir: Ava Mooney)

Exploring the deep connection between humanity and the natural world. The film reflects on the importance of our natural heritage and how its replacement by technology and modernism risks erasing our shared history.

Content warning: This package contains flashing images which may affect viewers who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.

Age Suitability: This shorts package has been given an age recommendation of 16+ due to adult themes and strong language.

Cinemagic ‘On the Pulse’, is an exciting month-long programme of screenings, film education events, talks and workshops on the short film genre and short form storytelling. We have programmed a season of the very best international short films, classic heritage shorts and cartoons, as well as showcasing short films made by local young filmmakers.

Cinemagic 'On the Pulse' is funded by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen.