Cork students come together for Rubbish Film Festival

HOLLYWOOD has the Golden Raspberry Awards, but secondary school students from across Cork visited Fota Wildlife Park recently for the city and county’s own more local rubbish film awards.

First launched in Cork during the 2023 to 2024 academic year, ‘The Rubbish Film Festival’ is a regional event dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability through the medium of film.

Secondary schools from all over County Cork gathered at Fota’s newly established Education, Conservation and Research Centre last week for the festival which showcases filmmaking that highlights global and local environmental issues.

The festival offers a platform for young filmmakers, environmentalists, and school communities to come together to explore and discuss environmental challenges including climate change, pollution, and conservation efforts.

Students from 14 participating schools developed and produced one-minute films and posters, which were described by adjudicators as being of an extremely high standard, and students were commended for their hard work and dedication to the programme.

The ‘Best Film Award’ went to Schull Community School for its film, Fish out of Water and St Angela’s College from Cork city for its film, Through the Straw.

Awards were also presented to Terence MacSwiney Community College and Kinsale Community College for runner-up film and to De La Salle Macroom for the poster competition.

Mayor of the county of Cork, Fianna Fáil councillor Frank O’Flynn, said the festival strongly aligned with Cork County Council’s mission to foster a more sustainable and environmentally conscious community.

“We are excited to support this programme that not only entertains but educates and inspires action for a more sustainable planet,” Mr O’Flynn said.

The Lord Mayor of Cork City, Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, said he would encourage everyone to view the films, which promise to enlighten and empower individuals to make a positive impact on the environment.

“We are delighted to collaborate with the festival organisers to bring this important event to Cork, furthering our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable living,” Mr McCarthy said.

As part of the programme, transition year students in participating schools received a two-day workshop in their school facilitated by Createschool, which offers courses in a range of creative digital media.

These were fully funded by Cork County and City councils.

The workshops provided insights into sustainable practices and the power of storytelling through video to drive change.

The winners from each category will go on to represent Cork at the national final which takes place online on May 10.