Emerging Filmmakers are invited to apply for the 2026 Westmeath Film Award
Submissions open until 1 June 2026
This award is funded by Westmeath County Council Arts Office and the Arts Council. It aims to foster creativity in filmmaking in County Westmeath. A grant of €10,000 will be awarded to a filmmaker towards the cost of production of a short drama or documentary film of 10-15 min duration to be shot in Westmeath in 2026.
We are looking for innovative, entertaining stories by talented filmmakers who, if selected, must shoot their project in County Westmeath.
Westmeath County Council will offer location support and guidance as requested, especially in relation to accessing locations and local resources.
One member of the core team (Writer, Director, Producer) must be from or currently living in Westmeath, or within a reasonable distance of the county.
Evaluation and Assessment
Proposals will be evaluated under the following criteria:
Originality uniqueness and creativity and originality of the story. (40%)
Plot how the story unfolds. The actions, events, conflicts and turning points that propel the story forward. (40%)
Feasibility how feasible is the production within the scope of the award (20%)
How Can I Apply?
Apply via the online submission form by 5pm on 1 June 2025.
Essential submission materials:
1. Script (without authors’ names)
2. Logline & Synopsis of project (including general plot outline)
Optional submission materials:
1. Lookbook
There will then be a shortlisting process. Applicants who have been shortlisted will be asked to submit the following additional materials.
1. Locations
2. Financial / budget details (Template provided)
3. Full production plan including proposed dates for filming
4. Director’s Notes (applicants should outline their connection to county Westmeath here)
5. Producer’s notes
Download budget template
Westmeath Film Award Guidelines & Conditions:
1. Quality proposals are encouraged from filmmakers who have developed their professional practice in filmmaking.
2. Applicants must have a short drama script or documentary treatment, of 10-15 minutes in duration to shoot in Westmeath. Film applications that indicate/read as longer than 15 minutes will be deemed ineligible.
3. Applicants must illustrate that they have full legal rights to the material they are submitting.
4. Applications need to provide all the materials indicated in the Application checklist.
5. Applicants must be resident in Ireland.
6. The shoot must take place in Westmeath, and thus applications need to display sufficient knowledge of Westmeath as a location for filming. Applicants with a connection to county Westmeath are at an advantage in this regard.
7. Up to two applications per filmmaker or legal entity will be accepted.
8. Westmeath County Council cannot undertake to support a proposition that would conflict its mandate as a local authority.
9. Projects that need significant additional finance (e.g. drama based), have been part-shot or have been shot entirely are not eligible to apply.
10. The Westmeath Film Award is to a maximum of €10,000. If a balance of funds is required, then the source must be identified clearly and detailed in your proposal.
11. The selected filmmaker must have the capacity to complete production in a timely manner. Production must be completed, and a rough cut of the film produced by March 2027.
12. All applicants must have an Irish Revenue Access Number (formerly Tax Clearance Certificate) from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
13. Codes of Practice Observance; Child First Guidelines including appropriate Garda Vetting procedures, Health & Safety Regulations, Equal Opportunities policies and procedures must be in place and adhered to where relevant and in all cases.
14. Westmeath County Arts Office and the Arts Council must be acknowledged by the applicant on all websites and social media platforms, publicity, press and marketing material produced in connection with the Film and Film Award.
15. Westmeath County Council’s logo, Arts Office logo and the logo of the Arts Council must be included in the final cut, in all associated printed material, on posters, flyers etc and on all websites. Copies of all such material produced must be sent to Westmeath Arts Office.
16. Please note that Westmeath County Council reserves the right not to award the film award if none of the applications received are deemed to be suitable. In this instance Westmeath County Council reserves the right to pursue a different process.
17. Eligibility and compliance with these guidelines and conditions does not guarantee receipt of an award.
18. Acceptance of these conditions and guidelines is implied by submission of an Application to the Westmeath Film Award 2026.