Winners of the 2026 Rubbish Film Festival are Announced
24th March 2026: The creativity, environmental leadership, and filmmaking talent of young people across County Kildare was celebrated yesterday, as the winners of the Kildare section of the Rubbish Film Festival 2026 were announced.
The award ceremony, held at the Moat Theatre in Naas, once again showcased the passion and innovation of Kildare’s emerging filmmakers, with students using film to explore key environmental issues in creative and impactful ways.
Proudly supported by Kildare County Council, the Rubbish Film Festival empowers transition year students to spotlight environmental challenges through one-minute films. Participants were invited to explore themes such as waste reduction, climate action, fast fashion, biodiversity, and responsible consumption. Their films combined research, storytelling, and visual creativity to inspire meaningful conversations and positive action about sustainability.
The 2026 County Kildare Award Winners are:
- Best Film: Coláiste Chiaráin Leixlip Community School for their film Blinded
- Runner-Up: Maynooth Post Primary for their film Nightmare on Your Doorstep
- Best Poster: Cross & Passion College, Kilcullen
- Impact Film: Coláiste Lorcáin, Castledermot for their film The Truth Is Plane to See
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Richard Curtin, Environmental Awareness Officer, Kildare County Council, said: “Kildare County Council is delighted to support the Rubbish Film Festival 2026. The creativity and conviction shown by the school participants this year is truly inspiring. What makes this competition particularly special is that it places local voices at the centre of global environmental issues. I want to congratulate all the winners and participants in this year’s competition; you have all advocated for a more sustainable world.”
Dave Sheehan, Rubbish Film Festival, added: "It was fantastic to see the creativity and passion from the ten schools who took part in the Rubbish Film Festival in Co. Kildare. The energy and imagination from the students' films on display at the Regional Awards was extremely high and shows how engaged young people are with environmental issues. I’d like to thank Kildare County Council for their continued support of the festival, which plays an important role in raising awareness about waste, climate action, and sustainability, not only here in Kildare but across the country."
The winners will now progress to the National Rubbish Film Festival Awards in Dublin, where they will represent County Kildare alongside finalists from across Ireland.
