Kilkenny filmmakers bag 'Best Screenplay' award at this year's Fresh International Film Festival

Cathal Anderson, Maud Green and Nathan Broderick from the National Youth Film and Animation School (NYFAS) last week picked up the 'Best Screenplay' award at this year's Fresh International Film Festival.   

Oonagh Waldron, their young writer from Westmeath won 'Best Screenplay' for their film ‘Dear Mrs Green’. 

Oonagh received script mentorship as part of the film school programme from Kilkenny Screenwriter John Morton, and her script was produced by the young film crew at the National Youth Film School in August 2023.  

The film is a touching story about the connection between a young girl and her grandmother who is suffering from dementia. 

Their relationship is helped by the young girl's mother who is working as a carer trying to connect two people across generations.

It was a great event for Kilkenny, with Thomastown native Abbi Henderson also winning in the 'Best Comedy' category. 

These award winners (including Abbi Henderson who won Best Comedy) all attended the National Youth Film and Animation School which takes place in Kilkenny every year.

This summer, The National Youth Film & Animation School will be hosting 50 young filmmakers and animators at their 10 day residential campin Kilkenny.  

Described as ‘the Gaeltacht for creative people’ this residential camp is a once in a lifetime experience for any young person aged 16-19 years, interested in filmmaking or animation.