Neil Rooney, Executive Director of the Institute of Creative Advertising and Design (ICAD), introduces this year's edition of the their Emerging Director Awards (EDAs), championing the finest in emerging creative talent working in Ireland.
The Emerging Director Awards (EDAs), which have opened for submissions, are in their ninth iteration in 2024. In that time, they have steadily grown in relevance to become one of the defining moments on the calendar for up-and-coming directors, cinematographers, editors, and producers.
Hosted by the Institute of Creative Advertising and Design (ICAD) in collaboration with Commercial Producers Ireland, the awards champion the best emerging creative talent working in Ireland.
Watch the trailer for the 2020 EDA winner for Best Short Film - Vincent Lamb for Detainment
With eligibility limited to those with no more than five years of professional experience, the EDAs ensure that aspiring talents have a platform to gain visibility and recognition at a crucial stage in their careers. The awards acknowledge the challenges of breaking through in a highly competitive field and provide a clear pathway for talent to be seen and heard.
Watch the 2023 EDA winner for Best Music Video - Conor Donoghue for Another Round by The Scratch
A unique aspect of winning an EDA is the automatic entry into the prestigious Young Directors Awards at Cannes, which offers winners a chance to gain international recognition. Such defining opportunities can advance a promising filmmaker's career, while showcasing Ireland's rich creative talent base.
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Watch the 2022 EDA winner for Best Animation - Liam Weir for The Irish Influence
For me, the role of the EDAs goes beyond celebrating individual achievements - it's about giving talented filmmakers a foothold in the industry.
Each year, the awards spotlight evolving trends and narratives that Ireland's next generation of creators are exploring, which enriches the entire industry with fresh perspectives, ideas and techniques.
The EDAs continue to play an essential role in fostering the next generation of creative talent. Their significance extends beyond the individual, they contribute to the vitality of the wider creative industry in Ireland and beyond.
Submissions for the 2024 EDA are open until March 29th, with the awards ceremony taking place in the Sugar Club, Dublin on May 8th. For more information or to enter the awards, go here.
