The Emerging Director Awards (EDAs), a key event in the Irish filmmaking industry, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
Organized by the Institute of Creative Advertising and Design (ICAD) and Commercial Producers Ireland (CPI), the awards have played a crucial role in recognizing and supporting new talent in directing, cinematography, editing, and producing.
Over the past decade, the EDAs have helped launch the careers of numerous filmmakers, including Academy Award winner Benjamin Cleary, whose short film Stutterer won an Oscar.
Other past winners, such as Finn Keenan, Kate Dolan, and Zak Razvi, have gone on to establish successful careers in the industry.
"The EDAs have become a cornerstone of the Irish filmmaking and commercial industry, showcasing exceptional talent and providing a vital platform for emerging filmmakers to gain recognition," said EDA Committee member Ross Killeen, himself an acclaimed documentary filmmaker. "To mark its 10th anniversary, we're proud to expand the programme with valuable knowledge-sharing and educational elements, further nurturing the growth of emerging filmmakers. The EDAs are all about celebrating the talent we have in this country and giving them every opportunity to forge a successful career."
One of the unique aspects of the EDAs is their exclusivity to emerging talent, as eligibility is limited to those with no more than five years of professional experience.
Winners receive not only national recognition but also automatic entry into the prestigious Young Directors Awards at Cannes, an opportunity that can propel their careers onto the international stage.
This year's EDAs will see an expansion of the programme with the inclusion of workshops and masterclasses led by industry professionals - these initiatives aim to provide insights and networking opportunities for Ireland’s up-and-coming filmmakers.
The 2025 Emerging Director Awards will take place on the 8th of May at the Light House Cinema in Dublin. The event will feature panel discussions, film screenings, and the much-anticipated awards ceremony. Submissions for this year’s awards are open until the 25th of March.
For more information or to enter the awards, go here.
