The Rubbish Film Festival National Awards 2026 delivered an unforgettable celebration of creativity, collaboration, and climate action, bringing together Ireland’s most inspiring young filmmakers at the Light House Cinema in Dublin. Representing 20 local authorities in 16 counties, students from the 20 finalist schools showcased powerful short films tackling sustainability, responsible consumption, and environmental change.

As highlighted in this KCLR News report and accompanying radio feature, the winning projects reflected not just technical excellence, but a deep commitment to making a difference through storytelling. 2026 Best Film Award winners, Knockbeg College, shared his experience on KCLR 96fm. You can listen to the 5-minute segment directly, here: soundcloud.com/kclr96fm/kclr-news-knockbeg-college

From emotional narratives to bold calls for action, the National Awards event captured the energy and ambition of a new generation determined to shape a better future. Since its beginnings in 2016, the Rubbish Film Festival has grown into a nationwide movement empowering students to explore climate action and sustainability through creative media.

National Award Winners 2026

See the National Film Awards highlights on our Instagram channel.

Best Film Award
School: Knockbeg College (Co. Carlow)
Film: “Whispers of the Forest”

Runner-up Film Award
School: Coláiste na hInse (Co. Meath)
Film: “Outlived”

Iarnród Éireann Impact Award
School: St Joseph of Cluny (Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown)
Film: “It’s On You”

Changemakers Award
School: Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí (Co. Cork)
Film: “Stop Dreaming”

Poster Awards 2026

See the full National Poster Awards showcase here.

Best Film Poster Award
School: Synge Street CBS (Dublin)
Film: “Family Tree”

Highly Commended Poster Award
School: Carndonagh Community School (Co. Donegal)
Film:” Behind the Seams”

Highly Commended Poster Award
School: Meán Scoil Nua an Leith-Triúigh (Co. Kerry)
Film: All Talk 

Check out the RFF National Awards 2026 official livestream here.