Fastnet on the hunt for films and a new CEO
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The iconic Fastnet Lighthouse off the coast of Schull from which the festival gets its name.Image 2 of 3
A still from ‘Trad’, one of the standout films at last years’s Fastnet Film Festival.Image 3 of 3
The crew of ‘Fragmented’ which featured in this year's Fastnet Film Festival. Photo: Gearoid MurphyThe internationally recognised West Cork indie film fest is inviting filmmakers from Ireland and around the world to enter the 2027 festival competition, with submissions opening on 1 October and closing on 31 December.
The 2027 Festival offers an overall €54,000 prize fund, including major cash awards for short films across Irish, international, student, young filmmaker, and Cork categories, alongside awards recognising excellence in directing, writing, cinematography, music, editing, acting, animation, and documentary.
The Festival’s flagship €30,000 Puttnam Script Award is also set to open for entries. The director-driven award will fund the production of a live-action drama short of up to ten minutes, to be made along the Cork Wild Atlantic Way. The 2027 theme is ‘Behind Closed Doors’.
Four finalists will be selected by an industry judging panel and invited to pitch their projects publicly at Fastnet Film Festival 2027, which takes place from 26-30 May next year. The winner will be announced at the festival awards ceremony on 30 May 2027, with the completed film premiering at the festival in May 2028.
The Puttnam Script Award is open to directors who have had at least one short film screened at any festival. The deadline for entry is 12 noon on 30 November.
For full eligibility criteria, entry requirements, and regulations, visit fastnetfilmfestival.com. For submission queries, contact helen@fastnetfilmfestival.com.
New CEO
Meanwhile, Fastnet Film Festival, which is a registered charity, is currently seeking a new CEO to take the helm. The role comes with a competitive starting salary of between €70,000–€80,000, with incremental increases and flexibility for an exceptional candidate.
Festival leadership said: “For almost two decades, Fastnet has built its reputation by being deliberately different. Above all, it is a celebration of film, filmmaking, and filmmakers, rooted in the community of Schull and supported by an exceptional network of volunteers. The festival is known for its direct, informal engagement between filmmakers, audiences, craftspeople, and the wider film community.
“Independence, informality, accessibility, and the absence of commercial or red-carpet trappings are central to Fastnet’s identity.