Young Filmmakers in Dublin City Take on Climate Action Through Film

20th March 2026

Secondary school students across Dublin City are using creativity and storytelling to explore environmental issues as part of the Rubbish Film Festival, an all-Ireland initiative that challenges young people to respond to the climate crisis through short films.

The Dublin Rubbish Film Festival 2026 took place at the Lighthouse Cinema, Smithfield, where students from the four Dublin Local Authorities showcased and discussed their work. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, attended the gala event. 

This year, five schools from Dublin City participated, producing short films focused on waste, consumption, climate action and environmental responsibility in their local communities.

Their films highlight practical actions and positive change, aligning closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular:

  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action

Participating students were invited to explore how global environmental challenges connect with everyday life in Dublin, from reducing waste and rethinking consumption habits to protecting natural resources for future generations.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, speaking at the event, said, "The Rubbish Film Festival is such a fun and creative way to get people thinking about waste, recycling and how we care for our city. I’m especially delighted to see so many young people getting involved and using their imagination and storytelling skills to tackle such an important issue. Their energy, creativity and fresh ideas are exactly what we need as we work together to build a greener, cleaner Dublin. Congratulations to all the young filmmakers who took part, and to the organisers for creating such an inspiring event."

Dublin City Winners Rubbish Film Festival 2026 Winners

  • Best Film: “Pass The Parcel” — Chanel College
  • Runner-Up: “Shein Girls” — Coláiste Mhuire, Cabra
  • Best Poster: Synge Street School — “The Family Tree”

The Dublin City student films can be viewed online here: Film Showreel Dublin City

While several Dublin City films were screened as part of the festival programme, the emphasis of the initiative remains on participation, creativity and learning. Each film offers a unique local perspective on sustainability and climate action. The Rubbish Film Festival offers students opportunities to build skills in filmmaking, teamwork and critical thinking, while encouraging them to engage with urgent environmental challenges in a creative and accessible way.

Rachel Neilan, Green Schools Officer, Dublin City Council, congratulating the participants said, “The Rubbish Film Festival continues to be one of the most creative and impactful ways for young people to explore environmental action. Each year, students show us that climate solutions don’t have to be complicated, they can be imaginative, funny, and rooted in real community change. Dublin City Council is incredibly proud to support a programme that empowers students to use their voices, and their cameras, to drive real change in their communities.”

Dublin City Council was represented at the event by Green Schools Officer Rachel Neilan; Sinéad Mooney, Aideen O'Brien, and Declan Corcoran from the Litter Management Office; Dean Eaton from the Climate Action Office; and Kristina Moody and Alison Daly from the Active Travel Programme Office.

***Photographs from the Rubbish Film Festival Dublin 2026 will be issued by Fennel Photography***

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About the Rubbish Film Festival

The Rubbish Film Festival is an education-focused initiative that invites secondary school students to create short films responding to environmental and climate-related themes. By combining creativity with climate education, the festival empowers young people to reflect on their role in building a more sustainable future.

See: https://rubbishfilmfestival.com/


Dublin City Rubbish Film Festival 2026

Participating schools from Dublin City Council 

  • Coláiste Mhuire
  • Synge St CBS
  • Chanel College
  • St. Mary's Holy Faith S.S.
  • St. Louis High School

Themes: Waste, sustainability, climate action, responsible consumption

Relevant SDGs: 

  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action