Mr. Russell’s 3rd Class 2022/2023 entered the national FÍS film making competition for primary schools with not one, but TWO films!

The boys wrote a script and used a combination of live footage and stop motion to tell the story of the Titanic IN IRISH! They went on to make a storyboard for their short film, which was highly commended by the FÍS judges and a lovely trophy was sent to the school to recognise the boys’ efforts.

Then, in November 2023, came the amazing news that the boys’ second film, “The Nightmare Scenario”, had been shortlisted for an award at the annual ceremony and that they were invited to the FÍS Film Awards at The Helix Theatre in Dublin in February 2024. Everyone was delighted!

These awards are the Oscars for primary school film making in Ireland. There are always a lot of entries of a very high standard but only a very lucky few films are shortlisted for an award and invited to the big day in Dublin.

It was a thrilling honour for the boys to reach this stage. On Wednesday, February 21st, the boys travelled to The Helix Theatre in Dublin with Mr. Russell, Miss Brett and Mr. Coppinger.

The class had their photo taken before the ceremony began, and then Mr. Russell, Jack and James did an interview about FÍS with IADT (Institute of Art, Design and Technology).

Without a doubt, the best part of the day came when it was announced to the crowd in the Helix, and the many watching the live stream online at school and at home, that St. Stephen’s had WON the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film Making for Storyboarding!!!

Logan and Reece were invited onto the stage and accepted the award on behalf of the class and had a chat on stage with the show’s host Sinéad Kennedy.

We’re very proud of the boys for this huge accomplishment. It was a wonderful day out, and the boys enjoyed the movie atmosphere around The Helix. The last stop of the day was to enjoy some McDonald’s on the way home! Well done to everyone on a magnificent achievement!

A huge word of thanks to Michelle, Anthony, and everyone at PDST and FÍS, and all at IADT who made everyone so welcome on the day. Check out our photos from the FÍS Film Awards in the gallery below!