Young Filmmakers across Fingal Take on Climate Action Through Film

Winners of Best Poster Category– Blakestown Community School with Fingal’s Environmental Awareness Officer Jennifer Muscheidt

Secondary school students across Fingal 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.

This year 5 schools across Fingal took part in creating short films that reflect on waste, consumption, climate action, and environmental responsibility in their local communities. The films encourage practical thinking and positive change, aligning closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13: Climate Action. The participating schools were: Blakestown Community School, Coláiste Ghlór na Mara, Edmund Rice College, St. Joseph’s Secondary School Rush, St. Mary’s Secondary School Baldoyle.

Local Voices, Global Issues

Participating students were invited to consider how global environmental challenges connect with everyday life in Fingal—from reducing waste and rethinking consumption to protecting natural resources for future generations.

A screening and awards ceremony featuring entries from all four Dublin local authorities took place at the Lighthouse Cinema on 19th March. Speaking about the films, Fingal’s Environmental Awareness Officer Jennifer Muscheidt said:

"The creativity and commitment shown by these young filmmakers is truly inspiring. Through the Rubbish Film Festival, they have transformed environmental challenges into powerful stories that resonate with all of us. Their work not only highlights the importance of responsible waste management but also encourages our community to take meaningful steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable Fingal."

The regional winners for Fingal are

• Blakestown Community School – Best Poster
• Edmund Rice College – Runner Up Film

• St. Mary’s Secondary School Baldoyle – Best Film 

  Image below: St. Mary’s Secondary School Baldoyle – Winners Best Film 

Celebrating Participation

While all films and posters from Fingal were showcased as part of the festival programme, the emphasis of the Rubbish Film Festival remains on participation, creativity, and learning. Every film represents a unique local perspective on sustainability and climate action.

The Fingal student films can be viewed online:

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.