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Screen Wicklow and Wicklow Arts Office have opened applications for the Wicklow Short Film Award 2027, offering up to two production grants of €15,000 each.
The call opened on 21 October 2026 and closes on 16 December 2026 at 4pm. Applications must be submitted through Wicklow County Arts Office’s Submittable portal.
A production award for Wicklow filmmakers
Narrative films, documentaries, digital films and animation are eligible. Projects should generally run for around 10–15 minutes, although animated films may be shorter.
This is funding for production, not for developing an initial idea. Applicants need a completed script and a project capable of entering production within two months of an award.
The lead applicant must be native to County Wicklow or have lived there for the preceding three consecutive years. Full-time and part-time students are ineligible. Applicants need filmmaking experience, and assembled writer, director and producer teams receive preference over individual applicants.
Company, budget and filming requirements
The guidelines require applications through a registered limited company and tax-compliance information. The accompanying FAQ clarifies that the company may be based outside Wicklow, provided the lead applicant meets the local eligibility requirement. Other creative-team members can also live elsewhere, although locally based teams are prioritised.
The €15,000 maximum includes VAT. Payments are staged: 70% in advance, 20% following the first rough cut and the final 10% upon delivery of the completed film.
Filming is expected to take place in County Wicklow. The funding terms allow exceptional permission for locations outside the county, rather than giving applicants a general exemption. Production insurance is required.
Preparing an application
The application package includes a synopsis, logline, anonymised script, production plan, budget, screening strategy, team CVs, previous-work links and evidence of rights. Animation and documentary proposals have additional relevant supporting-material requirements. Applicants should work from the complete 2027 guidelines and budget template rather than rely on a summary.
Beyond funding, recipients can receive support with locations and permits, access to co-working facilities through Clermont Screen Hub and help identifying screening opportunities.
For filmmakers with a developed project and the required Wicklow connection, the scheme combines production finance with practical local support. It is not a worldwide open grant.
What to do next
Read the current guidance and FAQ on Screen Wicklow’s award page, then prepare the Submittable application. An online briefing is planned for 5 November, with its time to be confirmed. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch in February 2027; confirm the exact date with the organisers.
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