Longford County Council supports TY students to take part in award-winning Rubbish Film Festival as part of Sustainable Development Goals week

Championing secondary school students to tackle climate action and sustainability

Press Release: Monday 15 September 2025

Longford County Council is proud to announce its participation in the Rubbish Film Festival, an award-winning environmental media initiative that empowers Transition Year students to tackle climate change and sustainability through the power of film. 

The Rubbish Film Festival, now a highlight of the school year across Ireland, invites students to create powerful one-minute films that highlight key environmental challenges – from waste reduction to biodiversity, sustainable consumption, and climate action. The project combines creativity with action, giving young people the opportunity to explore solutions and inspire change.

By joining the festival this year, Longford County Council will support Transition Year students from local Secondary Schools through a two-day environmental film making programme, delivered as part of its ongoing environmental awareness programme. This initiative will enable students to develop hands-on digital storytelling skills while engaging deeply with environmental awareness and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2024, the festival was recognised nationally when it was appointed an SDG champion by the Department of Environment, Climate, and Communications, as it aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to foster responsible consumption, promote climate action, and nurture a spirit of collaboration. 

The Rubbish Film Festival also won a Gold Award at the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards and was shortlisted for the ‘Best Media Literacy Initiative for Young People’ by Media Literacy Ireland. The 2025-26 edition of the festival is set to be the largest yet, engaging more than 1,800 students nationwide and featuring a series of regional and national screenings and awards. Secondary schools in Longford that take part this year will join over 150 schools nationwide already committed to making a difference through film.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “We are delighted to partner with the Rubbish Film Festival. This project gives young people a voice and a platform to creatively highlight the importance of sustainability in their communities. It also supports our ongoing commitment to climate action and education at a local level.”

Chief Executive of Longford County Council Paddy Mahon added, “We are delighted to support the Rubbish Film Festival which offers a creative and engaging platform for schools across Longford to explore environmental issues through the medium of film. It’s inspiring to see students using storytelling to raise awareness about litter and sustainability, and we are proud to champion their voices in shaping a more sustainable future in County Longford.”

For more information about the festival and how schools can get involved, visit www.rubbishfilmfestival.com