We created the Rubbish Film Festival to address two pressing challenges: the urgent need for youth engagement with environmental issues and the growing importance of media literacy. We recognised that while young people care deeply about climate change and sustainability, there was a gap in providing them with creative, peer-driven platforms to express their views and inspire action. By combining hands-on media skills training with environmental education, the festival empowers students to become confident storytellers and changemakers. The project was born out of a belief that impactful, student-led digital storytelling can drive awareness, foster critical thinking, and build a more sustainable future.
In practice, the Rubbish Film Festival is a dynamic, hands-on programme delivered through in-school workshops and/or online modules. Students, typically aged 15–17, work in teams to research environmental topics, script, film, and edit one-minute videos that highlight key sustainability issues and solutions. Facilitators guide participants in both environmental literacy and practical media production skills, using accessible technology such as tablets or smartphones.
Each school’s films are entered into the festival, where they are celebrated at local showcases and the National Awards. The project fosters collaboration, creativity, and peer-to-peer learning, with students taking ownership of every stage of production. The festival also provides teachers with resources to integrate the programme into the wider curriculum, embedding environmental awareness and media skills into real-world learning experiences.
The Rubbish Film Festival has grown from a local initiative in County Meath into a recognised national programme across Ireland. Its spread has been driven by strong partnerships with local authorities, schools, and environmental awareness officers who champion the initiative in their regions. Word-of-mouth between educators, compelling results shared via social media, and support from national environmental bodies have all contributed to its growth. In Australia, it has spread through our partnership with the Australian Teachers of Media Charitable Organisation.
In recent years, the festival has expanded through hybrid delivery models, combining in-person workshops with an online learning platform, making it accessible to a wider range of schools, including those in rural and underserved areas. National awards events, media coverage, and recognition from environmental networks have further amplified its reach, while ongoing collaboration with sponsors and educational stakeholders continues to open new opportunities for growth.
We have continuously refined and expanded the Rubbish Film Festival to enhance both its impact and accessibility. Initially focused on in-person workshops, we introduced a hybrid model that blends face-to-face learning with an online platform, allowing students nationwide to participate regardless of location. We’re integrating new resources, such as detailed video tutorials, teacher guides, and a learning management system for easier project submissions.
We also introduced new award categories—including the Creative Changemaker Award and Impact Award—to highlight broader aspects of environmental action and creativity. Additionally, we’ve strengthened ties to key sustainability frameworks, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, through the SDG Champions Programme in Ireland to deepen the learning outcomes and relevance of the festival. Feedback loops with teachers and students have shaped ongoing improvements to content, delivery, and support materials.
If you want to try the Rubbish Film Festival, visit www.RubbishFilmFestival.com to explore full participation details. Currently, the programme is open to schools and youth groups in Ireland and Australia. Teachers or coordinators can register their interest online, access free resources, and book workshops (in-person or online). Once registered, students engage in a guided process: they attend a media skills workshop, create a one-minute film on an environmental theme, and submit their work for review and awards. For schools outside these countries, we welcome expressions of interest as we explore future expansion.
