Congratulations to the talented writers and creative teams whose projects have been shortlisted for the 2025 edition of Virgin Media Discovers, in partnership with Screen Ireland. This competition continues to be a vital platform for both emerging and established filmmakers to share powerful, original stories with audiences across Ireland and beyond.

We look forward to seeing these projects grow through mentorship and development funding and to seeing the 4 winning works come to life on screen at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2026 and on Virgin Media Television.

The 10 shortlisted projects are:

Piggyback (Drama)

Writer/Director: Vincent Gallagher & Producer: Martha Meyler

After her fiancé passes away, a young woman carries the weight of grief on her back, literally.

Sex Ed (For Adults) (Factual)

Producer(s): Zlata Filipovic & Anna Rodgers, Host: Jenny Keane & Director: Nicola Leddy

Sex Ed (For Adults) is a raw, funny, and fearless portrait of “Ireland’s Orgasm Queen” as she balances motherhood and mission—teaching real intimacy, breaking sexual taboos, and redefining pleasure in a world still soaked in shame.

Emergency Accommodation (Comedy/Drama)

Writer: Seán Connolly & Producer: Eamonn Keane

After escaping Garda custody while in hospital, a homeless man realises that he can live undetected amidst the chaos, overcrowding, and perpetual waiting of a typical Emergency Department.

SAMHAIN (Drama)

Writer: Amy De Bhrún, Director: Seán Branigan & Producer: Michael Donnelly

When her autistic son goes missing from his preschool, a worn out mother must delve into his imagination to follow his tracks in the hope of finding him.

The Last Believer (Dark Comedy)

Writer/Director: Kate Haley & Producer: Eileen Rafferty

In a near-future Ireland where religion has faded, the last remaining priest recites tired sermons for bored tourists until a runaway girl shows up and stirs the ashes of his belief.

Families: Still Not Equal (Factual)

Director: Gerard Walsh, Contributor: Ranea Von Meading & Producer: Alex Fegan

It’s been 10 years since Ireland said yes to love… But in spite of this, the majority of children born to LGBTQ+ families in Ireland are still not equal. This is their story.

The Presentation (Thriller)

Writer/Director: James O’Brien Moran & Producer: Aoibhín Murphy

At a high stakes startup pitch event, a rising tech founder’s world unravels when a leaked intimate video threatens to expose more than just his personal life.

Airport Pints (Comedy)

Writer/Director: Seán Hayes & Producer: David Atkinson

You know an airport bar. You’ve taken the 5 am photo, don’t lie. This is the story of those who stay behind… Stuck in Ireland’s busiest airport bar, a downtrodden team of bartenders must navigate unruly travelers, endless pints, and their own grounded ambitions.

SUB5 (Drama)

Writer: Rhona McAuliffe, Director: Laura Kavanagh & Producer: Tom Hopkins

A hopeless teenager is drawn into the darkness of an incel subculture online. His mother despairs until a connection with a teenage girl pulls him back to reality, offering hope.

LYDIA (Drama)

Writer/Director: Caleb J Roberts & Producer(s): Anna Callan, Trevor Birney & Patrick O’Neill

Inspired by real life events, this drama follows the landmark fight for gender recognition a tenacious Irish trans woman challenges the nation to redefine its understanding of identity through her fight for justice.

https://www.screenireland.ie/news/virgin-media-discovers-2025-shortlisted-projects-announced