Top billing for young Roscommon filmmaker with movie ‘Slasher’
Liam Donohoe Dunne (16), from Kilteevan, received the Best Comedy Award for his film Slasher at this year’s Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTY) 2026.
A young Roscommon filmmaker became the star of his own story recently when he won the Best Comedy Award at Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards (IYFTY) 2026, held at the Mansion House in Dublin.
Liam Donohoe Dunne (16) from Kilteevan won the award for his dark comedy film ‘Slasher’ which he conceived, wrote and directed.
This award was the crowning glory for Liam who had entered the competition over the last three years.
He said he was “very nervous,” when the nominees were called out but had hopes that he could take the win on the night. “I was so happy when they called my name,” he said adding that it was great recognition of his work and that of his friends who he had cast in the movie.
Through blending comedy with slasher tropes, the film follows two friends who decide to track down a serial killer in their locality, only to encounter an unexpected twist. The film was noted for its energy and self-aware approach to the genre.
The film features his fellow Athlone Community College Transition Year students Robert Shannon and Darragh Lee along with Liam’s mother Breda.
Liam has directed two other movies one of which features his sister, 18-year-old Bridget. He is supported in his work by his parents Breda and William.
He originally started making movies when he was aged 14 but was just 12 when he started writing.
He always loved watching movies and one Christmas sat down to watch ‘Some Like It Hot’ which features Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lennon, a crime comedy which received six Academy Award nominations in 1959. He was highly impressed with the script and so began his interest in writing.
He hopes one day to work as a screenwriter but hasn’t ruled out directing in the future as a career.
He wrote the script for Slasher in 2024 and started filming in September 2025, leaving lots of time for fine tuning and editing.
His mother Breda said that it was an amazing achievement to get to the finals but taking one of the top awards was like winning an All -Ireland title.
She also said it was great to see competitions like this being held as there are very few such contests for creatives who also deserve to be lauded and recognised.
The future definitely looks bright for young Liam and, as they say in the movie business, this star is one to watch.
