The Waterford International Film Festival has announced a major new addition to its awards programme ahead of its landmark 20th edition later this year.

From the 2026 festival onwards, the winner of the festival’s Best Short Film award will also receive The Tarkovski Grant, an international submission fee waiver package valued at more than USD $500.

The grant provides complimentary submissions to a network of more than 25 participating film festivals worldwide, giving independent filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work to new audiences across the globe.

Waterford International Film Festival is the first film festival in Ireland to offer The Tarkovski Grant as part of its awards programme.

Creative Director Stephen Byrne said supporting independent filmmakers has always been central to the festival’s mission.

‘As we celebrate our 20th edition, we’re delighted to introduce The Tarkovski Grant as an additional prize for our Best Short Film winner,’ he said.

‘We’d like to sincerely thank Kris De Meester and The Tarkovski Grant team for making this opportunity available, and we look forward to celebrating our first recipient together this November.’

Submissions for the 20th Waterford International Film Festival are currently open, with the final deadline for entries set for August 14th. Filmmakers can submit short films, screenplays and photography entries through the festival’s website and FilmFreeway platform.