VM Discovers 6 – Development Finalists
Virgin Media Discovers, in partnership with Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland, is a competition that helps new and established content creators get their stories heard.
Shortlisted projects will be awarded mentorship and development funding to invest in their script. The panel of industry judges will select four winners, who will win €50,000 to fund the production of their short film or documentary.
The winning projects will premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2026, and will also air on Virgin Media Television.
Close to €2million has now been invested in Virgin Media Discovers with 14 films commissioned, and a further 40 projects awarded development funding and mentorship, with many festivals and awards glory in-between.
All of the previous Virgin Media Discovers films are available to watch on Virgin Media Play now for free.
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.
__
Sinéad Stimpfig, Head of Commissioning at Virgin Media Television said: “Supporting Irish stories and ideas is at the heart of Virgin Media Television's values. We are thrilled to able to give a platform to these very exciting projects and voices, and look forward to guiding and supporting them over the coming months.”
Kate McColgan, Head of Television at Screen Ireland said: “Many congratulations to the talented filmmakers who have been short listed for this year’s Virgin Media Discovers programme. We look forward to seeing the winning projects when they premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival in 2026. Screen Ireland is delighted to work with Virgin Media Television on this very successful initiative which shines a light on Ireland’s community of young filmmakers."
