The May the 4th Sci-Fi Film Festival culminates in one of the most anticipated nights on the Skellig Coast. The Gala Awards Ceremony at The Royal Hotel on Valentia Island brings together filmmakers, fans, and creators for an evening that honours imagination, innovation, and the craft of storytelling.
This prestigious event celebrates excellence across 16 award categories including Best Feature Film, Best Irish Short Film, Best International Short Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Best Cinematographer. Each award represents the hard work and daring creativity that defines modern independent sci-fi filmmaking.
The journey to this moment begins long before the festival weekend. Filmmakers from around the world submit their work through FilmFreeway, selecting the categories that best suit their vision. Submissions must be no more than three years old and short films must come in under 25 minutes. All foreign language films include English subtitles and production quality must meet 720p HD or higher. Once submitted, films are reviewed by a panel of expert judges who specialise in independent cinema. In March, the festival announces its nominees with much excitement.
During the festival, selected films are screened live for audiences at the Portmagee Domes. Every film shown is automatically considered for awards. By the time Sunday arrives, anticipation has built for the ceremony that brings the filmmaking community together in celebration.
The Gala Awards Ceremony begins with a four course dinner set within the elegant surroundings of The Royal Hotel. Filmmakers, guests, and fans enjoy a relaxed but exciting evening as the awards are presented and new voices in sci-fi storytelling are recognised. The night continues with an after party where attendees can meet the creative minds behind the films, forge new connections, and celebrate under the Valentia Island night sky.
The May the 4th Awards Ceremony stands as a tribute to courage, creativity, and the limitless possibilities of genre filmmaking. It is a night that inspires everyone who attends, shining a spotlight on the next generation of sci-fi visionaries.
