ATU Student’s Film “Echoes of an Irish Lifetime” Wins Nine Awards

Frances Maguire, a student at ATU Donegal, has achieved remarkable success with her short film, “Echoes of an Irish Lifetime (2025),” which has garnered nine international awards. The film, centered on the reflections of 94-year-old Owney McGoldrick about his life as a farmer in northwest Ireland, has been selected for screening at six international film festivals this summer, spanning locations from Chile to Australia and France.

This documentary, which features music by Purple Planet, serves as Frances Maguire’s dissertation project under the supervision of lecturer Matt McDonagh. Currently residing in Pettigo with her spouse and three adult children, Frances has shown great dedication throughout her studies in the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Media Production at ATU Donegal.

Her film has received notable recognition, with awards including:

– Honorable Mention at the East Village New York Film Festival in May
– Best Short Documentary at the New York Movie Awards in June
– Best First Time Director at the Florence Film Awards, Italy, in June
– Silver Award at the Paris Film Awards in June
– Silver Award at the London Movie Awards in June
– Best Documentary Script, Best Narrative Documentary Film, and Best Debut Documentary Film at the Travancore International Film Festival, India, in June
– First Time Director at the Short Film Festival Los Angeles

In addition to these accolades, her film has been selected for screening at prestigious festivals including the South Film and Arts Academy Festival in Chile and the Los Angeles Movie and Music Video Awards.

Frances expressed her enthusiasm for filmmaking, stating, “My passion for creative storytelling led me to write this short film. The experience has deepened my love for filmmaking and reinforced my commitment to a future in the industry.” She emphasized her desire to further develop her skills and engage with professionals in the field, aiming to contribute creatively while gaining valuable insights.

Matt McDonagh praised Frances for her inquisitive nature and strong work ethic, noting, “She is enthusiastic in all aspects of filmmaking and took every opportunity that came her way, securing work placements on several productions shot in Donegal.” He expressed pride in her achievements, stating, “I and my colleagues are delighted that her graduate film is getting the recognition that it and she deserve.”

Frances Maguire’s journey reflects not just her talent but also the vibrant film community at ATU Donegal, highlighting the importance of storytelling and creative expression. With her film continuing to make waves on the international stage, both she and her work are set to inspire future filmmakers.