Budding Spielbergs in Laois invited to apply for funding to enter Irish Cancer Society’s X-HALE short film competition.

The Irish Cancer Society is inviting young people and youth groups in Laois to be part of Ireland’s Tobacco-Free generation and get involved in this year’s X-HALE short film competition.

This is an exciting opportunity for budding Laois filmmakers aged 10-24, to help spread the word about the impact of smoking and encourage their friends, family and community to be smoke free.

Through X-HALE, the Society provides funding and training to youth groups around the country to encourage young people to address tobacco use and empower them to take action in their communities by making a short film about the impact of smoking.

The closing date for applications for funding is Wednesday February 28 and film entries will be accepted until Wednesday, May 23.

Sarah Chadwick is the Cancer Prevention Officer at the Irish Cancer Society.

“Our 2018 training and funding opportunities are now open for applications and we want youth organisations across Ireland to get involved and drive the movement towards establishing Ireland’s first smoke free generation.

“The success of the X-HALE programme highlights the potential that is there within communities for young people most affected by tobacco use and their supporting organisations to drive change around tobacco at local, national and international level,” she said.

Loren, from Stoneybatter Community Training Centre, participated in the 2016 X-HALE Programme.

"I feel very proud because I stood up in front of others and told them about how I used to be a smoker and how I became a non-smoker. The messages in the programme definitely stuck with me and I encourage all my friends not to smoke or try to give up,” she said.

What's involved?



Youth groups are invited to apply for a grant. Groups can also take part without a grant and receive free resources, training and support.



Free X-HALE Training provided for your leaders and digital film school for representatives from your youth group.



Groups then get stuck into exploring important smoking issues like peer pressure, the health effects of smoking and the power of the tobacco industry with the help of our resources.

The information provided is relevant for all young people, both non-smokers and smokers are encouraged to take part.



We leave it up to you from there to decide how your group’s film will encourage young people not to smoke, you know your audience.



Completed short films are submitted to the Irish Cancer Society and are uploaded to the Irish Cancer Society YouTube channel so that you can promote and share your groups work far and wide on social media and in your local area to expand the reach of your messages among your friends and community.

Your online and community campaign is your chance to make sure your film creates change and raises awareness.



All films are showcased at the X-HALE Youth Awards each year.

This is a fantastic event to celebrate the achievements of all involved with cool prizes up for grabs under various categories including an Online Winner for the film with the most YouTube views and a Community Campaign Winner.

See the films of previous winners here.

WIN: A romantic two night stay in a five-star hotel and spa in Donegal.