The New Wave: Ireland’s Brightest Young Creatives Redefining Art, Film and Culture
Ireland has always been a wellspring of creative talent, producing visionaries who redefine film, art, and storytelling. The next generation is already making waves internationally, from directing ground breaking films to shaping the future of visual design. Here are some of the most exciting young creatives carving out their place in Ireland’s artistic landscape.
RoisinO – The Visionary Director
RoisinO (Róisín O'Hare) is an award-winning director from Northern Ireland, celebrated for her visually striking and emotionally resonant storytelling. With a distinctive style that blends raw authenticity with poetic imagery, she has made a name for herself across film, fashion, and music.
Her work has garnered international recognition through collaborations with marquee clients such as NETFLIX, GOOGLE, BBC, NIKE, ADDIDAS, VOGUE, and others, as well as with global artists like Sophie and the Giants and Jazzy. As a social-first content creator, RoisinO crafts narratives that hook viewers from the very first frame, ensuring that every project is as engaging as it is visually compelling.
With a strong editorial eye and a talent for pushing creative boundaries, RoisinO continues to carve out a unique space in the industry, cementing her status as one of the most exciting emerging directors to watch.
Currently, she is leading several high-profile projects including a recently completed campaign for Montirex, an upcoming shoot for Holland and Barrett, and a full-scale music video and press campaign for Ivy. She is also developing a pitch for Tia Maria / Sophie Ellis Bexter and in line for a branded content shoot with Rimmel. Among her standout works, the D3lta series remains a personal favourite, exemplifying her ability to push creative boundaries and resonate powerfully within the Irish space.
Heather O’Sullivan
Heather, an actor, writer, and theatre producer from Dublin, is also making waves in the industry. Her one-woman show Lowkey Dying debuted in 2022, and her play After Daddy was longlisted for the Bold Elephant Playwrights Award 2024. As a creative, she has been supported by Arts Council England and DLR. She participated in X-Pollinator 2024 and is part of the Writers Club led by the GALPAL Collective and The National Talent Academy. Alongside director Niamh Bryson, she won the Virgin Media Discovers Award 2024 for Trasna na Líne, which she co-wrote and stars as the lead character. Her next short film Newtown Boys, produced by Heritage’s own Emily Power, is now in post-production with Cereal Post in Vancouver and was nominated for Best Short Script at the Waterford Film Festival 2024.
As anticipation builds for Newtown Boys, her reputation as an innovative storyteller continues to grow, solidifying her place as an exciting new voice in the industry.
Billy Buckley – Filmmaker & DIFF Talent
Billy Buckley (he/him) is an emerging Queer producer from Galway, dedicated to fostering a new wave of Irish cinema and creating Queer films that reflect contemporary Ireland.
With a strong background in live-action drama, his work explores themes of identity and morale. Billy was casting director and production manager for the DLR First Frames funded short Soulmate Wanted with HERITAGE, which premiered at the Oscar-qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival in 2023. He also served as production manager on Medicinal, directed by Eoghan Hand and starring Peter Coonan, which had its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh 2024 and won 'Best of Kerry' at the Kerry International Film Festival.
His previous short film, Where Will We Go?, addressed the defective concrete crisis in the North West of Ireland. It premiered at the Disappear Here Film Festival in 2023 and was later broadcast on Virgin Media as part of the Inheritance Festival in the UK. In 2024, Billy was selected for the National Talent Academies’ First Credit funding scheme for emerging filmmaking talent in Ireland, where he was mentored by producer Maggie Ryan from Escape Pod Media.
Billy’s latest short film, Over the Moon, follows Jay, a young trans man confronting his childhood in the Burren while on a journey to see the stars. Shot on location in the Burren and Galway, the film premiered at the 2025 Dublin International Film Festival as part of the National Talent Academies showcase.
Beyond film, Billy has produced music videos for Queer Irish artists such as Sarah Crean and Pillow Queens. He is currently part of the production team at Tiny Ark, working on a range of commercial, documentary, and live content for international agencies and brands. His ability to craft deeply immersive narratives continues to set him apart as a filmmaker to watch.
Aisha Bolaji – Creative Force in Film & Media
Aisha Bolaji is an emerging creative whose work in film and media is pushing boundaries. As a storyteller, she merges cultural heritage with modern narratives, shedding light on untold stories and perspectives that enrich the Irish creative industry. - shadow directing with zoe Aisha is also a key member and co-founder of GALPAL Collective, a community driven initiative that uplifts and supports women and non-binary creatives. Through this collective, she helps provide space and opportunities for emerging artists, fostering collaboration and meaningful dialogue in the Irish arts scene.
Whether through film, writing, or community-building, Aisha’s dedication to highlighting untold stories and challenging conventions continues to shape the future of Irish storytelling, making her a vital force in the evolving creative landscape.
Aisha will be shadow directing Paddy Breathnach through all stages of production for season three of The Dry alongside Heritage’s own Zoë Brennan Whitmore. She is also developing an Irish Language Screenplay with Samson Films, co-written with Cian Griffin.
Ruairí & Conor Bradley – Innovators at SXSW
The Bradley brothers, Ruairí and Conor, are emerging talents in the Irish creative scene, each carving out distinct paths in their respective fields. Ruairí, a multifaceted director and producer from Belfast, has built an impressive portfolio over the past five years, encompassing music videos, fashion campaigns, and short films. His work has been showcased at prestigious events such as The Galway Film Fleadh and the Bolton Film Festival, and featured on platforms like Tush magazine, Nowness, and District Magazine.
In 2025, Ruairí's short film 'We Beg to Differ' was selected for the Documentary Short Competition at SXSW, marking its North American premiere. This selection underscores his growing reputation as an innovative filmmaker capable of blending genres to create fresh, captivating narratives. His commitment to storytelling is further evidenced by his co-production of the short film "Sons of Róisín," which explores the intertwined impact of grief and masculinity in Irish culture.
Conor Bradley, also hailing from Belfast, has made significant strides in the film industry. His short film 'Sons of Róisín,' co-written and directed alongside Cian McCarthy, delves into the intertwined impact of grief and masculinity in Irish culture. This work has contributed to his growing recognition as a filmmaker capable of addressing complex themes with depth and sensitivity.
Collectively, the Bradley brothers exemplify the dynamic and evolving nature of Irish creativity, with their innovative approaches resonating both locally and internationally.
Sam Fallover – The Experimental Storyteller
Sam Fallover is an emerging director based in Dublin, known for his bold and visually experimental storytelling. His distinct aesthetic fuses art-house sensibilities with contemporary culture, captivating audiences and critics alike. Having grown up in the film industry, Sam possesses a comprehensive understanding of various departments, which has significantly influenced his directorial approach.
From the age of 15, Sam began working as a camera trainee in the advertising industry, sparking his interest in filmmaking through constant exposure to visual storytelling. With a portfolio boasting over 100 music videos, Sam’s dynamic approach has enabled him to work across diverse styles and techniques. Recently, he’s been expanding his creative horizons into the fashion space, with several exciting projects on the horizon that promise to redefine his already innovative visual language.
His visionary work has also been instrumental in building the visual world around emerging artist Travy. Beyond directing, Sam runs Gliders - a brand that not only produces cutting-edge clothing but also curates vibrant events - further cementing his influence on contemporary culture and youth trends.
Rachel Furlong – The Multidisciplinary Artist
Rachel Furlong is a dynamic Irish creative professional whose work spans various mediums, offering a unique blend of visual artistry and conceptual depth. She holds a Master's degree in Advertising and Creativity from Technological University Dublin (TUD) and will be graduating with first-class honours in March 2025. Currently, she serves as a Junior Art Director at Forsman & Bodenfors Dublin, where she has contributed to campaigns for clients such as RSA, Allianz, and Londis.
Rachel's versatility extends beyond traditional advertising; she has a strong presence in film and digital media. During her internship at Ringers, she worked on Sport Ireland’s 'HerMoves' initiative, and she has also contributed to the OOH campaign for Allianz’s 'Actions List' and digital work for RSA’s 'It's Time to Talk' campaign. Some of the Guinness, Paddy Power, and Allianz Pet Insurance projects featured on her website are spec briefs created during her studies.
In 2024, Rachel was selected for the ICAD Upstarts program, a prestigious initiative recognising emerging talent in Irish design and advertising. She was also chosen for the Roger Hatchuel Academy at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, further highlighting her potential as a future industry leader.
One of her proudest achievements is producing the music video I Never Knew You Well for Chameleon, which won Best Music Video at the 2024 EDAs, where she was also awarded Runner-Up in the Producing category. Working in film has profoundly shaped her approach as a Junior Art Director, allowing her to merge her passion for visual storytelling with advertising.
Ola Shoyinka – Filmmaker on the Rise
Ola Shoyinka is a distinguished cinematographer based between Dublin and London renowned for his compelling visual storytelling and profound understanding of human experiences. His work spans various genres, including narrative dramas, commercials, and music videos, each reflecting his commitment to creating imagery that evokes empathy and understanding.
A graduate of the University of Wolverhampton, Ola has been working as a freelance Director of Photography since May 2021. His portfolio showcases a diverse range of projects, such as 'Papa' directed by Bella Rinsky, 'NACOS' by Rufus Shaljean, and 'CoA' by Daniel Barnard.
Ola has established a longstanding collaboration with Heritage, a production company where Emily Power serves as an executive producer. This partnership led to the creation of the short film 'Papa,' with Emily Power as the executive producer. Additionally, both Emily Power and Grainne Dwyer have supported the post-production process of 'Every Time I See a Yellow Car,' further cementing their collaborative relationship. Represented by Loop Talent, Ola continues to push creative boundaries, contributing significantly to the Irish film industry and beyond. Ola is currently working on a new short film with Bella
Rinsky. A dark comedy which will be shot in Romania, which explores mental health and confronting family traumas.
Lemfreck // Slip Away // Dir. Noctown Collective
Molly Kiely – Design Powerhouse at Ringers & Smithwick’s
Molly Kiely’s work as creative producer and director in commercial film, particularly with Ringers, highlights a fresh and contemporary approach to storytelling. Her direction on the Smithwick’s Originals Find Originals campaign celebrates individuals who are reinventing Irish traditions, featuring stories like that of Kozo Toyota, a Tokyo-based Irish traditional musician.
Beyond this, Molly has an upcoming short documentary At The Bottom Of The Reen, exploring rural Irish culture in a changing world, which is set to hit the festival circuit this year. With more projects in the works for Smithwick’s, she continues to bring compelling narratives to life. The revival of Irish traditional music is something she's especially excited by, making her role in these projects even more meaningful.
Niamh Bryson – DIFF Standouts
Niamh Bryson is a Dublin based director rising up through the ranks of the industry. Niamh’s winning streak began with the Emerging Directors Awards 2024, and it is sure to continue. Having started her career as an assistant to some of the industry's most notable directors, she has developed a distinct visual style, rich in color and nostalgia. With a keen interest in female and queer narratives, her work blends humor, style, and vulnerability through a rose-tinted, romantic lens. Her projects, including the award-winning Pellador; Not Just For Footballers and music videos for Qbanaa, have received critical acclaim.
Niamh and writer/actor Heather O’Sullivan have captured attention with their work at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF), particularly with their compelling storytelling in Trasna na Líne, a humorous yet poignant take on navigating Irish-language education. Their creative synergy brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to Irish cinema, leading them to win Best Short Film at DIFF this year.
