Students from the South East Technological University (SETU) accredited Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production by Nemeton TV have won in two separate categories at this year’s Student Media Awards (SMEDIAs).
An Rinn native Lia Nic Criath took home gold for Best TV Documentary or Drama Production in the Irish Language, while Cassie Kirby, also from the Waterford Gaeltacht, came out on top in the TG4 Bloc Award for Best Bilingual Short Film.
This year’s SMEDIAs were held in Dublin city’s Mansion House. The illustrious event is an annual celebration of Ireland’s finest emerging third level media talent. In what was a record year for the awards, over 568 entries were submitted across 38 categories. These categories are judged by leading figures in the media industry such as former RTÉ journalist Catriona Perry, Irish Independent editor Fionnan Sheahan, and Irish film director Vincent Lambe.
Heartening and powerful stories
Lia’s Nic Criath’s powerful film ‘ULTRA’ centres around endurance runner Tomás O’Faoilte. Having spent some time battling with his mental health, Tomás finds healing in extreme endurance mountain running, leading him to partake in one of the toughest races on the planet – the 430km Pennine Way in Britain.
After receiving the award, Lia said that she is “proud and honoured for the recognition” from the SMEDIAs. She continued, “I am particularly grateful to the Nemeton TV team who supported me throughout the year. This award is in honour of Tomás’ spirit.”
Cassie’s heartening film ‘Caillte agus Aimsithe’ traces a blossoming friendship between an estranged man and a mysterious stranger who encourages him to live his life to the full.
"It’s an important endorsement of our course when the students and recent graduates are nominated and win across multiple categories."
Higher Diploma in Television and Media Production course leader Moira Sweeney
“It was a real honour to be there with my brother who stars in the film,” said Cassie. “It was great to be up there given the quality of the other universities and entries which are represented.”
Other SETU and Nemeton TV nominees on the night included Lorraine Hogan for her short documentary ‘Séanscoil’, Eoin Daltún for his work entitled ‘Seinnteoir Sráide’, Ruairi Mac Namara for his arts documentary ‘Teanga na hEalaíne’ and former SMEDIA winner Seosamh Mac Seoin for his drama ‘Ní mar a Shíltear a Bhítear’, all of which featured in the Best TV Documentary or Drama Production category.
The importance of winning
Course leader Moira Sweeney noted the importance of the win for both the course’s reputation and the opportunities it opens for students, “The SMEDIAs are the Oscars of media for Irish students and are highly respected by media industry leaders. It’s an important endorsement of our course when the students and recent graduates are nominated and win across multiple categories. Moreover, the students and graduates themselves value that their creativity and dedication is recognised and celebrated as they start out in this highly competitive industry.”
Launched in 2006, the SETU-accredited Higher Diploma in Arts in Television and Media Production offers a tailored approach to the needs of students and is particularly suited to those who wish to develop their skills while also working. It is designed to provide students with the essential practical skills to enter the television, film, and audio-visual industries as professionals. The course will commence again in September 2024.
