It began in Northern Ireland in 1995. In addition to its short film competition, which gives a platform for emerging filmmakers from throughout the island of Ireland, the festival established a documentary film competition in The Maysles Brothers Award in 2006.
The festival believes that film should be an experience, thus in addition to showcasing the best in new, short, and classic cinema at its spring and summer festivals, it distinguishes itself by having site-specific screenings.
It is also very active in promoting film education and developing practical filmmaking skills throughout the North.
In collaboration with community organizations, the festival will offer writing and filmmaking workshops, industry discussion panels, special screenings, and master classes.
The festival hosts a short film competition, which allows aspiring filmmakers from all across Ireland to showcase their work and the prize money to be awarded to the winner.