JUDGING:

Each category is judged by a professional working industry panel made up of established directors, producers, creative directors, cinematographers etc. The panel awards a winner and a runner up.

The EDA judging panel is nominated by the joint ICAD and CPI committee, with the final selection determined by consensus to ensure total impartiality and expertise.

Every judge is a seasoned industry professional with a proven body of work, and we specifically look for individuals with a history of award-winning excellence and ideally with success in the EDA, to maintain our high standards.

A core requirement of our selection process is the assembly of panels that strictly reflect the diversity of Irish society, ensuring that both gender and ethnic representation are central to our juries. This diversity is vital to our mission, allowing for a broader understanding of creative excellence and ensuring that work is evaluated through a multitude of perspectives and backgrounds.

EDA Ireland winners from relevant categories will be automatically entered into the prestigious Young Directors Awards at Cannes.

Ignas Laugalis

Director Of Photography

Ignas Laugalis is an award-winning Director of Photography working across commercials, music videos, and feature film. Known for bold, evocative imagery, he elevates everyday moments into cinematic stories. Ignas has shot global campaigns for Nike, Netflix, Red Bull, Guinness, and Kellogg’s, and many more, EDA Best Cinematographer 2024 award winner."

Mags Levingstone

Writer and Director

Mags Levingstone recently founded Strange or Startling Films where she represents a number of Irish and International directors who were handpicked for their vision, creativity, and just the right amount of mischief. Previous to Strange or Startling Films, Mags was the Head of Production at Motherland for three and a half years and before that was an agency leader and producer for over 20 years where she grew and led Ireland’s biggest production department at Rothco, now Droga5, for over 8 years which led to multi award winning global work including Cannes Lions, D&AD and One Show Grand Prix.

MARK TUTHILL

Creative Director

Mark is one of Ireland’s most renowned and awarded Creative Directors and Copywriters. Beyond advertising, his short films have won awards at major festivals, including the BFI London Film Festival. His writing has been optioned by British TV companies, his fiction published in Irish journals and shortlisted for the Irish Novel Fair.

Tara O'Callaghan

Director

Tara is a writer and director who works across drama and documentary, known for blending unflinching realism with a striking visual language. Her storytelling uncovers fresh perspectives on everyday moments and sheds light on overlooked societal issues. Her work has earned accolades at the Kinsale Sharks and the EDAs, including Gold awards for short documentaries and the prestigious Grand Jury Prize at Cannes Young Director Awards. Tara’s debut short documentary, Call Me Mommy, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and is currently in development as a feature film. She was also named one of The Irish Times’ “50 People to Watch for 2023.”

ZAK Razvi

Filmmaker & Creative

Zak began his career in production at BBH London. He was then appointed Head of Music Videos / Executive Producer at Pulse Films. His directorial debut, Jordanne, captured global attention, garnering festival selections and awards, including Best Documentary Short at various festivals. He was awarded best commercial at the EDA awards in 2019 and has won gold at Kinsale Sharks, shots awards and Creative Circle. He is represented by Strange or Startling Films.

ROB HEGARTY

Editor

Rob Hegarty is an award-winning editor and the founder of MUSTARD, a Dublin-based edit-house. Rob began his career at Screen Scene Post-Production in Dublin, where he worked from 2002 to 2012, progressing from runner to archivist, assistant editor, and ultimately senior editor. Through MUSTARD, Rob is building a collaborative, flexible editing hub that serves both Irish and international markets. His mission is to foster creativity, collaboration, and world-class storytelling in every frame.