Emma Whelan, an 18-year-old from Finglas, received the title of Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year for her film 'Abhaile' at the Fresh Film Festival. The film, which she wrote, directed, and starred in, centers around Aimee, a working-class teen navigating complex social dynamics. Judges praised its emotional depth, as it explores themes of identity and class divides. Emma's inspiration stemmed from her experiences of stigma related to her Finglas upbringing, emphasizing that home is defined by people rather than socio-economic status.
Home is not defined by a postcode or status, but by the people who shape us.
Jokes made about where I come from weren't funny because that's my home.
The more I interacted with others as I've grown up, I realized the stigma around it.
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