Established in 2002, the Radharc Awards pay tribute to the legacy of the Radharc Films production unit, renowned for its pioneering work in religious affairs programming for RTÉ over four decades from the 1960s. The Radharc Awards seek to foster and champion the same high standards of craft, content and commitment in documentary filmmaking, and to recognize outstanding Irish documentaries that explore national or global issues pertaining to social justice, human rights, spirituality, religious faith, and heritage.
The 2026 Radharc Awards were presented by keynote speaker and guest of honour Jim Sheridan, six times Oscar nominated and multi-award winning film director, before an audience of senior broadcasting executives, established and emerging programme makers and other respected members of Ireland’s screen industry, at a lunchtime event in Dublin’s Talbot Hotel Stillorgan on Thursday the 22nd of October 2026.
“I always felt, in pulpit terms, in spiritual terms, we lived in the shadow of the church. The church had all the power but the television came and took it. And the new pulpit became the television, which is what we do. Radharc knew that and that is why Radharc is so important.
And you know, documentary making and film making are binary. The audience wonder, do I believe it or not? And we’ve shifted to a world where people realise they don’t have to believe, they’re not expected to believe what they see in film… the contract of belief is broken.
So, in that world, documentary becomes very important.
I think we’re moving towards a world whereby, you know, by just a lack of belief in the digital world and the whole, you know, Spider-Man climbing up walls, we’re going towards documentary. People will want to see more documentary.”
Jim Sheridan
OVERTURE OF ENTRIES
“We looked for productions that used the craft of documentary film making to stir the viewer; that were pleasing to the eye but appealing to our conscience too.” Julian Vignoles, Jury Chair
CATEGORY ONE – DOCUMENTARY FOR BROADCAST
WINNER
Listen to the Land Speak
The late Manchán Magan reveals the profound knowledge and wisdom contained in Irish landscape and myth, and how they shaped the way we look at the world. As he seeks to help heal society’s relationship with nature, the serious illness within himself makes him see these ancient sites and beliefs in a new light.
Crossing the Line Productions
“The winner of the Radharc Trophy, Listen to the Land Speak, had moral punch. With exceptional visual qualities, it challenged viewers to listen to what the natural world is saying to all of us.” Julian Vignoles, Jury Chair
“I’m very proud to be able to accept this award on Manchán’s behalf. He was a friend of mine, and it’s lovely just to hear his voice again, watching that piece… …carrying on from Manchán’s message, the challenge is to change our relationship with the natural world and to see everything that we share here as a very special place, this Garden of Eden.” Eoin Warner
CATEGORY ONE – DOCUMENTARY FOR BROADCAST
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Born That Way
Over Patrick Lydon’s final year he reflects on a life that took him from rock journalism in the US, to driving the radically inclusive Camphill Movement in Ireland and sharing his life with people of diverse needs and abilities.
Curious Dog Films
Éamon Little
CATEGORY ONE – DOCUMENTARY FOR BROADCAST
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Women Locked Up – Inside the Dochas
(Episode 1)
A rare insight into the challenges that the women and prison staff face on a day-to-day basis. From violent assaults to drug addicts, murders and petty theft, the prison is faced with everchanging demands. We see escalating drug problems, overcrowding tensions, complex mental health issues and a glimmer of hope through prison and peer led education.
Midas Productions
Pamela Drynan
CATEGORY TWO – DOCUMENTARY FOR DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION
The Good Farmer and the Failed Son
A drag queen and his father consider the traditions around inheritance and what they may mean for the future of their family farm.
Production Company
Chaser