Documentary film-maker Aoife Kelleher , programme chair of the BA in Screen Industry Practice, and Stephanie Costello , who lectures in Journalism, both staff members of the School of Media at TU Dublin, have been honoured for their practice at the Law Society of Ireland-s Justice Media Awards, Ireland’s longest running media awards.
Aoife, with her collaborators Rachel Lysaght and Farah Abushwesha of Underground Films and Rocliffe, won the overall prize and the Human Rights/Social Justice Reporting (broadcast) award for the feature-length documentary Testimony , which Aoife directed and co-wrote. Testimony chronicles the fight for justice by survivors of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes. This entry was chosen as the overall winner from 495 entries and 140 shortlisted entries. The film also won the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Human Rights Film Award at the Dublin International Film Festival in March this year.
The judges praised the film, stating:
-Shining a light on a very dark period in the history of our State, the judging panel suggested this documentary should have a place on school curricula.-
Speaking at the awards, President of the Law Society, Eamon Harrington, said:
-Testimony tells a harrowing and uncomfortable story about human rights abuses in Ireland, but one that needs to be told. The documentary celebrates resilience, calls for justice, accountability, and the right for survivors to pursue legal action, ensuring such inconceivable acts are never repeated. It is educational, confronting and is exceptional legal storytelling."
The award is further recognition of Aoife-s outstanding contribution to documentary filmmaking. Her 2024 documentary Mrs Robinson, which explores Mary Robinson’s life and career, has already been added to the English Junior Cycle curriculum for 2025.
Stephanie Costello was awarded merits in two categories, Print/Online Journalism (local) and Human Rights/Social Justice Reporting (print/online), for her piece published in the Dublin Inquirer on the controversial death in Garda custody of Terence Wheelock.
The judges commended Stephanie-s work, stating:
-This journalist brought attention to a case highlighting a family-s search for answers for a death that has never fully been explained. This entry was recognised for its strong reporting on social justice and working through the justice system to secure the truth-.
Congratulating Aoife and Stephanie, Dr Caroline O-Sullivan, Head of the School of Media, remarked:
-We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Aoife and Stephanie, the both of whom exemplify the exceptional talent and dedication within the School of Media. These awards are yet another testament to the leadership and influence of TU Dublin staff in their respective industries, and to the School of Media-s ongoing commitment to giving voice to the matters that impact on society.-
TU Dublin extends our warmest congratulations to Stephanie and Aoife.
