This year’s independent jury (Tanya Hatsura-Yavorska, David O Mahony, Charlotte Procter) have been very busy, watching and deliberating the 21 best Irish and Northern Irish short documentaries of 2020.

And the winner of the Docs Ireland Short Documentary Competition 2020 is…

Hydebank, Directed by Ross McClean

Jury’s Statement

Ross McClean’s Hydebank, a portrait of Ryan who is being held in a young offender’s centre, and the unlikely bond he forms with the prison’s flock of sheep, is a richly deserving winner in the Best Short Documentary category. McClean’s direct, unsentimental approach to his subject is complemented by starkly beautiful photography and immersive sound design, creating a film that is modest in scope yet cinematic in presentation.

We would like to thank our sponsors Doubleband Films for their continued support.

Congratulations to all films that were shortlisted to take part in this year’s competition. Without you all we would not be able to present such a strong selection of fantastic shorts covering such a wide range of subjects. We have thoroughly enjoyed Docs Ireland 2 Sofa Shorts and we hope you all have too!

 View the winning film, Hydebank again. Available until midnight tonight.