"Clodagh," an award-winning short film featuring Irish dance, has made the shortlist for the Live Action Short Film at the 2025 Academy Awards.

Starring Katelyn Rose Downey and Bríd Ní Neachtain, "Clodagh" is among 15 films that made the shortlists which were announced on December 17.

From Portia A. Buckley and Michael Lindley of the British-Irish production company Afternoon Pictures, "Clodagh" had its world premiere this year at Flickerfest in Australia. It has gone on to win awards at the Belfast Film Festival, the Cork International Film Festival, the Hollyshorts Film Festival, and the Cleveland International Film Festival.

Filmed in Ireland, the 16-minute film "Clodagh" prominently features Irish dance, Sean-nós style.

“Specifically we chose this kind of Irish dancing because Irish dancing wasn’t always the way we see it, which is the sort of arms down, po-faced, straight-faced dancing with the wild legs,” Buckley explained during an interview last month with The Daily Californian.

Starring in "Clodagh" is Katelyn Rose Downey, a two-time World Champion who trains with the Watson Twin Academy in Dublin.

“To have been given the opportunity to portray Clodagh and show on screen just how much dance can mean to someone and how it can lift them up, was a privilege," Downey told IrishCentral on Thursday.

"The response to 'Clodagh' has been nothing short of extraordinary. This film means so much to me, so to have people from all corners of the world resonate with its heartwarming story and its Irish Music/Dance is so incredibly humbling."

Seven other talented Irish dancers from the Watson Twin Academy also feature in the short film: Daneilla Cooney, Ella Cremins, Ava Holden, Lucy Lawlor, Mia Hehir, Freya Nugent, and Ella Hehir.

TCRG and choreographer Lisa Watson added: "'Clodagh' is a beautiful, heartwarming and joyous film with Irish dance at its core.

"Do you follow your heart or your head? A decision, people from all walks of life, face everyday. 

"Irish Dance is a huge part of our culture and to have a film with Irish dance at its heart being recognised by The Academy is truly amazing.

"It is such an honour to have choreographed and also had students feature in this short film.

"I think the world needs a film like Clodagh right now. It lifts you up and makes you smile and we are extremely proud to be part of something that is promoting Irish Dance and music on a global stage.

"Clodagh" could be the second Irish film to win in the  Live Action Short Film category in two years - in 2023, "An Irish Goodbye" scooped the prize and delivered one of the most memorable acceptances of the evening:

Meanwhile, "Clodagh" isn't the only Irish film that made the Academy Awards shortlists this week. The Belfast-based Irish language trio Kneecap landed on the International Feature Film shortlist as well as the Music (Original Song) shortlist.

Final nominations for the 2025 Oscars, which will air live on March 2, will be announced on January 17.

Related: Irish Dance, Movies, United Kingdom