Directed by Declan McGrath and Neasa Ní Chianáin, the firm follows maverick headmaster and Elvis fanatic Kevin McArevey and his team who are determined to turn the fortunes of the students in their community around.

Using the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers, the boys are encouraged to think about and challenge the conflict and social problems that have hindered them for decades.

The six-strong jury also awarded a special commendation to Blerta Basholli’s debut Hive. Based on a true story, Hive tells the story of a woman struggling with fading hope following the disappearance of her husband during the Kosovan war.

Sinéad Nolan, communications manager for the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), said: “The jury loved the focus on the power of education of Young Plato, as well as how timely it was in the context of Brexit, as people’s lives and rights are once again affected by the geopolitical context. And with war breaking out in Europe, the jury reflected on how important it is to tell the story of the impact of war on women and others who are left behind.”

The ICCL Human Rights on Film Award celebrates outstanding achievement in raising awareness and understanding of human rights through the medium of film.

Young Plato and Hive were chosen by a six-strong jury chaired by disability and LGBTQ+ rights activist Suzy Byrne. Ms Byrne was joined on the panel by former journalist Vincent Browne, citizenship rights activist Emma de Souza, founder and managing director of First Music Contact Angela Doran, and filmmakers Paul Rice and Liam Montgomery.