WATCH: 'FACES' short film highlights what modern Ireland looks like

If 2021 has taught us anything, it's that the people of Ireland are more diverse than ever, coming from different backgrounds and experiences. Despite this, many people in Ireland turn a blind eye to those that are different, leaving many important conversations left unsaid.

Not Another INTL, a Dublin-based creative management agency and production company, takes another approach, instead championing the diverse experiences and identities in modern-day Ireland through their short film, 'FACES'.

Directed by Saorla Houston, the two-and-a-half minute film showcases eight of the agency's new board of models in a series of intimate interviews about everything from growing up to their hopes for a more diverse Ireland.

“The landscape, culture and population of Ireland has changed considerably in recent years, and is constantly evolving,” Not Another Intl says. “Yet this evolution is rarely seen, depicted or illustrated correctly in the creative output of the country.”

“Not Another Intl was founded six years ago on this principle. To showcase what we saw around us and to bring the industry into the new age. The FACES board is the latest evolution of this.”

In the film, Debbie opens up about her personal experience growing up in Ireland. “Obviously being Black in a predominantly white country, that was tough for me growing up,” she says.

Commenting on their experience living in Dublin, Hispanic and Indian model Venus Patel, who describes themselves as "funky, colourful, and fairy-like", says, “A lot of people look at me and stare and have the worst expression or ideas about me”.

Curly-haired model Sinead looks back on growing up, saying “I guess when I was younger, I always wanted to conform and have straight hair. It was a different phase of my life.”

Towards the end of the film, Ayo explains how they tackle insecurities. “It’s kind of just attacking (it) head on, letting myself define how I want to be perceived and not letting how other people perceive me influence what I know I am,” they say.

Afterwards, Dara explains his own notion of beauty. “(It’s) beyond a physical thing, not even in terms of standards, but it’s beyond how we appear,” he says. “It’s who we are, it’s what we do in this life that we’re given.”

This film fits perfectly in female-led Not Another INTL's mission to create change in the modeling industry as Ireland's culture evolves. “It is absolutely vital we ensure Ireland is a place that advocates and stands for diversity, ensuring (that) people feel welcomed and championed here,” they say.

“This film is a celebration,” they add. “It’s true essence is honouring diversity as something authentic and beautiful... And for those who ever personally felt the need to conform in order to feel like they belonged here – to know that this is a celebration of them.”

, explaining that brands and agencies share a duty in showcasing the country’s diverse talent, educating others, and creating dialogues that broadens the common consciousness.

Dublin-based creative management agency and production company Not Another Intl’s short film, titled FACES, is a testament to Ireland’s percolating social landscape. Directed by Saorla Houston and produced by Not Another Intl, the two-and-a-half minute film champions the diverse experiences and identities of a modern Ireland – as told by a portfolio of the agency’s unique talent, spanning all ages, ethnicities, and identities.