Battle Scars is a short film co-written and directed by John O'Rourke, shot across various locations in Dublin during March and April 2015.

It won Best Undergraduate Drama at the 2016 Royal Television Society Awards.

The film centres on Aoife Hayes, a schoolgirl navigating life in the wake of a suicide attempt. The story explores her emotional recovery and delves into her relationships with family and peers, offering an intimate portrayal of resilience and vulnerability. Having garnered over 500,000 views on YouTube, Battle Scars has achieved remarkable resonance with audiences, underscoring its enduring relevance almost a decade after its release. Its success lies in its straightforward storytelling and connection to universal themes.