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PARTNERS
Principal Funder
Industry Partner
Media Partners
Funding Partners
Whiskey Partner
Drinks Partner
SUPPORTERS
Presenting Supporter
2
Principal Venue Partner
Creative Partner
Academic Partner
Funding Supporters
EV Partner
Supporters
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Star Corporate Members
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT We are deeply grateful to our audiences, Funders, Sponsors, Partners, Director’s Circle, Corporate Members and Festival Friends for your invaluable support. As a registered charity, your generosity makes it possible for us to reach over 100,000 people each year, welcome more than 20,000 people to the Festival, and deliver a world-class cultural experience in Cork. Please consider supporting us further – as a Friend, Supporter, or with a donation added to your ticket purchase.
BECOME A FESTIVAL FRIEND
BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER
Festival Friend €189 | Double Festival Friend €299 Festival Best Friend €289 | Double Festival Best Friend €399 (Ticket to all films)
Cameo Corporate Member €1,000 Star Corporate Member €3,000
Enjoy the Festival with complimentary tickets, discounts, access to year-round events, and more.
Support CIFF and avail of complimentary tickets & discounts - perfect for staff engagement and client entertainment with great visibility for your company.
More information can be found at corkfilmfest.org/support. Your contribution, large or small, makes a real difference.
OUR THANKS TO: CAMEO CORPORATE MEMBERS Barry's Tea Cork Chamber of Commerce Cully & Sully Forvis Mazars Isaacs Restaurant KPMG Marsh Nourish PFGi Q-Park Springboard Communications Velo The VQ EMBASSIES & CULTURAL INSTITUTES Austrian Embassy Australian Embassy Norwegian Film Institute Embassy of Greece Embassy of the Netherlands German Films Istituto Italiano di Cultura
Unifrance
National Talent Academies National Youth Film & Animation Network Olytico Abigail E. Disney CULTURAL SUPPORTERS Out of Frame Cork Donal & Cecilia Gallagher Pavilion Ger McNaughton Academy of Motion Pictures Pearl & Dean Jackie & Eoin O’Callaghan Arts and Sciences® Quay Coop Anonymous aemi The Reel Picture Anonymous BAFTA RTÉ Lyric FM Anonymous Cork Airport Sample-Studios Cork Crystal Screen Composers Guild Cork Migrant Centre of Ireland ACCOMMODATION Creative Futures Academy (CFA) Screen Cork PARTNERS European Film Academy Screen Producers Ireland The Everyman Screen Directors Guild of Ireland Silver First Cut! Youth Film Festival To Have and To Hold The Metropole Hotel Fresh Film Festival Triskel Christchurch The Montenotte Future Planet (Sustainability Partner) UCC Department of Film and Graffiti Theatre Screen Media Bronze Irish Film & Television Academy UCC Department of Theatre Clayton Hotel Silver Springs Intermission Bar VTSL (Telecommunications Partner) The Imperial Hotel Irish Film Institute Women in Film & Television Maldron Hotel Shandon Irish Screen Editors X-Pollinator Moxy Mitchelstown Cinema Club Talbot Hotel Midleton DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
Supporters Hayfield Manor The River Lee
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CONTENTS
4
Box Office & Tickets
5
Welcome
6
Introduction
7
Festival Schedule
8
Opening Gala
12
Documentary Gala & Awards Gala
13
Family Gala & Animation Gala
14
Closing Gala
15
The Bigger Picture
16
Special Presentations
18
Spirit of the Festival Competition
20
Best New Irish Feature Competition
22
Irish Voices
24
World Tour
26
Momentum
32
Illuminate
36
Green Screen
37
Culinary Cinema
38
Retrospective: Cinema of Foresight
40
Disruptors
42
Family & Young People
44
Irish Shorts
48
International Shorts
50
Parallax Artist Moving Image
52
Cork Lens
53
Cork Film Trail
55
Industry Events
56
Festival Daytime Hub and Nighttime Club
59
Online Selection
60
Festival Map & How to Festival
61
Awards & Juries
62
Index
64
Accessibility & Sustainability
66
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TICKET PRICES (unless otherwise stated) Note: there is a €1 booking fee per transaction €30/€25 €20/€18 Adult €15/€13; Child €11 Adult €15/€13; Child €11 €20/€18 €20/€18
THE BIGGER PICTURE What Does Art Have To Do With It: Vika Kirchenbauer €5 (Tickets for all other events in The Bigger Picture are sold as a combined film and talk experience; separate tickets are not available) SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS In Conversation: Éanna Hardwicke When Sally Met Harry Live: A Theatre Experiment Dónal Gallagher Book Reading & In Conversation RTÉ Lyric FM - Movies & Musicals with Aedín Gormley Congo Boy + Musical Performance: by Chris Kabs Cork Lens: CIFF Symposium Cork Lens: It’s Great that You’re Out, Well Done! Cork Lens: Cork Film Trail Walking Tour
€12 €10 Free but ticketed Free but ticketed €15/€13 Pay What You Can* €7 €10
STANDARD SCREENINGS Daytime (weekdays before 18:00) Evening (weekdays 18:00 onwards) Weekends Child (applicable to family films only)
€12/€10 €13/€11 €13/€11 €7
CINEMA PASSES 10 Film Anytime Cinema Pass** ‘7 for €75’ Anytime Cinema Pass** 5 Film Anytime Cinema Pass** CineSaver U25 Pass - 15 films for €75 (Under 25s only- ID required)** 5 Film Student/Under 25 Anytime Pass** 3 Film Student/Under 25 Anytime Pass**
€99 €75 €55 €75 €35 €24
Passes make great gifts. Simply click ‘Give as a gift’ on checkout, purchase the pass and download the voucher or email the pass directly to your best pal! *No set price: Every contribution helps keep events like this accessible to all. **Standard screenings only, weekday/evening/weekend. Not applicable to Galas or Special Presentations. ONLINE PROGRAMME Digital Screenings (unless otherwise stated) 2 Film Digital Pass SCHOOLS SCREENINGS Per Student (accompanying teachers go free) CINESPARK: Film & Education Day Intinn Youth Film & Mental Health Programme Aeráid Youth Film & Climate Action Programme Look@Me Outreach Filmmaking Project Junior & Senior Filmmaking Workshops
€6.50 €10 €7.50/€7*** Free (booking essential) Free (booking essential) Free (booking essential) Free (booking essential) Workshop only: €10; Workshop & Screening: €15
***DEIS Schools INDUSTRY EVENTS First Take (includes lunch) €20/€15 For parties of 10 or more, tickets: €15 each. Full day package: €25 Doc Day (includes lunch) €20/€15 Doc Day Online Free but ticketed Europe On Screen, Europe In Collaboration Free but ticketed Out Of Frame Free but ticketed Screen Cork: Filmmaking Beyond The Pale Free but ticketed Screen Cork: Rebel Cinema Free but ticketed
BOOK ONLINE NOW ALL TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED ONLINE AT: CORKFILMFEST.ORG OR VIA THE MYCIFF APP
SCAN HERE
GALAS Opening Gala: Lucy Lost (includes complimentary drink) Documentary Gala: Here We Remain Family Gala: Homeward Bound Animation Gala: Julián Awards Gala: Paper Tiger Closing Gala: The Debut
Or call our Customer Service Phone Line on +353 (0) 21 427 1711 10:00 - 17:30, Mon - Fri, until 11 Nov; 10:00 - 20:30, every day, 12 - 22 Nov Customer Service: help@corkfilmfest.org ACCESS REQUIREMENTS Please feel free to notify us in advance of any accessibility requirements with your booking by emailing: access@ corkfilmfest.org. See page 61 or visit corkfilmfest.org/access for more info. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Concession prices apply to under 25s, senior citizens (65+), full-time students and the unemployed. For full details of our ticketing terms and conditions, and for additional information, please visit our website at corkfilmfest.org/terms. Please note that all information contained in this guide is correct at the time of printing but that changes may occur. Cork International Film Festival CLG, 13 Bridge House, St. Patrick’s Quay, Cork T23 DX9K corkfilmfest.org Tel: +353 (0) 21 427 1711 Email: info@corkfilmfest.org Company Number: 081633 Charity Number: CHY20218
FOR NEWS, UPDATES AND SPECIAL OFFERS, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: EQ C #CIFF2026
FESTIVAL FRIENDS (see p. 3)
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CLLR. DAMIAN BOYLAN
#CIFF2026
ARD MHÉARA CHORCAÍ - LORD MAYOR OF CORK Cork City Council is proud to support Cork International Film Festival, Ireland’s oldest and largest film festival. Rooted in Cork and open to the world, the Festival lights up our city each November, bringing the best of international cinema to our screens while championing local film talent. With more than 200 diverse stories to discover, the Festival invites residents and visitors to share the unique experience of cinema. It is an important part of Cork’s cultural life and a source of great pride for our city. As Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Festival celebrates the growing recognition of Irish film and its rightful place within the rich tradition of European cinema. At a time when the world can feel challenging and divided, cinema brings us together, opens new perspectives and reminds us of what we share. I hope you’ll join me for this year’s Festival and a journey of discovery, connection and great cinema.
DAVID PUTTNAM PATRON
CIAN BLACKWELL
Film festivals matter. They are places of discovery: where audiences encounter stories they might otherwise never have come across, a place where new voices can find the encouragement and support, they need to flourish. Most importantly, they allow us to continue to be surprised.
CHAIR
That seems particularly important at a moment when technology, and especially AI, is changing our world and the industry so rapidly. I’ve lived through extraordinary technological change in my career, and seen how useful these tools can be, particularly in digital archiving. I encourage you to visit CIFF’s Digital Archive and lose yourself in its 71 years of treasures. Regarding archiving; cinema was born in France and recently President Macron made an important speech, in which he said: “The screen can educate, connect and inspire. It can help preserve memory, give form to experience, and allow one society to enter the imagination of another. The need now is to build the conditions for a richer creative future; to preserve the possibility of creating ambitious work, ensure that it can circulate, give audiences the tools to navigate an age of infinite images, and make technological progress compatible with human creativity.” As he suggests, technology should strengthen human creativity, not diminish or replace it. AI has no imagination and each of us has creative muscles to flex. Cork International Film Festival remains a vital space for that imagination: bringing filmmakers and audiences together to discover, discuss and celebrate the unexpected. Long may that process flourish.
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On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome you to the 71st edition of Cork International Film Festival. For decades, the Festival has been sustained by creativity, civic support and loyal audiences. For many filmmakers, their journey begins here in Cork. Through changing times, the Festival has remained a cultural anchor: a place where stories spark conversation, broaden perspectives and bring us together through the shared experience of cinema. We have ambitious plans for the Festival’s future, including our vision for a permanent, year-round cultural cinema and education centre in Cork - a home for film, learning and creativity for generations to come. I sincerely thank our funders, partners, supporters, volunteers, filmmakers, dedicated Festival team and loyal audiences. Your commitment and trust make the Festival possible and give us the confidence to shape the future. As Steven Spielberg says, “Movies build community”. And Cork proves it.
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DISCOVER FILM, REIMAGINE THE WORLD
INTRODUCTION
Last year, our 70th edition celebrated Cork’s extraordinary film heritage and the remarkable role this city and Festival have played in shaping Irish cinema. In 2026, that spirit of discovery and innovation continues, with a programme that looks firmly to the future with more than 200 stories from Ireland and around the world. We are delighted to open and close the Festival in two new venues devoted to learning, creativity and discovery. Our new Short Film Hub at the Granary Theatre, in partnership with University College Cork, puts emerging filmmakers centre stage over opening weekend. Our closing weekend at the MTU Cork School of Music, in partnership with MTU, celebrates new Irish and international feature films, with music at its heart.
Photo: Chani Anderson
FIONA CLARK
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR & CEO
We also open at the Curtis with Lucy Lost, a beautiful, evocative and joyous film showcasing animation at its most inventive, with a captivating original score - and a musical surprise on the night. Our Patron, the inimitable David Puttnam, has generously lent his name to the new Puttnam Honorary Award, presented this year to one of Ireland’s most exciting rising stars, and a proud son of Cork, Éanna Hardwicke. Our Cinema of Foresight retrospective and expanded programme of talks, The Bigger Picture, offer different ways into the Festival: through cinema, ideas, and conversation. Above all, there is the boundless pleasure of discovery: meeting the filmmakers, finding a film that stays with you, hearing a new voice, or sharing a unique experience with an audience. We invite you to explore, take a chance on something unfamiliar, and make Cork your cinematic home in November.
Has anyone ever told you "you’ve seen too many movies”? They are normally implying your imagination has gone wild, that what you're describing is the stuff of fiction. However you could remind those who insist you come back down to Earth that reality catches up sooner or later, as spaceships, rogue AI agents and augmented goggles make their ever accelerating entrance. Our Cinema of Foresight retrospective acknowledges some of the filmmakers who, by looking intelligently at the past and present, recognised forces that were already shaping the future, making works of “fiction” look uncannily rooted to the reality we now inhabit. Our world truly has it all: from men who use their power to subjugate minorities, to brave idealists who take immense risks to defend what's right. And cinema is the great witness of that diversity. Photo: François Berthier
AURÉLIE GODET
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
We will also relish the human mind’s ability to see and create beauty, to be genuinely curious about others and to show our children the benefits of being persistent and generous. We will welcome dogs back to the cinema and celebrate the enduring magic and variety of animation with an Animation Gala and multiple examples of the form’s glory. Together we will learn, grow, cry and laugh.
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This schedule includes the running time for each film, and does not include extra time for introductions or Q&As.
SCHEDULE
SAT 14 NOV
THU 12 NOV 19:00
Opening Gala: Lucy Lost (85 mins) MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 12)
FRI 13 NOV 13:00
13:00
When Sally Met Harry Live: A Theatre Experiment (90 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 18)
It's Great That You're Out, Well Done! (25 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 54)
11:30
Family Friendly Shorts (68 mins) ARC (see p. 45)
11:45
Persepolis (95 mins) ARC (see p. 19)
12:00
Forest High (102 mins) ARC (see p. 39)
12:30
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (94 mins) Triskel (see p. 40)
12:30
Look@Me (80 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 46)
13:30
Cork Film Trail: Walking Tour (90 mins) (see p. 55)
14:30
Look Back (100 mins) ARC (see p. 29)
15:45
aemi Shorts 1 (77 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 52)
14:15
Irish Shorts 4 (87 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 49)
16:15
Different from the Others (50 mins) ARC (see p. 40)
14:15
Rehearsals for a Revolution (95 mins) ARC (see p. 35)
17:00
If Pigeons Turned to Gold (110 mins) Triskel (see p. 16, 36, 60)
14:30
The Mystery Package (80 mins) ARC (see p. 45)
17:00
Stand Up (92 mins) ARC (see p. 21)
14:45
Clarissa (125 mins) ARC (see p. 32)
aemi Shorts 2 (80 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 52)
15:00
17:45
Cinema of Foresight: A Talk (70 mins) Triskel (see p. 40)
16:30
International Shorts 1 (96 mins) Granary Theatre see p. 50)
17:45
The Beauty of Errors (94 mins) ARC (see p. 32, 60)
17:00
Sick (90 mins) ARC (see p. 21)
17:15
Minotaur (135 mins) ARC (see p. 30)
18:00
8
Parallax Emerging Film Artist Award Exhibition: Reception (90 mins) Lord Mayor's Pavilion (see p. 53)
11:00
The Education of Jane Cumming (105 mins) ARC (see p. 28)
18:00
A Sip of Irish (90 mins) Ballymaloe Grainstore (see p. 39)
17:15
Tin Castle (105 mins) Triskel (see p. 23)
20:00
Flesh & Fuel (90 mins) ARC (see p. 21)
17:30
A Prayer For the Dying (95 mins) ARC (see p. 35)
20:00
When Sally Met Harry Live: A Theatre Experiment (90 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 18)
18:30
Screen Cork: Filmmaking Beyond the Pale (60 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 58)
20:00
20:15
Ben'Imana (100 mins) ARC (see p. 33)
Camouflage (102 mins) ARC (see p. 20)
20:00
Irish Shorts 2 (100 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 48)
20:15
Irish Shorts 1 (86 mins) Triskel (see p. 48)
20:15
Born in Flames (90 mins) Triskel (see p. 19, 42)
20:45
The Fox (90 mins) ARC (see p. 42)
20:15
Elephants in the Fog (103 mins) ARC (see p. 33)
20:30
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (109 mins) ARC (see p. 28)
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This schedule includes the running time for each film, and does not include extra time for introductions or Q&As.
SUN 15 NOV 11:00
International Shorts 2 (92 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 50)
17:45
Everytime (119 mins) ARC (see p. 34)
18:00
Objet A (98 mins) ARC (see p. 43, 60)
18:30
Dónal Gallagher Reads from 'Edged in Blue: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey with Rory' (60 mins) Gallagher's Pub (see p. 19)
19:30
The Accompanist (106 mins) St. George's Mitchelstown (see p. 26)
19:30
Cork Film Trail: Film Quiz (180 mins) The Pav (see p. 55)
19:45
First Zone (84 mins) ARC (see p. 20, 60)
20:00
A Bit of Light (87 mins) Triskel (see p. 26)
11:30
Lucy Lost (85 mins) ARC (see p. 12)
13:15
You Don't Belong Here (154 mins) ARC (see p. 29, 60)
13:45
International Shorts 3 (101 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 51)
13:45
A Man of His Time (155 mins) ARC (see p. 29)
14:00
Rose (94 mins) Triskel (see p. 30)
14:15
A Common Story (110 mins) ARC (see p. 20)
20:15
Amazomania (72 mins) ARC (see p. 32)
20:30
15:45
What Does Art Have to Do with It? (Vika Kirchenbauer talk) (60 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 16)
Mysterious Skin (99 mins) ARC (see p. 42)
16:30
A Day in the Life of Jo: Chapter Phaedra (88 mins) ARC (see p. 20)
16:30
Derek Vs Derek (87 mins) Triskel (see p. 16, 37)
10:00
Schools Screenings ARC, The Reel Picture (see p. 46)
16:45
Mouse (120 mins) ARC (see p. 45)
10:00
Intinn - Screening + Workshop Graffiti Theatre (see p. 46)
17:00
Tender Loving Care (107 mins) ARC (see p. 31)
18:00
Chili Finger (101 mins) Triskel (see p. 38)
17:15
International Shorts 4 (88 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 51)
18:00
EUNIC Shorts (77 mins) ARC (see p. 51)
18:00
Best Cork Short Competition (86 mins) Everyman (see p. 49)
TUE 17 NOV
19:15
They Live (93 mins) ARC (see p. 43)
19:30
La Gradiva (145 mins) ARC (see p. 21)
19:30
Plan C for Civilization (108 mins) Triskel (see p. 17, 37)
18:15
Clarissa (125 mins) ARC (see p. 32)
19:45
Free Radicals Shorts (83 mins) Granary Theatre (see p. 52)
18:30
Funk (106 mins) ARC (see p. 28, 60)
20:00
The History of Concrete (100 mins) ARC (see p. 33, 60)
20:15
The History of Concrete (100 mins) ARC (see p. 33, 60)
20:30
Out of Frame: Round 38 (Cork Shorts) (60 mins) The Roundy (see p. 58)
MON 16 NOV 10:00
Schools Screenings ARC, The Reel Picture (see p. 46)
20:30
Club Kid (119 mins) Everyman (see p. 27)
10:00
Intinn - Screening + Workshop Graffiti Theatre (see p. 46)
20:30
Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World (91. mins) Triskel (see p. 34, 60)
17:30
Arrested Memory (87 mins) ARC (see p. 26)
20:45
Ghost in the Shell (83 mins) ARC (see p. 41)
17:30
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (94 mins) Triskel (see p. 40)
21:00
Vertiginous (67 mins) ARC (see p. 43, 60)
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This schedule includes the running time for each film, and does not include extra time for introductions or Q&As.
WED 18 NOV
18:00
A Talent for Murder (106 mins) Everyman (see p. 31)
Schools Screenings ARC, The Reel Picture (see p. 46)
18:15
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Shorts (81 mins) Triskel (see p. 49)
10:00-12:30
Aeráid & Future Forum MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 47)
18:15
Tutti Frutti + Céline Sciamma Conversation (45 mins) ARC (see p. 35)
10:00-17:00
Symposium: The Future of Heritage UCC (FSM Auditorium) (see p. 54)
20:00
Amazomania (72 mins) ARC (see p. 32)
10:00
RTÉ Industry Sessions @ CIFF (see p. 58)
20:00
Short Film Awards (30 mins) Triskel (see p. 63)
10:00
Intinn - Screening + Workshop Graffiti Theatre (see p. 46)
20:15
Elephants in the Fog (103 mins) ARC (see p. 33)
17:45
Derek Vs Derek (87 mins) Triskel (see p. 37)
20:30
The Fox (90 mins) ARC (see p. 42)
17:45
Rehearsals for a Revolution (95 mins) ARC (see p. 35)
20:45
Skintown (100 mins) Everyman (see p. 23)
18:00
Feast or Famine (90 mins) ARC (see p. 38)
21:00
Flotilla (75 mins) Triskel (see p. 24)
18:00
Joe Bonamassa: The Spirit of Rory (60 mins) Everyman (see p. 25)
18:15
Atonement (118 mins) ARC (see p. 36)
20:00
Persepolis (95 mins) ARC (see p. 19)
20:15
Tin Castle (105 mins) Triskel (see p. 23)
20:30
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (109 mins) ARC (see p. 28)
20:45
Chris Kent Goes Offline (65 mins) Everyman (see p. 24)
20:45
Nowhere to Lay my Eyes (72 mins) ARC (see p. 34)
10:00
FRI 20 NOV Schools Screenings ARC, The Reel Picture (see p. 46)
10:00
Intinn - Screening + Workshop Graffiti Theatre (see p. 46)
10:15
Primary School Screening: Julián MTU Cork School of Music
10:00-17:00
Doc Day Live Triskel (see p. 56)
13:00
A Prayer for the Dying (95 mins) ARC (see p. 35)
14:00
The Innocent (130 mins) Everyman (see p. 41)
14:30
The Beauty of Errors (94 mins) ARC (see p. 32, 60)
15:00
First Zone (84 mins) ARC (see p. 20, 60)
Schools Screenings ARC, The Reel Picture (see p. 46)
15:30
A Day in the Life of Jo: Chapter Phaedra (88 mins) ARC (see p. 20)
Cinespark Day MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 47)
16:30
The History of Concrete (100 mins) ARC (see p. 33, 60)
Intinn - Screening + Workshop Graffiti Theatre (see p. 46)
17:15
La Gradiva (145 mins) ARC (see p. 21)
First Take Triskel (see p. 56)
17:30
Whiddy (103 mins) Everyman (see p. 17, 23)
17:00
Puttnam Scholars: A Little Closer (45 mins) Triskel (see p. 47)
18:15
Congo Boy (95 mins) MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 18)
17:30
Ben'Imana (100 mins) ARC (see p. 33)
18:15
DORD A Film About Peadar Ó Riada – Scannán faoi Pheadar Ó Riada (66 mins) Triskel (see p. 25)
18:00
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom (116 mins) ARC (see p. 41)
18:30
You Don't Belong Here (154 mins) ARC (see p. 29, 6o)
THUR 19 NOV 10:00 10:00-15:00 10:00 10:30-16:00
10
10:00
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This schedule includes the running time for each film, and does not include extra time for introductions or Q&As.
19:00
Sick (90 mins) ARC (see p. 21)
20:30
Jim Queen (84 mins) ARC (see p. 42)
20:45
Ancestors (105 mins) Everyman (see p. 22)
20:45
Documentary Gala; Here We Remain (90 mins) Triskel (see p. 13)
SAT 21 NOV
SUN 22 NOV 11:00
2001: A Space Odyssey (164 mins) Everyman (see p. 40)
12:30
The Education of Jane Cumming (105 mins) ARC (see p. 28)
13:00
Cork on Camera (70 mins) Triskel (see p. 53)
13:30
Stand Up (92 mins) ARC (see p. 21)
11:00
Look Back (100 mins) ARC (see p. 29)
13:45
Ben'Imana (100 mins) ARC (see p. 33)
11:30
Family Gala: Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (84 mins) Everyman (see p. 14, 44)
14:00
12:00
Éanna Hardwicke In Conversation ARC (60 mins) (see p. 18)
Animation Gala: Julián (90 mins) MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 14, 22, 44)
15:00
Cantona: Flower of Evil (115 mins) Everyman (see p. 27)
15:30
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Shorts (81 mins) Triskel (see p. 49)
15:30
Minotaur (135 mins) ARC (see p.30)
15:30
Screen Cork: Rebel Cinema (60 mins) The Merchant (see p. 58)
16:00
Camouflage (102 mins) ARC (see p. 20)
16:15
Hush-a-Bye Baby (77 mins) ARC (see p. 41)
17:00
A Man's Skin (105 mins) MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 29)
18:00
A Bit of Light (87 mins) Triskel (see p. 26)
18:45
A Man of His Time (155 mins) ARC (see p. 29)
19:00
A Common Story (110 mins) ARC (see p. 20)
19:15
Flesh & Fuel (90 mins) ARC (see p. 21)
19:30
Closing Gala: The Debut (105 mins) Everyman (see p. 15)
12:00-15:00
Europe on Screen, Europe in Collaboration The Imperial Hotel (see p. 57)
13:00-15:00
RTÉ Lyric FM Movies & Musicals MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 19)
14:30 14:30
The Body is Water (116 mins) Everyman (see p. 24) The Cat in the Hat (91 mins) ARC (see p. 44)
14:45
The Cat in the Hat (91 mins) ARC (see p. 44)
15:15
Mouse (120 mins) ARC (see p. 45)
16:45
The Pervert's Guide to Utopias (133 mins) ARC (see p. 22)
17:15
Atonement (118 mins) (see p. 36)
17:15
Rose (94 mins) Triskel (see p. 30)
17:30
The Accompanist (106 mins) MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 26)
18:00
Different from the Others (50 mins) ARC (see p. 40)
19:30
Awards Gala: Paper Tiger (115 mins) Everyman (see p. 13)
19:45
Objet A (98 mins) ARC (see p. 43, 60)
20:00
Everytime (119 mins) ARC (see p. 34)
20:15
Jimmy (120 mins) MTU Cork School of Music (see p. 25)
SUN 8 NOV (see p. 46)
20:15
Operation Recomply (86 mins) Triskel (see p. 17, 43)
12-22 NOV (see p. 55)
20:30
Arrested Memory (87 mins) ARC (see p. 26)
12-28 NOV (see p. 53)
Junior Filmmaking Workshop SAT 7 NOV (see p. 46)
Senior Filmmaking Workshop Cork Film Trail: Cinema of Foresight Parallax Emerging Film Artist Exhibition Doc Day Online
= Subtitles for Deaf or Hard of Hearing Audiences = Accompanied by Irish Sign Language interpretation
20 NOV-18 DEC (see p. 57)
Online Programme 21-29 NOV (see p. 60)
= Relaxed screening
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THU 12 | 19:00 MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC
OPENING GALA LUCY LOST
wild beauty of the sea and the fragile inner world of its heroine, moving seamlessly between reality and dream.
Olivier Clert | France | 2026 | 85 mins | Subtitled | Fiction On the edge of a quiet fishing village in the remote Isles of Scilly off the English coast lives a family bound to the sea. Jim and Mary share their home with their son Alfie — and with Lucy, a mysterious 11-year-old girl whose gifts spark suspicion among the villagers. Lucy and her secret imaginary friend, Milly, set off on a magical quest to uncover the secret behind her mysterious powers. Lucy Lost, based on the Michael Morpurgo book Listen To The Moon, and set during the First World War, is a tale of friendship, courage and belonging. Its extraordinary, unusually sophisticated animation captures both the
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Anne-Sophie Versnaeyen’s gorgeous, haunting score completes the spell, lending the film an extraordinary emotional resonance. A luminous, poetic and deeply atmospheric achievement, Lucy Lost is a film to lose yourself in. Join us for a special 71st Opening Gala + musical celebration and Q&A with director and composer. Irish Sign Language will be provided by a sign language interpreter during the speeches at the Opening Gala. There will be a second screening of Lucy Lost at the Arc Cinema at 11.30 on Sunday, 15 November.
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FRI 20 | 20:45 TRISKEL
DOCUMENTARY GALA
Camp in the Occupied West Bank in Palestine. What begins as an Irish-Palestine solidarity initiative turns into a story of true friendship rocked by arrests, attacks, and the unforeseen challenges of getting a community gym off the ground under the spectre of Israeli occupation. The Aida camp is home to nearly 6,000 internally displaced Palestinians who live in the shadow of the apartheid wall, and are subject to aroundthe-clock surveillance from security cameras that scrutinise every aspect of their lives. From the early stages of trying to open the new gym, to establishing it as a valuable community resource, Here We Remain touches on eyeopening aspects of Palestinian life from home demolitions, displacement and imprisonment, to their unbreakable determination to return to their original villages and to be free.
HERE WE REMAIN Peadar Ó Goill, Ainle Ó Cairealláin | Ireland | 2026 | 90 mins | Documentary
Followed by a Q&A.
Here We Remain follows the Irish speaking Ainle Ó Cairealláin on a six-year journey helping open and run a gym in the Aida Refugee
This screening and conversation will be accompanied by Subtitles for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences.
SAT 21 | 19:30 EVERYMAN
AWARDS GALA
PAPER TIGER James Gray | United States | 2025 | 115 mins | Fiction James Gray’s Paper Tiger follows brothers Gary (Adam Driver) and Irwin (Miles Teller) as they try to build a new life in 1980s Queens. Gary, a charismatic former cop, sees an opportunity to make money and brings his more cautious younger brother into the business. What begins as a promising venture soon draws them into the world of the Russian mafia, putting their family and their relationship under increasing strain. Yet it is Hester, Irwin’s wife, played by Scarlett Johansson, who gradually becomes the film’s
emotional centre. Johansson brings extraordinary range and depth to the role, moving effortlessly from humour and forcefulness to an unexpectedly tender vulnerability. As the men around her try to prove themselves, Hester reveals a different kind of strength. At its heart, Paper Tiger is a deeply human film about family, loyalty and the bonds between people who have grown up together. With three remarkable performances and Gray’s distinctive eye for character and place, it is as much an intimate family story as it is a gripping crime drama. This Gala screening will include the presentation of the CIFF Features Awards.
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FAMILY GALA HOMEWARD BOUND: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY Duwayne Dunham | United States | 1993 | 84 mins | Fiction (Relaxed Screening)
SUN 22 | 14:00 MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC
SAT 21 | 11:30 EVERYMAN
DOG-FRIENDLY SCREENING! A family leaves their three pets behind while they go on a vacation. The pets - a fun-loving American bulldog pup, a hilarious Himalayan cat, and a wise old golden retriever assuming that they have been abandoned, set out on an adventurous journey to reunite with their owners.
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This 1993 adaptation of the 1963 Disney classic saw the voiceover narration replaced by a trio of famous actors: Michael J. Fox, Sally Field and Don Ameche. A fun and moving journey to be shared with your loved ones. Bring your best friend along! Our dog-friendly Family Gala at the Everyman is back, so you and your wellbehaved pup can settle in for this much-loved adventure. Please note that the Everyman Theatre’s balcony is dog-free. See corkfilmfest.org for more details. Recommended Age: 5+
©Walt Disney
Supported by PwC.
ANIMATION GALA JULIÁN Louise Bagnall | Ireland, Canada, Luxembourg, Denmark | 2025 | 90 mins | Fiction Wide-eyed Julián is about to spend the summer with a grandmother he barely knows. He is amazed to discover her treasure-trove apartment, his own Caribbean heritage and the lively Brooklyn community he is surrounded by. But most surprising of all, Julián discovers that he is, in fact, a mermaid! From the Academy Award® nominated director Louise Bagnall comes a joyful story of discovery and celebration, inspired by the acclaimed children’s book ‘Julián is a Mermaid’ by Jessica Love. A colourful, contemporary addition to Cartoon Saloon’s remarkable body of work. POST-SCREENING FUN! Come dressed in your most colourful clothes and stay with us after the film for more fun in the company of Julián's director Louise Bagnall.
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SUN 22 | 19:30 EVERYMAN
CLOSING GALA THE DEBUT
Jesse Eisenberg | United States | 2026 | 105 mins | Fiction Mona Friedman (Julianne Moore), a timid New Jersey housewife, seeks escape from her suffocating suburban life by auditioning for a local community theater musical. When she unexpectedly lands a minor supporting role, she falls deep under the spell of Jerry (Paul Giamatti), the production’s brilliant but domineering director. Driven to prove her worth, Mona transforms into a zealous, unhinged method actor. She goes to extreme lengths to protect her character's artistic integrity, fracturing her reality. Engaging in an all-out psychological war
against the tyrant director, Mona turns the local stage into a beautifully bizarre battlefield of self-discovery. Rave reviews welcomed this third directorial feature by actor Jesse Eisenberg – who also wrote seven songs for the film - following his critically acclaimed film A Real Pain. A reality-based satire that edges into a dreamy, David Lynch-style surrealism, The Debut is one of these films that are a true gift for its lead actors, with Julianne Moore convincingly embodying a timid amateur whose singing is poor… until it becomes beautiful. A gift for the viewers, too. Irish Sign Language will be provided by a sign language interpreter during the speeches at the Closing Gala. This screening will be accompanied by Subtitles for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Go beyond the screen with filmmakers, artists, protagonists and special guests in a series of extended conversations exploring the ideas, experiences and issues at the heart of this year’s programme. See p. 40 for a Cinema of Foresight: A Duel, a must-see talk between The Irish Times’ Donald Clarke and filmmaker Paul Duane about the films that proved able, if not to predict the future, but to recognise forces shaping it.
BREAKING INHERITED PATTERNS WAYS OUT OF ADDICTION (Following If Pigeons Turned to Gold, see p. 36) Dr. John Goodwin, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork, discusses with addiction expert Dr. Peter Kelly and the filmmaker how and if one can resist this curse. Testimonies from audience members are welcome. Guests: Filmmaker Pepa Lubojacki, Dr. Peter Kelly (Associate Professor in Mental Health Nursing, Trinity College Dublin); Moderator: Dr. Johnny Goodwin (University College Cork). FRI 13 | TRISKEL | 17:00 Film & Talk tickets not sold separately.
WHAT DOES ART HAVE TO DO WITH IT? Vika Kirchenbauer, whose short film This Suffocating Now is screening as part of our International Shorts (see p. 51), will discuss using art to denounce hypocrisy and fascistic trends in today’s Germany. Guest: Vika Kirchenbauer; Moderator: Don O’Mahony. SUN 15 | GRANARY THEATRE | 15:45 | TICKETS €5
THE SOIL THAT FEEDS US (Following Derek vs Derek, see p. 37) In the wake of a very dry summer in Ireland, farming and agriculture professionals discuss how we take care of our soil so it remains able to nurture life (humans included). Come and participate in a debate on this increasingly urgent subject. Guests: Protagonists Derek Bow, Derek Branbury; John Murphy (My Farm at Bushy Park); Moderator: Rachel Martin, Agriculture Editor, Irish Examiner. SUN 15 | TRISKEL | 16:30 Film & Talk tickets not sold separately.
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TECHNOLOGY’S SOLUTIONS FOR THE CLIMATE: DEMOCRACY ON TRIAL: THE FILTON 25 EXAMPLE FLUFF, BLUFF OR REMEDY? (Following Operation Recomply, see p. 43) (Following Plan C for Civilization, see p. 37) From geoengineering to paleo-ice sheet reconstruction, our guests discuss science’s big ideas to repair or compensate for human-made damage to our planet. Doability, cost, benefits and risks. Come with your questions, and together we will learn a whole lot! Guest: Dimitri Zenghelis (world-renowned climate economist, advisor to governments, businesses and international organisations), Hannah E. Daly (UCC Professor in Sustainable Energy); Moderator: Aurélie Godet. In partnership with University College Cork. SUN 15 | TRISKEL | 19:30 Film & Talk tickets not sold separately.
The Filton 25 were accused of terrorism for destroying Israeli war drones. What happens when those who challenge the status quo are imprisoned, publicly vilified, or held up as warnings to others? And what does it mean when the law itself becomes part of the battle over what society is allowed to protest? Guests: Filmmaker Alex Grace, Filton 25 former political prisoner Jordan Devlin, Mary Lawlor, Former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders and Head of Amnesty International Ireland; Moderator: Aurélie Godet.
SAT 21 | TRISKEL | 20:15 Film & Talk tickets not sold separately.
WHEN GLOBAL OIL RULED A CORNER OF IRELAND (Following Whiddy, see p. 23) Join filmmaker Adrian McCarthy and the Whiddy crew to discuss a West Cork story with international significance, a cautionary tale about what communities can gain, lose and remember when big business takes over and progress is prioritised over everything else. Guests: Adrian McCarthy & Whiddy crew. FRI 20 | EVERYMAN | 17:30 Film & Talk tickets not sold separately.
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SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS IN CONVERSATION: ÉANNA HARDWICKE A son of Cork and acclaimed star of screen and stage, Éanna Hardwicke’s recent work includes Ancestors and Saipan (which opened the 70th CIFF in 2025), TV's The Sixth Commandment and Normal People, and The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre in London. We are delighted to welcome Éanna back to the Festival to receive the Honorary Puttnam Award ahead of the Irish Premiere of Ancestors on Friday 20 November (see p. 22). On Saturday, 21 November he will participate in a conversation about his career to date and future artistic ambitions. SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 12:00 | TICKETS €12
WHEN SALLY MET HARRY LIVE: A THEATRE EXPERIMENT What happens when a classic romantic comedy is put under the theatrical microscope? This playful live performance interrogates When Harry Met Sally through a contemporary lens, bringing the film’s ideas about love, friendship, women and identity into the room. Alongside scenes from the film, three short monologues draw on Nora Ephron’s sharp, funny and incisive essays on women, identity and 1970s feminism, revealing another side of the writer behind one of cinema’s most beloved rom-coms. Performed by final-year University College Cork theatre students, this fresh, exploratory response invites audiences to look again at When Harry Met Sally and ask what it has to say to us now. Presented in partnership with the Department of Theatre, University College Cork. FRI 13 | GRANARY THEATRE | 13:00 | TICKETS €10 FRI 13 | GRANARY THEATRE | 20:00 | TICKETS €10
CONGO BOY Rafiki Fariala | Central African Republic, France, Italy, Democratic Republic of Congo | 2026 | 95 mins | Subtitled | Fiction In Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, 17-year-old Robert dreams of becoming a musician. A Congolese refugee living with his four younger siblings, he is already carrying responsibilities far beyond his years. But music gives Robert another way of seeing the world. POST-SCREENING GIG Followed by a musical performance by Congolese-born Dublin musician Chris Kabs. See corkfilmfest.org for details. FRI 20 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 18:15 | TICKETS €15/€13
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HONORARY DISRUPTOR AWARD: LIZZIE BORDEN IN CONVERSATION (Following Born in Flames, see p. 42)
DÓNAL GALLAGHER READS FROM ‘EDGED IN BLUE: A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL ODYSSEY WITH RORY GALLAGHER’
In 1983, Lizzie Borden directed Born in Flames, a semidystopian, feminist call to arms to regain power in the face of an authoritarian regime. In conversation with filmmaker Pat Murphy, Lizzie Borden will look back on her visionary film, and draw parallels between her astute political vision from back then, and today’s world in flames.
‘Edged in Blue: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher’ is a definitive account of his life in the music world, written by his brother Dónal. This is not only the tour-de-force first-hand biography that Rory Gallagher fans have hungered for, but it is also an extraordinary eyewitness chronicle of rock’s golden era with the giants of music.
Guests: Lizzie Borden; Pat Murphy Moderator: Maureen Gueunet
Join us for a special event as Dónal reads selected excerpts from his biography. Booking essential as spacing will be limited.
SAT 14 | TRISKEL | 20:15 Film & Talk tickets not sold separately.
See also: Joe Bonamassa: The Spirit of Rory on p. 25. MON 16 | GALLAGHER’S PUB | 18:30 | FREE BUT TICKETED
PERSEPOLIS Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud | France, United States | 2007 | 95 mins | Subtitled | Fiction In the wake of Marjane Satrapi’s untimely passing, we revisit her autobiographical masterpiece Persepolis. Marjane comes from a long line of rebels. She is eight years old when the Iranian Revolution begins in January 1978. Many people in Iran, including her left-leaning, liberal parents, want the shah to step down from his position as leader of the country. There are constant protests, and although Marjane doesn't fully understand the situation, she wants to take part. She abandons her dreams of becoming a prophet in favour of becoming a revolutionary like Che Guevara. SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 11:45 WED 18 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00 In French language with subtitles
RTÉ LYRIC FM - MOVIES & MUSICALS WITH AEDÍN GORMLEY Join Aedín Gormley for a very special broadcast of her Saturday afternoon radio programme, featuring the very best music from the world of movies and musicals. Aedín will chat with a selection of the filmmakers taking part in this year's Festival and will have fantastic live music performances throughout the show from the students of MTU's Musical Theatre degree. Free but ticketed. All are welcome to drop in to the broadcast from 13:00 to 15:00. Book via corkfilmfest.org or the myCIFF app. SAT 21 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 13:00 - 15:00 | FREE BUT TICKETED
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SPIRIT OF THE FESTIVAL
COMPETITION
Eligible for the Spiorad na Féile (Spirit of the Festival) Best Film and Best Screenplay awards.
CAMOUFLAGE
A COMMON STORY (UNA STORIA)
Mykyta Gibalenko | Germany | 2026 | 102 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Anna Foglietta | Italy | 2026 | 110 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Vitaly dreams of leaving Ukraine and starting a new life abroad. In Munich, he joins a student theatre group and, for the first time, feels free to be himself. Then Russia invades Ukraine in February 2022. His mother and sister are now refugees, suddenly in the way of his German dream.
Erika (Alba Rohrwacher) and Mauro (Guido Caprino) live a simple life in the countryside, their days shaped by comforting routines. When their daughter Irene leaves to study far from home, their house feels empty, and the equilibrium on which the couple has based their lives seems to crumble.
SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00 SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 16:00 | WITH Q&A
SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 14:15 SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 19:00
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JO: CHAPTER PHAEDRA
FIRST ZONE
(MIA MERA STI ZOI TIS TZO: KEFALAIO FAIDRA)
Jacqueline Lentzou | Greece, Germany, France | 2026 | 88 mins | Subtitled | Fiction Fifteen-year-old Jo is melancholic and restless in Athens. When her classmate Phaedra’s ethereal singing moves her, Jo reaches out and discovers an unexpected connection. The dreams she had the night before were warning her about something, but she can’t remember them. The screenings will be followed by a mindfulness activity: The Cinema Within. SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 16:30 FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 15:30
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Thom Lunshof | Netherlands | 2026 | 84 mins | Subtitled | Fiction In a future where the Netherlands has been flooded by sealevel rise, Fenna, a hardened and solitary woman, lives above the vast sea in a wind turbine. When a violent storm sweeps her far from this "home", Fenna must navigate a labyrinth of halfflooded, perilous islands and diverse communities. Filmmaker in attendance. MON 16 | ARC CINEMA | 19:45 | WITH Q&A FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 15:00 ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
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FLESH & FUEL (DU FIOUL DANS LES ARTÈRES)
LA GRADIVA
Pierre Le Gall | France, Poland | 2026 | 90 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Marine Atlan | France | 2026 | 145 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
French truck driver Etienne leads a solitary life on the road. When he meets Bartosz, a Polish trucker, his solitary routine is turned upside down. As feelings develop, he struggles to balance his demanding job with a chance at intimacy and tenderness. Etienne finds himself unusually determined to make it work.
A rowdy class of French teenagers travels to Pompeii to discover its famed bodies petrified by Vesuvius. In a world suspended in time, desire, unrequited love and adolescent tensions surface with unexpected intensity. Social dynamics shift, in ways that may be irreversible. Cannes Film Festival’s surprise sensation is coming to Cork.
FRI 13 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00 SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 19:15
SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 19:30 FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 17:15
SICK
STAND UP
Agata Trzebuchowska | Poland | 2026 | 90 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Mari Sanders | Netherlands | 2026 | 92 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
During the summer holidays, 16-year-old Maks and his older sister Emma travel to the countryside to care for their ailing grandmother. As tensions rise in the summer heat and the siblings’ bond begins to shift into something unsettling, their grandmother’s frail presence takes on an increasingly disturbing quality.
Twenty-three-year-old Vera’s carefree life changes when an accident leaves her using a wheelchair. At a rehabilitation centre, she meets Xander, a young man who has lived with a disability since birth. As their friendship deepens, Vera is caught between her old life and a new community that challenges everything she thought she knew.
SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 17:00 | WITH Q&A FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 19:00
FRI 13 | ARC CINEMA | 17:00 SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 13:30
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BEST NEW IRISH FEATURE
COMPETITION
Proudly sponsored by the Irish Examiner
ANCESTORS David Turpin | Ireland | 2026 | 105 mins | Fiction 1980s London. Beau (Éanna Hardwicke) returns to his London bedsit at dawn to find that his flatmate and surrogate little brother Tiny (Jack Wolfe), has vanished. His search for him, through dream and reality, memory and history, will bring him face-to-face with truths beyond life and death. This screening will include the presentation of the Honorary Puttnam Award to Éanna Hardwicke. POST-SCREENING Q&A With David Turpin, Éanna Harwicke and Rupert Everett. FRI 20 | EVERYMAN | 20:45 Éanna Hardwicke will particpate in an 'In Conversation' on Saturday, 21 November at 12:00 in the Arc Cinema (see p. 18).
JULIÁN
THE PERVERT’S GUIDE TO UTOPIAS
Louise Bagnall | Ireland, Canada, Luxembourg, Denmark | 2025 | 90 mins | Fiction
Sophie Fiennes | Ireland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Slovenia | 2026 | 133 mins | Documentary
Wide-eyed Julián is about to spend the summer with a grandmother he barely knows. He is amazed to discover her treasure-trove apartment, his own Caribbean heritage and the lively Brooklyn community he is surrounded by. But most surprising of all, Julián discovers that he is, in fact, a mermaid! From the Academy Award® nominated director Louise Bagnall comes a joyful story of discovery and celebration, inspired by the acclaimed children’s book Julián is a Mermaid by Jessica Love.
Sophie Fiennes returns with a fantastic new iteration of her mind-expanding, intellectually stimulating Pervert’s Guide series. Guided by Slavoj Žižek’s unconventional psychoanalytic lens, she takes us on a delirious journey through cinema, ideology and our fantasies of a better world. Films from Apocalypse Now to Blade Runner 2049 provide the clues.
SUN 22 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 14:00 | WITH Q&A (Animation Gala, see p.14)
SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 16:45 | WITH Q&A
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SKINTOWN Kieron J. Walsh | Ireland | 2026 | 100 mins | Fiction
life in conflict-torn Enniskillen (Skintown). To do so, they embark on the most reckless trip of their lives. An energetic dark comedy blending youthful hedonism, rave music, and memorable one-liners. Director and actors in attendance.
It is the summer of 1994 and, as Northern Ireland takes its first steps towards peace, best friends Vinny (Jack Rowan) and Jonty (Chris Walley) are desperate to escape their small-town
THU 19 | EVERYMAN | 20:45 | WITH Q&A
TIN CASTLE
WHIDDY
Alexander Murphy | Ireland | 2026 | 105 mins | Documentary
Adrian McCarthy | Ireland, France | 2026 | 103 mins | Subtitled | Documentary
The O’Reilly family lives in a rundown trailer along a country road. Pa’, Lisa, and their ten children weather the seasons in their tin castle, heirs to a way of life. Under threat of eviction, their tenuous balance falters, yet they resist. The children laugh, the dogs bark, the trailer holds on – but for how long?
In the late 1960s, geopolitical tensions lead American company Gulf Oil to open a massive new oil terminal in Bantry Bay. Coming with the promise of prosperity, they are welcomed with open arms, only for it to lead to tragedy. Through intimate testimony and extraordinary local archive, Whiddy explores money, power, responsibility and the enduring human cost of progress. THE BIGGER PICTURE: When Global Oil Ruled a Corner of Ireland (see p. 17)
SAT 14 | TRISKEL | 17:15 | WITH Q&A WED 18 | TRISKEL | 20:15
FRI 20 | EVERYMAN | 17:30 | WITH Q&A
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IRISH VOICES
Celebrating Ireland's broad creative diversity.
THE BODY IS WATER Vicky Wight | Ireland | 2026 | 116 mins | Fiction A grieving American man (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), yearning to disappear, travels to a small village in Ireland's West Cork, where he discovers a close-knit community, an eccentric young woman, and her curious dog refuse to let him fade away. Cast in attendance: Saoirse Monica Jackson, Eva Birthistle, Allen Leech, Fionnula Flanagan, Aidan Quinn, and Stephen Rea. SAT 21 | EVERYMAN | 14:30 | WITH Q&A
CHRIS KENT GOES OFFLINE
FLOTILLA
David Murphy | Ireland | 2026 | 65 mins | Documentary
Jamie Goldrick | Ireland | 2026 | 75 mins | Documentary
Chris Kent Goes Offline follows Cork comedian Chris Kent as he gives up his smartphone and the internet entirely while preparing for his latest stand-up tour. This entertaining and insightful feature documentary offers a behind-the-scenes companion to his hugely popular stand-up show Offline, exploring our increasingly complicated relationship with technology through Chris's trademark humour and honesty.
An exclusive preview of the upcoming TG4 documentary about the 2026 Flotilla mission as it attempts to bring humanitarian aid to the shores of Gaza. An réamhthaispeántais speisialta ar clár faisnéise TG4 faoin misean mionchabhlaigh 2026 agus é ag iarraidh cabhair dhaonnúil a thabhairt go Gaza.
Fellow comedian Cornelius O'Sullivan will join Chris Kent on stage after the screening. WED 18 | EVERYMAN | 20:45
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THU 19 | TRISKEL | 21:00 | WITH Q&A
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JIMMY
JOE BONAMASSA: THE SPIRIT OF RORY
Aaron Burns | Ireland, United States | 2026 | 120 mins | Fiction
Paul Van Kan | United States, Ireland | 2026 | 60 mins | Documentary
Before he became the beloved face of Hollywood, James Stewart was a rising star whose life changed dramatically when he enlisted to serve in World War II. Jimmy follows the actor through combat, its aftermath and the transformative return home that would lead him to his most iconic role.
This world premiere documentary captures Blues Rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s personal journey honoring Irish blues legend Rory Gallagher in his hometown. Filmed during three sold-out Cork performances, Gallagher’s influence is explored through electrifying performances, rare footage, and conversations with Brian May, Slash, and more while featuring Gallagher’s stories from those closest to his legacy, bringing his incredible story to life.
Cast and crew in attendance.
Q&A with Dónal Gallagher and special guest. SAT 21 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 20:15 | WITH Q&A
WED 18 | EVERYMAN | 18:00
DORD A FILM ABOUT PEADAR Ó RIADA – SCANNÁN FAOI PHEADAR Ó RIADA Feilimí O'Connor | Ireland | 2026 | 66 mins | Subtitled | Documentary An intimate portrait of Peadar Ó Riada, one of Ireland's foremost composers, broadcasters and cultural figures. Featuring Martin Hayes, Cór Chúil Aodha and the late Glen Hansard. Portráid phearsanta de Pheadar Ó Riada, duine de na cumadóirí, craoltóirí agus pearsana cultúir is mó le rá in Éirinn atá fréamhaithe i nGaeltacht Mhúscraí i gCúil Aodha. Tá Martin Hayes, Cór Chúil Aodha agus Glen Hansard nach maireann páirteach sa scannán freisin. Followed by a musical performance. FRI 20 | TRISKEL | 18:15
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WORLD TOUR
International must-sees directed by filmmakers in full control of their artform's powers.
THE ACCOMPANIST Zach Woods | United States | 2026 | 106 mins | Fiction When nine-year-old Emily is removed from the care of her dementia-stricken grandfather by a rookie child-welfare agent (Aubrey Plaza), she is placed with the witchy, funny, and unpredictable Sylvia (Susan Sarandon). As the two build an unlikely bond, they find that forging a new family brings both risk and reward. MON 16 | ST. GEORGE'S MITCHELSTOWN | 19:30 SAT 21 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 17:30
ARRESTED MEMORY
A BIT OF LIGHT (KAMI NOUR)
SABU | Taiwan, Japan 2026 | 87 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Ali Asgari | Iran, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, Türkiye | 2026 | 87 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
A seasoned detective becomes the unlikely target of cops and crooks alike after unwittingly wandering off with a multimillion-dollar ransom. As his fractured memory and instincts lead him deeper into the chaos, cult auteur SABU turns a crime caper into a darkly comic, absurdist ride through mistaken identities, shifting loyalties and unexpected danger. MON 16 | ARC CINEMA | 17:30 SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 20:30
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February 2026, Tehran. After treating wounded protesters, Iranian doctor Arash has his clinic sealed and his faith in the future shattered. He decides to die. But before he goes, he spends one last day saying goodbye to his brother, sisters and mother. Their ordinary acts of love make leaving increasingly difficult. MON 16 | TRISKEL | 20:00 SUN 22 | TRISKEL | 18:00
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CANTONA: FLOWER OF EVIL David Tryhorn, Ben Nicholas | United Kingdom | 2026 | 115 mins | Documentary Branded unmanageable and forced into retirement at just 25, Eric Cantona seemed destined to become a footnote in football history. Then came Manchester United, where Alex Ferguson recognised the extraordinary talent beneath his rebellious exterior and channelled it into one of the most remarkable comebacks in sporting history. SUN 22 | EVERYMAN | 15:00
CLUB KID
CENTREPIECE SCREENING Jordan Firstman | United States | 2026 | 119 mins | Fiction A hard-partying New York City club promoter sees his whirlwind lifestyle upended by the arrival of the 10-year-old son he never knew he had. TUE 17 | EVERYMAN | 20:30
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THE EDUCATION OF JANE CUMMING
FUNK
Sophie Heldman | Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom | 2026 | 105 mins | Fiction
Aly Muritiba | Brazil | 2026 | 106 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Edinburgh, 1810. Teachers Marianne Woods (Clare Dunne) and Jane Pirie (Flora Nicholson) embark on their dream of an independent life together and open a boarding school. Their lives are changed forever when a wealthy aristocrat (Fiona Shaw) enrols her 'illegitimate' 15-year-old grandchild from India, Jane Cumming.
In a neon-lit Rio de Janeiro favela where radical joy is an act of resistance, MC Sabrina (Duda Santos), a fearless young queer talent, catches the eye of an influential music producer. Thrust into the spotlight of the music industry, she must navigate aggressive attempts to “whitewash” her sound and her identity. FUNK AFTERPARTY Bellyman meets Gwada Mike Baile Funk, Latin, Dancehall, Reggae, 21:00 ‘til late @ Intermission Bar. TUE 17 | ARC CINEMA | 18:30 ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
FRI 13 | ARC CINEMA | 18:00 SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 12:30
I SEE BUILDINGS FALL LIKE LIGHTNING Clio Barnard | United Kingdom | 2026 | 109 mins | Fiction When friends drift apart, can shared memories still bring them together? In Birmingham, the destinies of five pals are challenged as life’s mishaps come in the way. With an incredible cast — Daryl McCormack (Bad Sisters), Anthony Boyle (House of Guinness), Lola Petticrew (Furious), Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders) and Jay Lycurgo (Steve) — and adapted by Enda Walsh, this profoundly touching portrait of a generation affected by Britain’s neoliberal politics brings joy and tears in equal parts. SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 20:30 WED 18 | ARC CINEMA | 20:30
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LOOK BACK
A MAN OF HIS TIME (NOTRE SALUT)
Hirokazu Koreeda | Japan | 2026 | 100 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Emmanuel Marre | France, Belgium | 2026 | 155 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Two aspiring manga artists, outgoing Fujino and reclusive Kyomoto, form an unexpected friendship through their shared passion for drawing. As their lives and ambitions evolve, their bond is tested by changing circumstances. Following the acclaimed anime adaptation, Koreeda’s tender live-action film brings Fujimoto’s poignant manga to the screen.
In 1940, Henri Marre (filmmaker Emmanuel Marre’s greatgrandfather) arrives in Vichy with aspirations to publish his manuscript "Our Salvation", which he hopes will save France from collapse. Day after day, he dedicates himself to collaborating with the regime, as a minor but strategic element in the Vichy ministry of labour.
FRI 13 | ARC CINEMA | 14:30 SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 11:00
SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 13:45 SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 18:45
A MAN’S SKIN (PEAU D’HOMME)
YOU DON’T BELONG HERE (NU E LOCUL TAU AICI)
Léa Domenach | France | 2026 | 105 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Florin Serban | Romania | 2026 | 154 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
In 1480, Princess Blanche is devastated when her father arranges her marriage to Melchior, a coarse army commander she barely knows. Her godmother (Catherine Deneuve) offers an extraordinary solution: a mysterious skin that, when worn, transforms Blanche into a man, allowing her to meet her future husband incognito and discover who he really is.
Marius is the chief medical officer at a hospital in his small hometown, raising a teenage son, Ioan, alone after the death of his wife. He is a confident professional, who has no idea that his son gets up at night to join a gang. Marius’s world is shaken when he learns that the police have come to suspect Ioan of murder.
French Embassy & Alliance Française de Cork Film Screening. SUN 22 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 17:00
SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 13:15 FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 18:30 ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
FRI 10 | TRISKEL | 17:30
WED 15 | EVERYMAN | 17:00
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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MINOTAUR Andrey Zvyagintsev | France, Latvia, Germany | 2026 | 135 mins | Subtitled | Fiction A high-powered executive's meticulously controlled existence unravels when professional crises, global chaos (read: Putin’s invasion of Ukraine), and marital betrayal converge, pushing him toward a dangerous breaking point. Russian dissident Andrey Zvyagintsev adapts Claude Chabrol's The Unfaithful Wife in this beautifully sinister political thriller, which dissects collective cowardice and authoritarianism. SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 17:15 SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 15:30
ROSE Markus Schleinzer | Austria, Germany | 2026 | 94 mins | Subtitled | Fiction During the Thirty Years’ War, a mysterious soldier arrives in a remote German village and claims an abandoned farm as his inheritance. But Rose (Sandra Hüller - winner of Berlinale Silver Bear for Best Leading Performance) is not the man she appears to be. Hiding her identity, she gradually earns the villagers’ trust, builds a new life and risks everything to preserve it. SUN 15 | TRISKEL | 14:00 SAT 21 | TRISKEL | 17:15
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A TALENT FOR MURDER Anton Corbijn | Switzerland, Australia, Italy, United States, United Kingdom | 2026 | 106 mins | Fiction In 1995, young literary agent Edward Ridgeway travels to the Swiss Alps to persuade Patricia Highsmith to write another novel about Tom Ripley. The ageing author refuses, but proposes a different challenge: together they will devise the perfect murder. As their game develops, Edward discovers that Highsmith may not be the only one playing. THU 19 | EVERYMAN | 18:00
TENDER LOVING CARE Mike Leigh | United Kingdom | 2026 | 107 mins | Fiction Amy, a dedicated child-protection worker, moves back in with her lifelong friend Rosie, a social worker facing the pressures and frustrations of caring for others. As Amy’s personal life unravels, her friendship with Rosie and relationship with her ageing parents reveal a funny, compassionate portrait of love, work and resilience. SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 17:00
FRI 10 | TRISKEL | 17:30
WED 15 | EVERYMAN | 17:00
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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MOMENTUM
Wide-ranging cinematic odysseys for curious-minded spectators.
AMAZOMANIA
THE BEAUTY OF ERRORS (KAPPALE KAUNEINTA SUOMEA)
Nathan Grossman | Sweden, Denmark, France | 2025 | 72 mins | Subtitled | Documentary
Jukka Kärkkäinen | Finland. Norway, Sweden | 2026 | 94 mins | Subtitled | Documentary
In 1996 a Brazilian official and a Swedish journalist ventured into the Amazon to make contact with the isolated Korubo people. Footage of the expedition resurfaces decades later, forcing a re-examination of the contact's consequences. When the journalist returns to the tribe, his visit does not go as expected.
Unfolding against the backdrop of the Finnish countryside, The Beauty of Errors observes Tero’s relationship with his son Henri, at the threshold of adulthood, showcasing a story that at times resembles a pocket-sized epic (all passion and intensity), and at other times a wistful waltz, carrying a bittersweet affirmation of life.
MON 16 | ARC CINEMA | 20:15 THU 19 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00 | WITH Q&A
FRI 13 | ARC CINEMA | 17:45 FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 14:30 ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
CLARISSA Arie Esiri, Chuko Esiri | United States, Nigeria, Egypt | 2026 | 125 mins | Subtitled | Fiction In this modern reimagining of the Virginia Woolf novel Mrs. Dalloway, society woman Clarissa prepares to host a party at her home in Lagos, Nigeria, where she will unexpectedly encounter once-intimate friends from her youth. Memories of their intricate relationships, passionate love, hidden desires, and lost aspirations give rise to bittersweet reckoning. SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 14:45 TUE 17 | ARC CINEMA | 18:15
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THE HISTORY OF CONCRETE John Wilson | United States | 2025 | 100 mins | Documentary Comedic documentary filmmaker John Wilson turns his curious gaze to the bedrock of his beloved New York City. Concrete, the world’s most widely used building material, becomes an unlikely life force as Wilson embarks on an entertainingly eccentric quest to make the definitive documentary about the stuff beneath our feet. SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00 TUE 17 | ARC CINEMA | 20:15 FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 16:30 ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
BEN'IMANA
ELEPHANTS IN THE FOG (TINĪHARŪ)
Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo | Rwanda, Gabon, France, Norway, Côte d’Ivoire | 2026 | 100 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Abinash Bikram Shah | Nepal, France, Germany, Brazil, Norway | 2026 | 103 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
In Rwanda, 2012, Vénéranda helps survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi and perpetrators’ families face one another in community trials for justice and reconciliation. As testimonies reopen old wounds, Vénéranda’s carefully held convictions begin to crack, forcing her to confront a past she has spent years helping others survive. FRI 13 | ARC CINEMA | 20:15 THU 19 | ARC CINEMA | 17:30 SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 13:45
In a remote Nepalese village, a young trans woman disappears while patrolling wild elephants. Pirati, the matriarch of her Kinnar community is determined to find her. But looking for answers is dangerous in a society that only putatively tolerates the Kinnar. A mysterious and haunting portrait of love, belonging and escape. SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 20:15 THU 19 | ARC CINEMA | 20:15
WED 15 | EVERYMAN | 17:00
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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EVERYTIME
NOWHERE TO LAY MY EYES (NUNDULDEGA EOMNE)
Sandra Wollner | Austria | 2026 | 119 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Hong Sang-Soo | Republic of Korea (South Korea) | 2026 | 72 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
In this acclaimed multiple festival award-winner, a tragedy brings a mother, daughter, and teenage boy together. The unlikely trio take a trip to Tenerife for a missed family holiday and, beneath the intense island sun, find themselves drawn into a strange space where past and present begin to overlap. A spellbinding and deeply sensitive journey.
After ten years apart, Sang-hee (Kim Min-hee) travels with her brother to Jeju Island to visit their mother and stepfather. Over a few days, old tensions and new connections emerge. With his signature humour and unfolding profundity, Hong Sang-soo explores intimacy, artistic ambition and the elusive nature of belonging.
MON 16 | ARC CINEMA | 17:45 SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00
WED 18 | ARC CINEMA | 20:45
MARY OLIVER: SAVED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD Sasha Waters | United States | 2026 | 91 mins | Documentary Sasha Waters’ intimate documentary traces poet Mary Oliver’s solitary childhood, literary rise and lifelong devotion to nature, attention and love. Drawing on rare archival material and intimate testimony, it illuminates the woman behind the celebrated poems, creating a contemplative portrait of an intensely private writer whose work continues to invite wonder. TUE 17 | TRISKEL | 20:30 | ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
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A PRAYER FOR THE DYING Dara Van Dusen | Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom | 2026 | 95 mins | Fiction In 1870 Wisconsin, Civil War veteran and town sheriff Jacob Hansen (Johnny Flynn) is confronted by a deadly epidemic just as wildfires close in on his isolated community. With physician Doc (John C. Reilly) fighting to contain the disease, Jacob’s faith, buried wartime trauma and sense of duty begin to unravel. SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 17:30 | WITH Q&A FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 13:00
REHEARSALS FOR A REVOLUTION
TUTTI FRUTTI
Pegah Ahangarani | Czech Republic, Spain, Iran | 2026 | 95 mins | Subtitled | Documentary
Céline Sciamma | France | 2026 | 45 mins | Subtitled | Documentary
Through five portraits of relatives and mentors, Iranian director Pegah Ahangarani traces four decades of personal and national history. Combining intimate archives, home videos, protest footage, newspaper reports and oral testimonies, she explores political repression, resistance and the enduring hope for revolution, weaving a deeply personal memory of Iran.
Join us for a conversation with cult filmmaker Céline Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire) around the screening of her poetic, diaristic film Tutti Frutti, an exploration of events both present and past, from lesbian figures forgotten by history to a landmark trial involving Portrait actor Adèle Haenel.
SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 14:15 WED 18 | ARC CINEMA | 17:45
THU 19 | ARC CINEMA | 18:15 | WITH Q&A
WED 15 | EVERYMAN | 17:00
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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ILLUMINATE
Illuminate presents films that explore mental health and wellbeing, and invites professionals, service users and filmmakers to respond, and engage in dialogue inspired by the films.
ATONEMENT Reed Van Dyk | United States | 2026 | 118 mins | Fiction In the early days of the Iraq War, a U.S. Marine’s split-second decision devastates an Iraqi family. Years later, aided by a journalist (Kenneth Branagh), he seeks reconciliation with the family’s matriarch (Hiam Abbass, Succession), confronting the enduring weight of grief, guilt and and the elusive possibility of forgiveness. Devastating and profound. WED 18 | ARC CINEMA | 18:15 SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 17:15
IF PIGEONS TURNED TO GOLD (KDYBY SE HOLUBI PROMĚNILI VE ZLATO)
Pepa Lubojacki | Czech Republic, Slovakia | 2026 | 110 mins | Subtitled | Documentary Pepa, the film’s writer and narrator, has "order" in her life, but her brother and two cousins David and Marco have taken to the street, where each faces addiction. A balancing act between love and contempt, care and destruction on film, that seeks to find whether family saves our life or – on the contrary – destroys it. THE BIGGER PICTURE A talk will follow the screening, hosted by Dr. John Goodwin, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University College Cork. See Breaking Inherited Patterns - Ways Out of Addition, p. 16. FRI 13 | TRISKEL | 17:00 ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
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GREEN SCREEN
Discover more about the particular relationship between humans and their living environment. How they affect it. What can be done.
DEREK Vs DEREK James Dawson | United Kingdom | 2026 | 87 mins | Documentary On a country road in Devon, England, live two implacably opposed neighbouring farmers, both called Derek. One believes in intensive industrial farming, the other is giving his entire farm over to nature. As tempers fray, wild animals escape, and the land is transformed, the film charts the two Dereks' turbulent but funny relationship. THE BIGGER PICTURE A panel discussion - The Soil that Feeds Us - will take place following the screening on Sunday, 15 November. See p. 16 and corkfilmfest.org for details. SUN 15 | TRISKEL | 16:30 WED 18 | TRISKEL | 17:45
PLAN C FOR CIVILIZATION Ben Kalina | United States, Bangladesh, Sweden, Germany, France, Canada | 2025 | 108 mins | Documentary As the controversial planet-cooling technology called solar geoengineering moves out of the lab and into a planet in the throes of a climate meltdown, it carries deep uncertainty. Part thriller, part wake-up call, the film asks whether or not we can still afford to ignore this powerful but mad idea. THE BIGGER PICTURE A panel discussion - Technology's Solutions for the Climate: Fluff, Bluff or Remedy? - will take place following the screening on Sunday, 15 November. See p. 17 and corkfilmfest.org for details. In partnership with University College Cork. SUN 15 | TRISKEL | 19:30
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CULINARY CINEMA
Supported by chef, writer and CIFF Culinary Ambassador Rachel Allen (right), we present immersive film and dining events that bring these cinematic stories to life. Visit corkfilmfest.org for event details and individual ticket pricing.
CHILI FINGER Edd Benda, Stephen Helstad | United States | 2025 | 101 mins | Fiction When a newly empty-nested mom (Judy Greer) finds a human finger in her chilli and seeks a quick payday from the fast-food chain’s owner (John Goodman), her life spirals into chaos. As she clashes with ruthless forces (Bryan Cranston) unleashed by the restaurant, her blissfully clueless husband (Sean Astin) stands by. EVENT*: Tiger Balm Club brings you an all-killer, no-filler Chili Finger American diner experience at Bakestone Cafe. TUE 17 | TRISKEL | 18:00
FEAST OR FAMINE Michael Boccalini, Adrian Choa, Theo Gee | United Kingdom | 2026 | 90 mins | Documentary At East London restaurant Angelina, a young team of chefs and owners sets its sights on the ultimate culinary accolade: a Michelin star. Alongside their story, legendary chef Marco Pierre White reflects on his own extraordinary relationship with the Michelin system, raising questions about ambition, recognition and the price of success. EVENT*: A unique Itameshi dining experience at Ichigo Ichie with Michelin Bib chef Takashi Miyazaki and Sergio Gurrea from Italian restaurant Da Mirco, where Japanese and Italian culinary traditions converge, inspired by the film. WED 18 | ARC CINEMA | 18:00
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FOREST HIGH (FORÊT IVRE) Manon Coubia | Belgium, France | 2026 | 102 mins | Subtitled | Fiction In the northern Alps, three women take turns looking after an Alpine hut. Through the seasons, hikers come and go. Stories bloom and fade, leaving them to contemplate life amid nature's poetry. EVENT*: Join us for a rustic Alpine tasting at L’Atitude 51, with communal tables, French wine, mountain cheese and charcuterie. SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 12:00
A SIP OF IRISH Frank Mannion | Ireland | 90 mins | Documentary Celebrating the incredible story of Ireland's contribution to the culinary and drinks world with some unexpected discoveries along the way and featuring a mouth watering host of producers from East Cork. EVENT*: An evening of cinema and nourishing Irish supper at Ballymaloe Grainstore, at the heart of one of Ireland’s most influential food communities. FRI 13 | BALLYMALOE GRAINSTORE | 18:00
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
*Film & culinary event tickets are limited so book fast! Film only tickets are also available.
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CINEMA OF FORESIGHT
Films that glimpsed the future, anticipating political, technological and social forces before they fully emerged…Explore these themes further at our Retrospective Talk (see below) and on our Cork Film Trail (see p. 55) which brings these ideas into the city, inviting you to explore interactive experiences and film-related surprises at locations across Cork city centre.
CINEMA OF FORESIGHT: A TALK
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY
The Irish Times' Donald Clarke and filmmaker Paul Duane exchange about the films that proved able, if not to predict the future, but to recognise forces shaping it. Does foresight make a film better? Are the filmmakers who have this ambition and talent the ones who deserve our attention?
Stanley Kubrick | United Kingdom, United States | 1968 | 164 mins | Fiction
Guest speakers: Donald Clarke and Paul Duane.
Kubrick's visionary masterpiece of science fiction spans the dawn of humanity to the far reaches of space. Two scientists are sent to Jupiter to investigate a mysterious monolith. During the voyage, the spacecraft's sentient supercomputer, HAL 9000, turns rogue, forcing a lone survivor into a surreal, transcendent rebirth.
SAT 14 | TRISKEL | 15:00 | TICKETS €10/€7
SUN 22 | EVERYMAN | 11:00
DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS (ANDERS ALS DIE ANDERN)
DR. STRANGELOVE OR: HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE BOMB
Richard Oswald | Germany | 1919 | 50 mins | Subtitled | Fiction | Silent/Black & White
Stanley Kubrick | United States | 1964 | 94 mins | Fiction
Concert violinist Paul Körner falls in love with a male student, but their relationship is threatened by blackmail and Paragraph 175, which criminalised homosexuality. Co-written by Richard Oswald and sexologist Magnus Hirschfeld, this pioneering silent film was an early cinematic plea for gay rights and sympathetic portrayal of queer life.
In Kubrick’s seminal apocalyptic comedy, an unhinged American general orders a rogue nuclear strike on the Soviet Union, sending world leaders into the Pentagon War Room to avert global catastrophe. They discover that a hidden Soviet doomsday device will automatically trigger global annihilation.
FRI 13 | ARC CINEMA | 16:15 SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 18:00
SAT 14 | TRISKEL | 12:30 MON 16 | TRISKEL | 17:30
Excerpts will fuel this must-see conversation as part of our Cinema of Foresight Retrospective.
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GHOST IN THE SHELL (KÔKAKU KIDÔTAI)
HUSH-A-BYE-BABY
Oshii Mamoru | Japan, United Kingdom | 1995 | 83 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Margo Harkin | United Kingdom, Northern Ireland | 1992 | 77 mins | Fiction
In a futuristic cybernetic society, Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg counter-cyberterrorism officer, hunts a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master. As she untangles the political conspiracy, she faces a deep existential crisis, questioning the nature of her own humanity, consciousness, and soul within her mechanical shell.
In 1984 Derry, Goretti and her friends go to class, gossip about boys and head to the dances. What begins as a conventional high school movie quickly changes when Goretti becomes pregnant and boyfriend Ciarán gets arrested. Margo Harkin's foresighted feminist film stars a young Sinéad O’Connor, who also wrote the musical score.
TUE 17 | ARC CINEMA | 20:45
This restoration from original 16mm elements has been created by the IFI Irish Film Archive. See corkfilmfest.org. SUN 22 | ARC CINEMA | 16:15 | WITH Q&A
THE INNOCENT (L'INNOCENTE)
SALÒ, OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM (SALÒ O LE 120 GIORNATE DI SODOMA)
Luchino Visconti | Italy | 1976 | 130 mins | Subtitled | Fiction Visconti's sumptuous final masterpiece in 4K restoration. In late 1890s, Roman aristocrat Tullio openly pursues another woman while neglecting his devoted wife, Giuliana. When she begins a new relationship, his jealousy and wounded pride awaken. A psychologically charged portrait of male entitlement, desire and the dangerous demands of bourgeois respectability. FRI 20 | EVERYMAN | 14:00
Pier Paolo Pasolini | Italy | 1975 | 116 mins | Subtitled | Fiction One of cinema’s most notorious and feared films, Pasolini’s political war art horror focuses on four corrupt Italian libertines in WWII Fascist Italy who subject 18 teenagers to months of extreme violence and sadism. A chilling, prophetic warning about the trajectory of modern consumerist power, the commodification of human bodies, and unchecked authoritarianism. THU 19 | ARC CINEMA | 18:00
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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DISRUPTORS
Cinema’s mavericks, past and present.
BORN IN FLAMES
THE FOX
Lizzie Borden | United States | 1983 | 90 mins | Fiction
Dario Russo | Australia | 2026 | 90 mins | Fiction
In a quasi-dystopian New York City, while a pseudo democratic regime rules through control and repression, various groups of women decide to rally troops to fight gender, race and class discrimination. With riotous energy and astute political vision, Lizzie Borden’s highly inventive cult film is a radical call to action that uncannily resonates with today.
Nick (Jai Courtney) is an average and affable Aussie guy. But when his fiancée Kori (Emily Browning) cheats on him he is unwise enough to listen to a sly fox (Olivia Colman) who promises to transform his partner into the perfect woman. All he has to do is push Kori into a magic hole in the forest.
Director Lizzie Borden will be presented with the CIFF Honorary Disruptor Award 2026 by filmmaker Pat Murphy. See p. 19 for more. SAT 14 | TRISKEL | 20:15
FRI 13 | ARC CINEMA | 20:45 THU 19 | ARC CINEMA | 20:30
JIM QUEEN
MYSTERIOUS SKIN
Marco Nguyen, Nicolas Athane | France | 2026 | 84 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Gregg Araki | United States | 2005 | 99 mins | Fiction
Jim is Paris’s most fabulous gay influencer. When a mysterious virus threatens to turn gay men straight, he is forced to team up with the shy twink Lucien, his biggest fan, to try and save queer culture. Fame, identity and every gay stereotype in existence collide in this fun animated satire.
Two teenage boys both experienced a traumatic event and later it affects their lives in drastically different ways. Neil (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) becomes a reckless, emotionally detached male hustler in New York. Meanwhile, Brian (Brady Corbet) represses his memories, believing he was abducted by aliens. Their paths eventually collide to uncover the devastating truth.
POST-SCREENING PARTY Join Krystal & The Queers at WILDE from 22:30. Tickets €10 at the door. See corkfilmfest.org for more. FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA | 20:30
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4K Restoration
MON 16 | ARC CINEMA | 20:30
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OBJET A
OPERATION RECOMPLY
Ann Oren | Germany, Luxembourg, Greece | 2026 | 98 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Alex Grace | United Kingdom | 2026 | 86 mins | Documentary
Immaculate and successful, hand surgeons Ingeborg and Adam form a perfect couple. But under an overcontrolling facade lies unusual desires, and a sudden encounter soon disrupts their neat and tidy existence. Sensual and deviant, this curious object makes cinema a tantalising experience — come for the pristine imagery, stay for the organically mind-bending sequence.
Operation Recomply follows family members of the Filton 25 and documents their fight for justice while the state escalates its crackdown on the pro Palestine movement. Strangers transform grief into a community bound by love, support and resistance as the government uses the Filton example to apply terrorism laws in criminalising wider peaceful protest.
MON 16 | ARC CINEMA | 18:00 SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 19:45 ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
THE BIGGER PICTURE Democracy on Trial: The Filton 25 Example (see p. 17). SAT 21 | TRISKEL | 20:15
THEY LIVE
VERTIGINOUS (LE VERTIGE)
John Carpenter | United States | 1988 | 93 mins | Fiction
Quentin Dupieux | France | 2026 | 67 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
A working-class drifter – played by a perfect Roddy Piper – discovers special sunglasses that expose a shocking reality: the world's ruling elite are actually disguised extraterrestrials. They use hidden, subliminal television and print messages to subjugate humanity, forcing him to join a brewing underground resistance to wake up the world.
Jacky has made a crazy discovery that might entail an alternative, virtual reality. When he tells his childhood friend Bruno, they realise they’re onto something, until… Bonkers yet truly vertiginous, this comedy is like being stuck in a glitchy Sims game, one that definitely reaches the absurdity levels of our high-tech world!
SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 19:15
TUE 17 | ARC CINEMA | 21:00 ALSO ONLINE (see p. 60)
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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FAMILY & YOUNG PEOPLE We invite you to explore our hand-picked collection of magical stories designed to spark curiosity and delight in younger audiences. For details on accessibility and relaxed screenings (sensory friendly), please visit corkfilmfest.org/access
what he does best, the Cat — voiced by Bill Hader — spreads joy to kids in his hilarious, signature and singularly irreverent way, transporting them and audiences on a fantastical journey through a world they’ve never seen before. In the film, our hero takes on his toughest assignment yet for the I.I.I.I. (Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, LLC): to cheer Gabby and Sebastian, a pair of siblings struggling with their move to a new town. Known for taking things too far, this could be this agent of chaos’s last chance to prove himself...or lose his magical hat! Starring alongside Hader are Matt Berry, Quinta Brunson, Xochitl Gomez, with Giancarlo Esposito, and America Ferrera. Tituss Burgess, Bowen Yang, Paula Pell and Tiago Martinez also star.
THE CAT IN THE HAT SPECIAL SCREENING
Erica Rivinoja, Alessandro Carloni | United States | 2026 | 91 mins Meet the Cat in the Hat you don’t know! In the wonderfully whimsical tradition of Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat comes to the big screen in his animated theatrical feature film debut, an all-new, epic adventure with an edge, where mischief, magic and mayhem reign supreme. Doing
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Animation
SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 14:30 SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 14:45 (RELAXED SCREENING)
FAMILY GALA ANIMATION GALA HOMEWARD BOUND: THE JULIÁN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY (DOG-FRIENDLY SCREENING) Louise Bagnall | Ireland, Canada, Luxembourg, Duwayne Dunham | United States | 1993 | 84 mins | Fiction | Relaxed Screening
Denmark | 2025 | 90 mins | Fiction |
SUN 22 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 14:00
Recommended Age: 5+ SAT 21 | EVERYMAN | 11:30
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Supported by PwC
See p. 14 for more information about our Galas.
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On the Mat Outside My Door
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORTS 2026 | 68 mins | Recommended Age: 4+ SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 11:30 | RELAXED SCREENING A selection of animated films, and one live action short. Featuring adventurous mice, slovenly rats, curious foxes and an important message you must see to bee-lieve! PICCOLO PICCOLO - Marta Gennari ON THE MAT OUTSIDE MY DOOR (VOR MEINER TÜR AUF EINER MATTE) - Antje Heyn SPIRIT OF THE RAIN (SPIORAD NA BÁISTÍ) - Samira Sikder CITY IN THE FOX - Mikael Lindskov Jacobsen FIRE IN MY POCKET (LÁNGBOGÁR A ZSEBEMBEN) - Janka Feiner ANAGLYPH - Valle Comba PAINT-OFF - Katrina Martinsone CINEMA RIALTO - Antony Petrou MEADOW MAGIC - Aoibheann McCann
MOUSE
REEL TEENS: COMING-OF-AGE STORIES Kelly O’Sullivan, Alex Thompson | United States | 2026 | 120 mins | Fiction Recommended Age: 15+ with parental guidance. Callie and Minnie’s relationship is suddenly upended at the start of the summer before their senior year of high school. As Minnie begins to navigate a new and uncertain reality, she forms an unlikely connection with Callie’s mother (Sophie Okonedo). A tender coming-ofage story about friendship, loss and finding yourself. SUN 15 | ARC CINEMA | 16:45 SAT 21 | ARC CINEMA | 15:15 | RELAXED SCREENING
Hilary Rose (CIFF Family Ambassador)
THE MYSTERY PACKAGE Silje Evensmo Jacobsen | Norway, Denmark | 2026 | 80 mins | Live Narration in English | Subtitled | Documentary Recommended Age: 8+ For 22 years, a mysterious Christmas package has arrived at a Norwegian family’s home, always bearing gifts and the same enigmatic message. Now, young detectives Edle and Brage set out to discover who sends it.
This screening includes a special presentation of a short film created by our Junior Filmmaking Workshop participants, aged 8-12 y.o., at this year’s Festival! YOUR OWN MYSTERY PACKAGE Bring a mystery gift to be donated at Christmas to a Cork charity. See corkfilmfest.org for more information. With live narration in English by actor and podcaster Hilary Rose, this immersive cinema experience will be one to remember! SAT 14 | ARC CINEMA | 14:30
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FILMMAKING WORKSHOPS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST CUT! YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL JUNIOR FILMMAKING WORKSHOP (8-12 y.o.) SAT 7 | UCC | 10:00 - 13:00
Another League
SCHOOLS PROGRAMME MON 16 - FRI 20 | ARC CINEMA CORK, MIDLETON & MALLOW, THE REEL PICTURE BALLINCOLLIG Presented in partnership with IFI Education, our Schools Programme supports film and languages in school curricula with specially selected feature films for Junior and Senior Cycle French, Spanish and German. Additionally, we have included a title for Junior Cycle History students, The Lost Children of Tuam, with director Frank Berry attending. SENIOR FRENCH: Santiago: The Camino Therapy (Compostelle) JUNIOR FRENCH: Just an Illusion (Juste une illusion) SENIOR GERMAN: Berlin Hero (Der Held vom Bahnhof Friedrichstraße) JUNIOR GERMAN: Circusboy (Zirkuskind) SENIOR SPANISH: The Dinner (La cena) JUNIOR SPANISH: Another League (Pioneras: solo querían jugar) JUNIOR HISTORY (Cork only): The Lost Children of Tuam Accompanying Study Guides available at ifi.ie/studyguides
ADDITIONAL CIFF PREVIEW FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS: JULIÁN FRI 20 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 10:15 - 12:00 | RELAXED SCREENING
Lights, camera, mystery! Become a junior detective and filmmaker, using clues, camera angles and sound to create suspense. Work together to plan and shoot your very own mystery scene and discover the fun of filmmaking. The finished film will receive a special Festival screening before The Mystery Package, about a Norwegian family who receives mysterious Christmas packages from an unknown sender for 20 years, on Saturday, 14 November in the Arc Cinema (see p. 45). Tickets: Workshop only: €10; Workshop & The Mystery Package: €15 SENIOR FILMMAKING WORKSHOP (13-17 y.o.) SUN 8 | UCC | 11:00 - 16:30 Participants create a mysterious quest or unseen world, exploring storytelling, camera, sound and performance as they plan, shoot and edit a short film together. The finished film will receive a special screening at CIFF before the feature Lucy Lost, the story of a mysterious quest, on Sunday, 15 November at the Arc Cinema (see p. 12). Tickets: Workshop only: €10; Workshop & Lucy Lost: €15 To book: education@corkfilmfest.org
For bookings and enquiries, please contact schools@corkfilmfest.org
LOOK@ME OUTREACH FILMMAKING PROJECT
INTINN
SAT 14 | GRANARY THEATRE | 12:30
Intinn is a free, unique film and mental health programme that offers Transition Year students the opportunity to explore mental health, personal well-being and strategies of resilience through film and related workshops.
CIFF is proud to present a programme of short films created by young people at Cork Migrant Centre with the support of Community Foundation Ireland. Look@Me is a film education outreach project pioneered by CIFF which offers young people a unique opportunity to develop tools to express themselves through filmmaking. We're excited to have filmmakers, and CIFF team members, Nicole DeLarge and Benjamin Ruprecht:, and Cork actor Danny Power (Christy) share their expertise with participants at this event!
MON 16-Fri 20 | GRAFFITI THEATRE | 10:00 & 11:30
Developed in collaboration with Dr. John Goodwin, School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC. Intinn offers students the opportunity to watch specially selected short films followed by a workshop session delivered by mental health experts. Please note that a limited number of free sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A nationwide online version of the Intinn programme will be available for schools across Ireland in November. For bookings and enquiries, please contact schools@corkfilmfest.org
Sound and Colour
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CINESPARK: FILM & EDUCATION DAY
Presented in collaboration with the IFI Next Generation (15-19) Programme.
THU 19 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 10:00 - 15:00 | FREE (BOOKING ESSENTIAL)
For more information visit www.ifi.ie/education
Join us for a day designed to inspire, inform and spark creativity. Aimed at Transition Year and Senior Cycle students, CINESPARK combines films created by young people with insights from professionals across the film and animation industry, featuring director Brendan Canty, producer Emily Power, animator Patrick O’Mahony, Atticus Education, West Cork Film Studios, Fresh International Film Festival, First Cut!, National Youth Film & Animation Network and many more.
Ideal for class groups and individuals (15-19 years). For bookings and enquiries, please contact schools@corkfilmfest.org.
Presented in collaboration with IFI Next Generation (15-19), who will moderate the day, this is an exciting opportunity to hear directly from industry professionals, explore career possibilities and be inspired to create. This free, one-day programme takes students out of the classroom and into a lively, creative space where film and education meet.
AERÁID: YOUTH FILM & CLIMATE ACTION WED 18 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 10:00 - 12:30 | FREE (BOOKING ESSENTIAL) Aeráid is CIFF’s unique youth film and climate action programme, designed to inspire young people about the positive changes they can make to protect our future. Join us for a special screening of Derek vs Derek, following two Devon farmers with very different visions for the future of the land. From intensive dairy farming to rewilding, their story explores food, farming, nature, biodiversity and the changing countryside. The screening will be followed by a discussion exploring the film’s themes, led by Michelle McKeown, Senior Lecturer in the School of the Human Environment, UCC, and Donal Chambers, Coordinator of Sustainable Horticulture and Permaculture, Cork College of FET and Programme Director of Regenerate. Students will explore ideas for positive action in their school communities, with a CIFF follow-up event in Spring 2027 to share their ideas, progress and experiences.
Brendan Canty
Emily Power
Patrick O'Mahony
UCC PUTTNAM SCHOLARS 2026: A LITTLE CLOSER THU 19 | TRISKEL | 17:00 How do you move forward, when each new step pulls you back? While keeping a friend company on a night out, a young woman grapples with the past, when faced with questions about her own identity. The Puttnam Scholars programme offers UCC students the opportunity to work with David Puttnam to jointly produce a short film. This year’s Puttnam Scholars are Bruna Barreto Fontoura, Shannon Cotter, Tereza Feixová, Tomás Flynn, Caoimhe Forde Atkinson, Aisling Knox, Darren O’Connor and Lucy Raeke. Followed by a Q&A with the Scholars and David Puttnam. Full day package: First Take, Puttnam Scholars, Screen Ireland Shorts and CIFF Short Awards: €25 (see p. 56)
For more information visit www.corkfilmfest.org/aeraid
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Paper Plane
IRISH SHORTS
Films in competition are eligible for the Grand Prix Prix Documentary Short Award [D], Redbreast UNHIDDEN Short Award [RU] and Pure Cork Award [C] where stated. CIFF is also a nominating festival for the European Film Academy Prix Vimeo Best Short Award.
Rith Maith
Mirror Martyr Mirror Moon
IRISH SHORTS 1:
IRISH SHORTS 2:
86 mins
100 mins
FRI 13 | TRISKEL | 20:15
SAT 14 | GRANARY THEATRE | 20:00
A selection of national and world premieres. Portraits of people trying to find their footing in a rapidly shifting world. Contains Adult Themes.
A selection of Irish and world premiere shorts by Irish and Irish-based documentary and artist filmmakers.
IN COMPETITION
FULL PITCH - Róisín Leavy-Sahin PAPER PLANE - Saoirse Ronan RITH MAITH - Oisin Misteil THE DEAD HOUSE - Aaron Chalke BEDCRUMBS - Ross O'Donnellan [RU] THIS HAPPENED - Stuart Drennan
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IN COMPETITION
REFRACTIVE HYMN - Cíana Fitzgerald SELF-PRESERVING NUDITY (YA NE ZNYKAIU) - Nelly Shylova [D] MUSCLE BOUND - Colin Peppard [D] [RU] MIRROR MARTYR MIRROR MOON - Jesse Jones GO YE AFAR - Frank Sweeney A POOL IN WHICH I PLAY - Erik Nuding [D]
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Here & There
Robin in the Hood
IRISH SHORTS 3:
IRISH SHORTS 4:
86 mins
87 mins
TUE 17 | EVERYMAN | 18:00
SAT 14 | GRANARY THEATRE | 14:15
Home thoughts from abroad? You can never go home again! But everyone must have one… From archival reflections to urgent calls, a selection of Cork filmmakers and films, including documentary, drama, dance, silent film. Mature themes!
A selection of Irish shorts that have been screened elsewhere in Ireland this year but that we particularly like and want to share with our audience. Documentaries, drama and a musical! Stories that take you from the rough and tumble roads of West Cork to the shiny surrounds of the Paris Metro. and some interesting points in-between.
BEST CORK SHORT COMPETITION
WHEN IMAGES NO LONGER CARRY TIME NATURALLY Shuning Zhao [C] [D] HERE & THERE - Bruna Barreto Fontoura [C] SEBASTIAN - Owen Warren [C] LIFE/TIME - Terence White [C] EMBROIDERING THE EARTH'S MANTEL - Aideen Barry [C] [RU] HOSTILE ARCHITECTURE - Liadán Roche [C] EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A HOME - Tomas Heising [C] [D]
OUT OF COMPETITION IRISH SHORTS
BOWLING ROADS - Laura Mahler MÍ-ÁDH (BAD LUCK) - Damian McCann VERDIGRIS - Chloe Brenan THE LACEY WAY - Regina de Faoite ROBIN IN THE HOOD - Kristin Vollset
FÍS ÉIREANN/SCREEN IRELAND WORLD PREMIERE SHORTS: 81 mins
THU 19 | TRISKEL | 18:15 SUN 22 | TRISKEL | 15:30 Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is proud to present the World Premiere of an exciting selection of new Irish short films funded under the agency’s Focus Shorts, Frameworks and Real Shorts short film schemes. Frameworks are made with the participation of RTÉ. Films in our programme can include mature themes/adult content. Viewer discretion is advised.
Synctium
SHOWPONY - Shannon Haly [C] SYNCTIUM - Mikai Geronimo, Josh O'Caoimh FRIED - Zoë Brennan Whitmore KNITTED KNOCKERS - Naoimh Reilly [C] [D] STARLETS - Aisha Bolaji THE COLONIST - Kevin Treacy, Jason Byrne RAT STORY - John Kelly
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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Conversations on a boat
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS
International shorts are eligible for Grand Prix International Short Award and Grand Prix Documentary Short Award. Films eligible for the Redbreast UNHIDDEN Short Award are indicated with [RU]. See p. 45 for our Family-friendly Shorts Programme (Irish and international films). CIFF is also a nominating festival for the European Film Academy Prix Vimeo Best Short Award.
Amma, Do Giraffes Cry?
Trading Cards
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 1:
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 2:
DOCUMENTARY
92 mins
96 mins
SUN 15 | GRANARY THEATRE | 11:00
SAT 14 | GRANARY THEATRE | 16:30
A selection of international shorts, featuring animation and more approaches. Tales of life and destiny
Contemplations on the world through the eyes of other people and creatures. A PERSON OF THE FOREST - Miranda Pennell AMMA, DO GIRAFFES CRY? - Kartikeya Saxena [RU] WINDOW SHOT - Hosein Jalilvand TWO PIDS - John Smith [RU]
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TRADING CARDS - Radheya Jang ANOTHER EARTH - Ben Russell OH BE A FINE GIRL KISS ME - Alice dos Reis CONVERSATIONS ON A BOAT - Sabina Jacobsson [RU] O - Francisca Alarcão I USED TO CALL THAT MAN HOME - Melissa Nocetti [RU] TERMINAL - Alexandre Siqueira
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Revolution Against Death
Free Eliza (Notes on an anatomic imperfection)
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 3:
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 4:
DOCUMENTARY
88 mins
101 mins
SUN 15 | GRANARY THEATRE | 17:15
SUN 15 | GRANARY THEATRE | 13:45
Struggles, from the everyday to the unexpected.
Stories of activism and resistance.
A TENDERNESS - Sabrine Khoury FREE ELIZA (NOTES ON AN ANATOMICAL IMPERFECTION) - Alexandra Matheou THE DREAM IS A SNAIL - Thien An Nguyen BID16 - Mick Robertson, Margaret Rose PSYCHOPOMP - Kit Harrington [RU]
FUTURE OF YESTERDAY - Bárbara Wagner, Benjamin de Burca THIS SUFFOCATING NOW - Vika Kirchenbauer [RU] (see p. 16 for a talk with the filmmaker) WHAT WE SAID TO BRUSSELS AIRLINES - Collectif Faire-part THE REVOLUTION AGAINST DEATH - Joshua Lincoln Oppenheimer THE GOD THAT DESTROYS - Jyoti Mistry
EUNIC SHORT SHORTS FROM EUROPE FILM FESTIVAL 2026 77 mins
TUE 17 | ARC CINEMA | 18:00 | FREE BUT TICKETED Shorts from 9 EU Countries from the EUNIC Ireland cluster.
LUXEMBOURG presents - A WALK INTO THE AFTERLIFE - Jiyun Jeong / Doghouse Films PORTUGAL presents - THE SWAP - Pedro M. Afonso
CYPRUS presents - THE WEAVER - Yiorgos Tsangaris
POLAND presents - THIS WILL NOT BE A FESTIVAL
SPAIN presents - LENTEJAS - José Antonio Campos Aguilera
FILM - Julia Orlik
SLOVENIA presents - MACEK MED VRATI // CATLANDS - Ana Čigon
ITALY presents - PEPITAS - Alessandro Sampaoli
FRANCE presents - HYPERSTITION - Stéphane Chis & Maxime Chuchana
IRELAND presents - YOU AND I - Melissa Rudge GRÁ MO BHRIONGLÓIDÍ (LOVE OF MY DREAMS) Triona McGrath
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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PARALLAX
REDISCOVER THE LIGHT Ian Helliwell | United Kingdom | 2026 | 4 mins PICCADILLY PERMEATION Ian Helliwell | United Kingdom | 2026 | 3 mins
Striking experimental works selected by our programmers and our guest curators, aemi.
CHRISTINE/CLAIRE Chris O'Neill | Ireland | 2026 | 1 min DARIA’S NIGHT FLOWERS Maryam Tafakory | France, Iran, United Kingdom | 2025 | 16 mins THE STARS WATCH FROM LONG AGO Stacey Steers | United States | 2026 | 22 mins LINEAR ENDJOY Nicolaas Schmidt | Germany | 2026 | 1 min WITCH PISS Vera Sebert | Austria, Germany | 2026 | 10 mins
Witch Piss
FREE RADICALS
DATNA ÉCLAT Tina Frank | Austria | 2025 | 4 mins
SUN 15 | GRANARY THEATRE | 19:45 | 87 mins Experimental short works from Irish and international filmmakers.
FLIM FLAM Siegfried A. Fruhauf | Austria | 2026 | 15 mins
Please note: This programme contains sequences of fast flashing lights. It may affect people who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.
CLOSING DOORS Nina Berman | United States | 2026 | 11 mins
AEMI EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS
Sui Generis (Richie Price)
Fear Fokal
AEMI PRESENTS: ROLL CALL
AEMI PRESENTS: HARD CURRENCY
FRI 13 | GRANARY THEATRE | 15:45 | 77 mins
FRI 13 | GRANARY THEATRE | 17:45 | 80 mins
‘Roll Call’ is a programme celebrating the nine artists from the 2025-’26 edition of aemi’s Film Artist Development Programme. Featuring work by Thomas Bennett, Aoife Carolan, Michael Dignam, Laura Fitzgerald, Uma Magal, Olivia Normile, Erik Nuding, Richie Price and Dawn Richardson, the films explore technology, transformation, nostalgia and superstition to offer new perspectives on rurality, migration and memory.
aemi's second programme for Cork International Film Festival is 'Hard Currency', a mixed shorts programme of international work building out from Tuva Björk's Fear Fokol, a dark journey into the world of private security in South Africa. Produced by Dennis Harvey, co-director of Celtic Utopia (CIFF 2025).
This screening will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers featured in the programme.
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aemi is an Arts Council funded organisation dedicated to the support and exhibition of artist and experimental film. For more information visit aemi.ie
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CORK LENS
PARALLAX EMERGING FILM ARTIST AWARD EXHIBITION THU 12 - SAT 28 | THE LORD MAYOR’S PAVILION | 11:00 - 16:00 | FREE OPEN DAILY: 11:00 - 16:00, TUE-SAT OPENING RECEPTION: FRI 13 | 13:00-14:30 Established by Sample-Studios and Cork International Film Festival in 2023, the Parallax Emerging Film Artist Award partnership recognises outstanding emerging talent in artist film nationally and creates a distinct space to champion film artists and to bolster their practices at the early stages of development. In 2026, we expanded the Parallax Award to allow it to positively impact more promising graduate film artists through a jury-selected exhibition in The Lord Mayor’s Pavilion of four shortlisted graduates, as part of the 71st CIFF. The shortlisted graduates are:
•
Autumn McNamara, 'Swansong', Limerick School of Art and Design, Technical University of the Shannon (TUS)
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Andy Chirali, 'Mule Rider and the Stranger', National College of Art & Design (NCAD)
•
Nikol Ochichenko, 'Still Tied', Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT)
•
Harrison Connally, MTU Crawford College of Art & Design
The winner of the Parallax Award will be selected from the shortlisted exhibitors and announced during the 71st Festival. They will receive a €3000, bursary, 12-month honorary membership of SampleStudios and accreditation at the 72nd CIFF.
IFI: CORK ON CAMERA SUN 22 | TRISKEL | 13:00 GEARRSCANNÁIN LOUIS MARCUS Cork-born Louis Marcus began his film career in Dublin in 1958 as assistant editor on Mise Éire and has made over 80 documentaries, garnering 20 international festival awards, exploring Irish social life, industry, history and the arts. In 1995 he received the Irish Film Institute’s Annual Award, and in 2005, at the 50th Cork Film Festival, he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award and a retrospective of his work. In association with the Irish Film Institute (IFI), we present Marcus’s films made for Irish language body Gael Linn. All were filmed on 35mm by his longtime friend and collaborator Bob Monks and were screened in cinemas nationwide. They were produced by Gael Linn and are now preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive.
Pobal
POBAL Louis Marcus | Ireland | 1970 | 25 mins | Subtitled
RHAPSODY OF A RIVER Louis Marcus | Ireland | 1965 | 10 mins Conceived by two Cork natives, Louis Marcus and Seán Ó Ríada, as a romantic tribute to Cork city and county and the River Lee.
Pobal is a vibrant panoramic work with a sweeping Ó Ríada score which celebrates the strong sense of community which pervades Irish life in the late 1960s.
PÁISTÍ AG OBAIR Louis Marcus | Ireland | 1973 | 10 mins
FLEÁ CEOIL Louis Marcus | Ireland | 1967 | 25 mins | Subtitled In this wry snapshot of Irish life at the West Clare Fleadh in 1966, musicians and onlookers gather to enjoy the music, the jug-poured porter, the crubeens and the craic.
Louis Marcus’s observational documentary celebrates the successes of children learning through play in Irish Montessori schools in the 1970s with a voiceover, in both Irish and English. The film was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Documentary Short in 1973.
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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SYMPOSIUM: THE FUTURE OF HERITAGE
A CIFF AND UCC PARTNERSHIP PRESENTATION WED 18 | UCC FSM AUDITORIUM B 10B KANE BUILDING | 10:00 – 17:00 In 2025, as part of the Festival’s 70th celebrations, we began a symposium in association with University College Cork’s Department of Film and Screen Media focused on the moving image as both cultural treasure and fragile historical record. This era of misinformation and disinformation brings that very fragility into sharp relief. In an time of increasing uncertainty around the information we receive, how do reputable news gathering agencies respond? Founded in 1851, Reuters is one of the world’s largest and most trusted international news agencies. Archive Manager at Reuters Connect, Helen Walker oversees the preservation and digitisation of the historic Reuters news and film archive. She will discuss the challenging environment of creating a trustworthy archive and will also outline the way in which the agency has broadened beyond being a source for factual use to become a resource for more creative and artistic use amongst the filmmaking community. While agencies like Reuters operate on a global level, community television remains a vital resource. In light of the recent conversation around a united Ireland we explore the idea of an all-island community media, representation, and the importance of preserving community-made material. After a light lunch, we conclude the day with a screening of student archive film works from UCC Department of Film and Screen Media and University of Ulster.
Full details of topics, participants and schedule on corkfilmfest.org Tickets: No set price - Pay What You Can. Every contribution helps keep events like this accessible to all.
IT’S GREAT THAT YOU’RE OUT, WELL DONE! COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP PRESENTATION
Donna O’Keeney | Ireland | 2026 | 25 mins | Hybrid documentary/fiction It’s Great That You’re Out, Well Done! follows a group of wheelchair users navigating a scenario that will be instantly familiar to disabled audiences and quietly revealing to everyone else: the well-meaning comments, the assumptions, the small daily frictions of moving through a world not built with them in mind. Told with humour, candour, and moments of real discomfort, it asks audiences to look again at their own behaviour. This hybrid documentary is adapted from an original stage production written and performed by the members of the Crann Centre's Breaking Barriers Theatre Group. The documentary intercuts scenes from the original stage production with directto-camera testimony from the writer-performers themselves. Breaking Barriers brings together adults living with neurophysical disabilities, including spina bifida, cerebral palsy and acquired spinal injuries, to develop and perform original work drawn from their own lived experience.
SAT 14 | GRANARY THEATRE | 11:00 | WITH Q&A | TICKETS €7
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CORK FILM TRAIL
CINEMA OF FORESIGHT
This November, follow the Cork Film Trail and explore the films that saw something coming.
Sullivan’s Quay), with QR codes unlocking film clips, archive material, podcasts and the stories behind each installation.
Inspired by CIFF’s Cinema of Foresight retrospective (see p. 40), our Cork Film Trail invites you to discover installations and filmrelated surprises across the city centre, exploring themes of power, technology, identity, visibility and resistance.
Along the way, enjoy Cork’s renowned hospitality - stop in for a coffee, a pint, or a snack at nearby pubs and cafés (our map has all the best spots!). Don’t miss our popular Film Quiz on Monday 16 November - details on corkfilmfest.org, myCIFF app and social media.
These are films that glimpsed the future, recognising political, technological and social forces before they fully emerged. Now, the Trail brings those ideas out of the cinema and into the city, asking what they can tell us about the world we live in today, and the future ahead. Scan, listen, watch and explore as you move through the city (with stops including The Arc Cinema, To Have & To Hold at The Metropole Hotel, The Irish Examiner on Oliver Plunkett Street, Salvagem Windows on MacCurtain Street and Quay Coop on
Share your discoveries with friends using #CIFF2026 and have your say: If you were the leader of the world what would you do? Can queer cinema lead social change? If you had the power to turn AI off would you? Could we survive if we unplugged from technology? Free. No ticket required. 12–22 November 2026 | Cork City Centre
The Cork Film Trail is presented in collaboration with our Creative Partner, Babelfís, sponsored by Murphy’s and supported by Cork City Council.
CIFF WALKING TOUR
CIFF DIGITAL ARCHIVE
SAT 14 | 13:30 | TICKETS €10
Our Festival’s unique Digital Archive is a treasure trove of precious materials, including photographs, programme covers and posters from previous Festival editions, tracking the history of modern film, and Cork, amassed over seven decades.
Join us for a fascinating guided walking tour exploring the city's rich cinematic and architectural heritage. Led by architectural historian Danielle O'Donovan, this 90-minute walk through Cork City Centre will uncover the stories behind some of the city's best-loved cinemas and entertainment venues, revealing how they brought Irish and international films to Cork and helped shape its social and cultural life.
Developed in collaboration with the Department of Digital Humanities, UCC. View the archive online at corkfilmfest.org.
For more information, see, corkfilmfest.org.
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INDUSTRY EVENTS
Official Industry Partner: Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland.
FIRST TAKE THU 19 | 10:30 - 16:00 | TRISKEL | TICKETS €20/€15* First Take is a training and development platform for newly established film professionals, film and media students and the wider film industry. This year’s event will include a case study of award-winning Northern Irish film Skintown (see p. 23), from Kieron J. Walsh, an interview with Ancestors’ director David Turpin (see p. 22) on the process of transitioning from writing for film to directing, as well as a keynote interview with Cork filmmaker Brendan Canty (Christy, Gealtra). See website for full line-up.
A networking reception, co-supported by the National Talent Academies, will conclude the event from 16:00 to 16:45.
Aoife Barry
David Turpin
Eibh Collins
All First Take sessions will be accompanied by Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on screen (see p. 57 for more information on Access at CIFF or visit corkfilmfest.org/access). *Tickets €20/€15 (includes lunch). For parties of 10 or more, tickets: €15 each. Full day package: First Take, Puttnam Scholars, Screen Ireland Shorts and CIFF Short Awards: €25 Visit corkfilmfest.org/industry for further details and to book.
Brendan Canty
Kieron J. Walsh
Sophie O_Donovan
Official Industry Partner: Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
DOC DAY LIVE
Supported by
FRI 20 | 10:00 - 17:00 | TRISKEL | TICKETS €20/€15* Cork International Film Festival continues to develop its focus on high-quality Irish and international documentary cinema with Doc Day, connecting emerging and established non-fiction filmmakers with industry professionals and the wider documentary industry. Doc Day 2026 will explore the making of the new feature documentary Whiddy (see p. 23), from multi-awardwinning Cork filmmaker Adrian McCarthy, provide a platform for composers to discuss the creative process of composing for documentary, and host a keynote interview with Sophie Fiennes about her new film The Pervert’s Guide to Utopias (see p. 22) and the impact
Adrian McCarthy
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Brenda Morrissey
Ciara Nic Chormaic
of The Pervert’s Guide Trilogy, a long-term collaboration with philosopher Slavoj Žižek. See website for full line-up.
All Doc day sessions will be accompanied by Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on screen (see p. 57 for more information on Access at CIFF or visit corkfilmfest.org/access). A networking reception will conclude the event from 17:00 to 17:45, followed by the Documentary Gala screening of Here We Remain at 20:45 at the Triskel (see p. 12).
Jamie Goldrick
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Pat Collins
Sophie Fiennes
EUROPE ON SCREEN, EUROPE IN COLLABORATION SAT 21 | 12:00 - 15:00 | THE IMPERIAL HOTEL | FREE BUT TICKETED Marking Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026, this special event celebrates Irish–French co-production as a powerful expression of European cultural collaboration, bringing together industry voices and audiences to explore co-production, creative exchange and the future of the European audiovisual landscape. This event will encompass two sessions. The first will offer an in-depth production case study of the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion-winning Father, Mother, Sister, Brother from celebrated US auteur Jim Jarmusch. The film is a co-production of Ireland, France, Italy and the USA, with Irish producer Richard Bolger playing an integral role in the realisation of the project. In this session Bolger will break down the coproduction structure, financing and delivery of the film. This will be followed by a keynote interview with Olivier Père exploring his impressive tenure as Managing Director of ARTE France Cinéma, with co-producing credits including Sentimental Value, Triangle of Sadness and Titane.
The event will be followed by a networking session and refreshments.
Funded as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026. Supported by the Irish Government’s Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) and by the French Embassy in Ireland. Presented in association with Screen Producers Ireland & Creative Europe. Visit corkfilmfest.org/industry for further details and to book.
Richard Bolger
Olivier Père
Official Industry Partner: Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
Supported by
DOC DAY ONLINE 20 NOV - 18 DEC | FREE BUT TICKETED In addition to the in-person offering for Doc Day 2026, the Festival will host a series of online sessions, complementing this year’s non-fiction programme and encompassing in-depth filmmaker conversations and case studies. The Doc Day Online sessions will focus on a selection of exceptional documentaries that feature in the CIFF 2026 programme, including Operation Recomply (see p. 32), Rehearsals for a Revolution (p. 32) and Tin Castle (p. 21).
Visit corkfilmfest.org/industry for further details and to book.
IGNITE-DOCS IGNITE-Docs is a bilingual talent development programme led jointly by Cork International Film Festival and Docs Ireland, Belfast, directed towards emerging Irish and Northern Irish documentary filmmakers embarking on their first or second non-fiction feature film. Supported by TG4, the Arts Council of Ireland, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland Skills Development Events Funding Scheme, Coimisiún na Meán, Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet and Northern Ireland Screen.
LASAIR Lasair is a cross-border, project-led development incubator for high-quality short documentary films in the Irish language, supporting selected filmmakers through a curated, project-led training and development programme. An initiative of Docs Ireland, in association with Cork International Film Festival, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Shared Island Fund, TG4, BBC Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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RTÉ INDUSTRY SESSIONS @ CIFF
Official Industry Partner: Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland.
WED 18 | FROM 10:00 | FREE BUT TICKETED
Cork International Film Festival and RTÉ Cork are delighted to present a day-long event for independent filmmakers, producers and event creators to attend and participate in key industry clinics and talks. The sessions will include: the launch of the Regional Round 2027; a keynote talk by by RTÉ's top commissioning editors
More details and how to book: corkfilmfest.org Presented at Cork International Film Festival in partnership with RTÉ.
OUT OF FRAME: ROUND 38 (CORK SHORTS) TUE 17 | THE ROUNDY | 20:30-21:30 | FREE BUT TICKETED Cork’s monthly film talk, Out of Frame provides a platform to showcase Cork’s talented diverse film community and a space for exchange and connection among filmmakers. As in the last two years, filmmakers from the Cork International Film Festival Irish Shorts programme:, Pure Cork will feature in the November edition of Out of Frame.
Website: outofframecork.com Instagram: @outofframecork
SCREEN CORK: FILMMAKING BEYOND THE PALE
SCREEN CORK: REBEL CINEMA SUN 22 | THE MERCHANT | 15:3016:30 | FREE BUT TICKETED
SAT 14 | GRANARY THEATRE | 18:30-19:30 | FREE BUT TICKETED As production demands grow across Ireland, how do the regions build a sustainable, competitive ecosystem for major film and TV projects? Presented by Screen Cork, Édaín O’Donnell (West Cork Film Studios), line producer Gemma O’Shaughnessy (The Rachel Incident), Aideen Doherty (Donegal Film Office) look at practical ways to maximise production potential across Cork city and county.
Presented by Screen Cork, this panel explores the resurgence of communitydriven screening networks across Ireland. Bringing together Cork-based initiatives like People’s Picturehouse and Out of Frame Cork alongside regional counterparts like Big Shots (Limerick), and Little Cinema (Galway), this discussion examines the origins of these movements, the practicalities of alternative curation, and audience.
Website: screencork.ie | Instagram: @screencork
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DAYTIME HUB & NIGHTTIME CLUB
Relax with a coffee, browse the programme or meet a fellow Festival goer between screenings at our day-time and night-time Festival hubs.
BOX OFFICE: ARC CINEMA North Main St., Cork T12 KN88
Festival audiences are welcome to talk to our box office team in person at the CIFF Box Office, Arc Cinema Cork, North Main Street, every day from 10.30, Mon 9 - Sun 22 Nov. The Arc Cinema Cork is home to The GATE Screen — a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the beloved former Gate Cinema — and an ideal spot for meeting fellow Festival-goers in between screenings. CIFF Box Office: Every day from 10:30, Monday 9 - Sunday 22 Nov
FESTIVAL HUB: THE MOXY
Camden Quay, Cork T23 C2RR Right in the heart of the city, The Moxy offers stylish communal spaces perfect for meeting fellow filmmakers, jurors, and industry professionals, or simply to pause for refreshments between events. Opening hours: 11:00–16:00, Friday 13 – Sunday 22 Nov
FESTIVAL CLUB: INTERMISSION @ THE PAV
13 Carey’s Lane, Cork T12 RD00 Our Festival Club is the perfect place to relax, share stories, and connect with filmmakers, friends, and film lovers in a welcoming, intimate setting. Join us every night of the Festival from 21:30 for convivial conversation and revitalising refreshments. The Festival Club is sponsored by our official Drinks Partner, Murphy’s.
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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ONLINE SELECTION
We are delighted to offer this programme of features online nationwide from Saturday 21 to Sunday 29 November. Just like cinema screenings, online screenings have limited capacity so we recommend pre-booking. See corkfilmfest.org to book and watch.
THE BEAUTY OF ERRORS
(KAPPALE KAUNEINTA SUOMEA) Jukka Kärkkäinen | Finland. Norway, Sweden | 2026 | 94 mins | Subtitled | Documentary
FIRST ZONE
FUNK
Thom Lunshof | Netherlands | 2026 | 84 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Aly Muritiba | Brazil | 2026 | 106 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
See p. 20
See p. 28
IF PIGEONS TURNED TO GOLD (KDYBY SE HOLUBI
MARY OLIVER: SAVED BY THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD
See p. 32
THE HISTORY OF CONCRETE John Wilson | United States | 2025 | 100 mins | Documentary See p. 33
PROMĚNILI VE ZLATO)
Pepa Lubojacki | Czech Republic, Slovakia | 2026 | 110 mins | Subtitled | Documentary
Sasha Waters | United States | 2026 | 91 mins | Documentary See p. 34
See p. 36
OBJET A
VERTIGINOUS (LE VERTIGE)
Ann Oren | Germany, Luxembourg, Greece | 2026 | 98 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
Quentin Dupieux | France | 2026 | 67 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
See p. 43
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See p. 43
YOU DON’T BELONG HERE (NU E LOCUL TAU AICI)
Florin Serban | Romania | 2026 | 145 mins | Subtitled | Fiction See p. 29
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FESTIVAL MAP 1.
The Arc Cinema (Principal Venue Partner)
7.
The Metropole Hotel
14.
The Merchant
8.
The Moxy
15.
The Roundy
9.
Intermission @ The Pav
16.
Lord Mayor's Pavilion
10.
Ichigo Ichie
17.
The Reel Picture, Ballincollig
11.
L'Atitude 51
18.
Ballymaloe Grainstore
The Granary Theatre
12.
Gallagher's
19.
UCC FSM Auditorium, Kane Building
Graffiti Theatre
13.
Bakestone Cafe
20.
WILDE
2.
The Everyman Theatre
3.
Triskel Arts Centre
4.
Curtis Auditorium, MTU Cork School of Music
5. 6.
HOW TO FESTIVAL DOWNLOAD THE MYCIFF APP TO BROWSE & BOOK myCIFF
Available on iOS and Android
Share your Festival experience using #CIFF2026 corkfilmfest.org ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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CORK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS
HONORARY AWARDS
HONORARY PUTTNAM AWARD
HONORARY DISRUPTOR AWARD
Named in honour of our patron, the Oscar®winning producer and film education luminary, David Puttnam.
Our 2026 Honorary Disruptor Award will be presented to filmmaker Lizzie Borden, director of cult film Born in Flames (see p. 42), by Irish filmmaker Pat Murphy. Lizzie is a director and writer, known for Working Girls (1986), Born in Flames (1983) and To Die Quietly (1997). See p. 14 for details about an ‘In Conversation’ with Lizzie and Pat.
For his contribution to Irish cinema, this award will be presented to actor and filmmaker Éanna Hardwicke at the Irish Premiere of Ancestors (Friday 20 November, see p. 22). A son of Cork and star on screen and stage, Éanna’s recent work includes the features Saipan (which opened the 70th CIFF in 2025) and No Ordinary Heist; The Sixth Commandment and Normal People on television; and The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre in London. See p. 17 for details about an ‘In Conversation’ with Éanna.
FEATURES AWARDS
Features award winners to be announced at the Awards Gala, Saturday 21 November (see p. 13).
SPIORAD NA FÉILE: BEST FILM & BEST SCREENPLAY
BEST NEW IRISH FEATURE
The films in this category are on p. 20-21.
Proudly supported by the Irish Examiner. The films in this category are on p. 22-23.
Jurors:
Jurors:
(SPIRIT OF THE FESTIVAL)
Antonio Miguel Arenas Programmer, Punto de Vista International Documentary Film Festival and Codirector, Granada Film Festival
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Aoife Barry Freelance Arts/ Culture Writer, Broadcaster & Live Events Moderator
Eve Gabereau Director of Distribution, Vue Lumiere
Wendy Mitchell Karel Och Podcaster, Artistic Director, Programmer and Karlovy Vary Film Contributing Editor at Festival Screen International
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Olivier Père Managing Director, ARTE France Cinéma
GRADAM NA FÉILE DO SCANNÁIN FAISNÉISE (AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY) Jurors:
SHORTS AWARDS Presented on Thursday, 19 November. All short film awards will be decided by the Short Film Jury:
Pat Collins Filmmaker
Monika Lostakova Executive Director, International Film Festival Febiofest Bratislava
Thom Lunshof Filmmaker
LOOKOUT AWARD Proudly supported by The Arc Cinema
Sam Ahern Festival Director, GAZE Film Festival
Brian Deane Filmmaker and Producer
Chosen by our youth jury comprising students from UCC, MTU and St. John’s Central College.
AUDIENCE AWARD: FEATURE FILM Chosen by you, the audience, by voting online. All Festival features that have their Irish premiere in cinema are eligible for the award. Winner to be announced on Monday 23 November.
Rui Mendes, Programmer Head of International Shorts, Indie Lisboa
GRAND PRIX IRISH SHORT* Academy Award®-Qualifying Category GRAND PRIX INTERNATIONAL SHORT* Academy Award®-Qualifying Category GRAND PRIX DOCUMENTARY SHORT Academy Award®-Qualifying Category REDBREAST UNHIDDEN SHORT AWARD Championing emerging Irish and international filmmaking talent, in partnership with our Whiskey Partner, Redbreast Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey
ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY Amazomania (see p. 32) The Beauty of Errors (see p. 32, 60)
BEST DIRECTOR: IRISH SHORT
The History of Concrete (see p. 33, 60) If Pigeons Turned to Gold (see p. 16, 36, 60) Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World (see p. 34, 60) The Pervert's Guide to Utopias (see p. 22) Rehearsals for a Revolution (see . 35)
BEST CORK SHORT AWARD Winner will receive IFCO certification Cork International Film Festival is the official Irish representative for nominations for:
Tin Castle (see p. 23)
SHORT FILM CANDIDATE FOR THE EUROPEAN FILM AWARDS 2027
ELIGIBLE FOR THE LOOKOUT AWARD
AUDIENCE AWARD: SHORT FILM
Amazomania (see p. 32)
Chosen by you, the audience. Vote online for your favourite short. Winner to be announced on Monday 23 November.
Ben'Imana (see p. 33) A Day in the Life of Jo: Chapter Phaedra (see p. 20) Elephants in the Fog (see p. 33) Everytime (see p. 34) Flesh & Fuel (see p. 21) The History of Concrete (see p. 33, 60) La Gradiva (see p. 21)
[GP] Eligible for Grand Prix Irish Short Award [D] Eligible for Documentary Short Award [C] Eligible for Best Cork Short Award [RU] Eligible for Redbreast UNHIDDEN Short Award
ALL INFO | BOOK NOW | corkfilmfest.org
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INDEX 2001: A Space Odyssey
40
Accompanist, The
26
aemi Experimental Shorts
52
Aeráid Youth Film & Climate Action Programme Amazomania Amma, Do Giraffes Cry? Anaglyph
47 32, 50 45
Ancestors
22
Another Earth
50
Another League Arrested Memory Atonement Beauty of Errors, The Bedcrumbs
46 26 36 32, 60 48
Ben'Imana
33
Berlin Hero
46
Bid 16
51
Bit of Light, A
26
Body is Water, The
24
Born in Flames
19, 42
Bowling Roads
49
Camouflage
20
Cantona: Flower of Evil Cat in the Hat, The
64
27 44
Chili Finger
38
Family-Friendly Shorts
45
Chris Kent Goes Offline
24
Feast or Famine
38
Christine / Claire
52
Fire in My Pocket
45
Cinema of Foresight: A Talk
40
First Take
56
Cinema Rialto
45
First Zone
20, 60
CineSpark: Film & Education Day
47
Fleá Ceoil
53
Circusboy
46
Flesh & Fuel
21
City in the Fox
45
Flim Flam
52
Clarissa
32
Flotilla
24
Closing Doors
52
Forest High
39
Club Kid
27
Fox, The
42
Colonist, The
49
Free Eliza (Notes On an
Common Story, A
20
Anatomical Imperfection)
Congo Boy
18
Fried
49
Conversations on a Boat
50
Full Pitch
48
Cork Film Trail
55
Funk
28, 60
Daria’s Night Flowers
52
Future of Yesterday
51
Datna Éclat
52
Ghost in the Shell
41
Day in the Life of Jo:
51
Go Ye Afar
48
Chapter Phaedra, A
20
God That Destroys, The
51
Dead House, The
48
Grá Mo Bhrionglóidí
Debut, The
15
(Love of my Dreams)
51
Derek Vs Derek
16, 37
Here & There
49
Different from the Others
40
Here We Remain
13
Dinner, The
46
History of Concrete, The
33, 60
Doc Day Live
56
Homeward Bound: The Incredible
Doc Day Online
57
Journey
14, 44
Dónal Gallagher Reads From ‘Edged
Hostile Architecture
49
In Blue: A Rock ‘N’ Roll Odyssey With
Hush-a-Bye Baby
41
Rory Gallagher’
Hyperstition
51
DORD A Film About Peadar Ó Riada –
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning
28
Scannán faoi Pheadar Ó Riada
I Used To Call That Man Home
50
19
25
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to
If Pigeons Turned to Gold
Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb 40
IFI Cork on Camera
53
Dream is a Snail, The
IGNITE-Docs
57
51
16, 36, 60
Éanna Hardwicke (In Conversation) 18
Intinn Youth Film & Mental
Education of Jane Cumming, The
28
Health Programme
46
Elephants in the Fog
33
Innocent, The
41
Embroidering the Earth's Mantle
49
It's Great that You're Out,
Europe on Screen, Europe
Well Done!
54
in Collaboration
57
Jim Queen
42
Everyone Should Have a Home
49
Jimmy
25
Everytime
34
Joe Bonamassa: The Spirit of Rory 25
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Julián
Pepitas
51
Synctium
49
Junior Filmmaking Workshop
14, 22, 44, 46 46
Persepolis
19
Talent for Murder, A
31
Just An Illusion
46
Person of the Forest, A
50
Tender Loving Care
31
Knitted Knockers
49
Pervert's Guide to Utopias, The
22
Tenderness, A
51
La Gradiva
21
Piccadilly Permeation
52
Terminal
50
Lacey Way, The
49
Piccolo Piccolo
45
They Live
43
Lasair
57
Plan C for Civilization
17, 37
This Happened
48
Lentejas
51
Pobal
53
This Suffocating Now
51
Life/Time
49
Pool in Which I Play, A
48
This Will Not Be A Festival Film
51
Little Closer, A
47
Prayer For the Dying, A
35
Tin Castle
23
Linear Endjoy
52
Psychopomp
51
Trading Cards
50
Rat Story
49
Tutti Frutti
35 50
Look@Me Outreach Filmmaking Project
46
Rediscover the Light
52
Two Pids
Look Back
29
Refractive Hymn
48
UCC Puttnam Scholars 2026:
Lost Children of Tuam, The
46
Rehearsals for a Revolution
35
A Little Closer
Lucy Lost
12
Revolution Against Death, The
51
Verdigris
49
Macek Med Vrati/Catlands
51
Rith Maith
48
Vertiginous
43, 60
Man of His Time, A
29
Rhapsody of a River
53
Weaver, The
51
Man's Skin, A
29
Robin in the Hood
49
What Does Art Have to Do With it? 16
Rose
30
What We Said to Brussels Airlines 51
58
When Images No Longer Carry Time
Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty
47
of the World
34, 60
RTÉ Industry Sessions @ CIFF
Meadow Magic
45
RTÉ Lyric FM - Movies & Musicals
Naturally
49
Mí-Ádh (Bad Luck)
49
with Aedín Gormley
19
Walk into the Afterlife, A
51
Minotaur
30
Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom
41
When Sally Met Harry Live:
Mirror Martyr Mirror Moon
48
Santiago: The Camino Therapy
46
A Theatre Experiment
18
Mouse
45
Screen Cork: Filmmaking Beyond
Whiddy
17, 23
Muscle Bound
48
the Pale
58
Window Shot
50
Mysterious Skin
42
Screen Cork: Rebel Cinema
58
Witch Piss
52
Mystery Package, The
45
Sebastian
49
You and I
51
Nowhere to Lay my Eyes
34
Self-Preserving Nudity
48
You Don't Belong Here
29, 60
O
50
Senior Filmmaking Workshop
46
Objet A
43, 60
Short Film Awards
63
Oh Be a Fine Girl Kiss Me
50
Showpony
49
On the Mat Outside My Door
45
Sick
21
Operation Recomply
17, 43
Sip of Irish, A
39
Skintown
23
Ouf of Frame: Round 38 (Cork Shorts)
58
Spirit of the Rain
45
Paint-Off
45
Stand Up
21
Páistí ag Obair
53
Starlets
49
Paper Plane
48
Stars Watch From Long Ago, The
52
Paper Tiger
13
Swap, The
51
Parallax Emerging Film Artist Award Exhibition
Symposium: The Future 53
of Heritage
54
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We are committed to making Ireland’s largest film festival welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. ACCESSIBLE COMMUNICATION
• • • •
Our website has accessibility features that help improve the visual experience for those who need it. The Access page on our website (corkfilmfest.org/access) outlines accessibility information for venues and events. Our Social Media content includes alttext for images for screen-readers. Our on-site Access Volunteers are trained to help audiences and attendees improve upon their CIFF experience.
SENSORY PACKS
SCAN HERE
FIND US
ACCESSIBILITY AT CORK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
If you are planning to visit Cork to attend the 71st Cork International Film Festival, scan the QR code to access our map and helpful travel and accommodation tips. Please check with your travel operator regarding the latest travel information and timetables.
RELAXED SCREENINGS Relaxed screenings create a more informal environment for neurodivergent audiences, families, or anyone who may benefit from a less restrictive cinema experience.
A limited number of sensory packs are available for screenings. It is recommended that you book them by emailing us at access@corkfilmfest.org
Adjustments include softer sound, partially raised house lights, and a relaxed approach to movement and noise in the auditorium. See pg. 44-45 for our Relaxed Screenings as part of our Family & Young People strand.
ACCESSIBLE VENUES
ACCESSIBLE TICKETING
With the exception of The Pav and The Roundy which unfortunately do not have a lift to access upstairs, all CIFF venues in Cork city and county are wheelchair accessible, with step-free or ramped entry, adapted toilets, and priority seating areas. Our team and venue staff are available to provide assistance, and we encourage you to contact us in advance with any specific requirements.
• • • •
Concession rates are available for students and under 25s, senior citizens, jobseekers, and those with disabilities. Personal Assistants/Carers attend free of charge. Tickets can be booked online, via the myCIFF app, by phone, or in person. Our box office team will be happy to advise on seating and accessibility options.
If you have any access needs, questions, or suggestions, please contact us in advance so we can support your visit.
HIDDEN DISABILITIES SUNFLOWER CIFF is affiliated with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower which supports people with non-visible disabilities, conditions, or chronic illnesses. The sunflower lanyard, bracelet, or badge signals that the wearer may need extra help, time, or understanding. Our trained volunteers, identifiable by their sunflower lanyards, are always happy to assist.
📧access@corkfilmfest.org 📞+353 (0) 21 427 1711
CAPTIONING & SUBTITLING
CIFF is committed to becoming a greener organisation that can lead the way for a more sustainable cultural landscape in Ireland. We aim to continuously improve our sustainability performance by focussing on four key pillars that reflect CIFF’s overarching purpose - these are: Community; Climate; Education & Influence; and Fairness.
We are committed to making more events accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. Selected screenings feature: Subtitles for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences. The following events will have Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpretation: First Take (see p.56) and Doc Day (see p.56) Subtitled Films: All non-English films are presented with English subtitles. Look for the symbols above in the programme and online listings.
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SUSTAINABILITY Our Access webpage (corkfilmfest.org/access) includes details on public transport options for each of the Festival’s main venues. We encourage our audiences to support us on our sustainability journey, and we welcome any feedback that can help us improve: sustainability@corkfilmfest.org
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