Cork International Film Festival’s Schools Programme returns this November, featuring curriculum-led film screenings, Cinespark’s free film and education day, and Aeráid, a free youth film and climate action event, a special screening of Julián for primary school pupils.
Cork, October 22nd: Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) is delighted to announce the return of its Schools Programme, running from Monday 16 to Friday 20 November 2026, offering students across Cork the opportunity to engage with film as a powerful tool for learning, discussion and creative expression.
A key highlight of this year’s programme is The Lost Children of Tuam, which will be presented as part of the Junior Cycle History curriculum. With the story of the Tuam Mother and Baby Institution continuing to feature prominently in national news and public discourse, the screening will offer students an opportunity to engage with this important chapter of Irish history through film. Director Frank Berry will introduce the film, giving students a unique opportunity to hear directly from the filmmaker and gain insight into the process of bringing this story to the screen.
The wider Schools Programme features Cinespark, CIFF’s dedicated film and education day, designed to inspire curiosity, encourage critical thinking and spark creativity. The event will welcome a line-up of special guests, including award-winning Cork filmmaker Brendan Canty (Christy, Gealtra) offering students the opportunity to explore filmmaking and learn from those working in the industry.
Also taking place is Aeráid, supported by ESB Energy for Generations, a youth film and climate action event exploring climate action and sustainable development through cinema, encouraging young audiences to engage with environmental issues and consider the practical role they can play in shaping a more sustainable future.
Primary school pupils will have the opportunity to experience the magic of cinema with a special preview screening of Julián on Friday 20 November at MTU Cork School of Music. From Academy Award-nominated director Louise Bagnall and the acclaimed Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, the 2025 animated feature follows a young boy on a journey of discovery, celebrating identity, heritage and imagination. Suitable for Senior Infants and First and Second Class, the screening will take place from 10.15am to 12 noon, with tickets priced at €6 per pupil and teachers attending free of charge. The screening will be presented as a relaxed screening, welcoming young audiences with sensory sensitivities.
Presented in partnership with Irish Film Institute (IFI) Education, the Festival’s Modern Foreign Language programme supports the teaching of film languages within the school curriculum. Specially selected feature films in French, Spanish and German will provide Junior and Senior Cycle students with an engaging way to develop their language skills while exploring different cultures and perspectives.
Screenings will take place in Arc Cinema Cork City, Arc Cinema Midleton, Arc Cinema Mallow, and The Reel Picture Ballincollig, making the programme accessible to schools across Cork.
Through its Schools Programme, Cork International Film Festival continues to champion film as an educational resource, connecting students with important social and historical themes, encouraging creative expression and bringing learning to life on the big screen.
For further information on the Cork International Film Festival Schools Programme, visit corkfilmfest.org.
Each student ticket to the French, German and Spanish screenings is €7.50 (€7 DEIS school discount), accompanying teachers & SNAs are free of charge.
The Cinespark & Aeráid events are FREE to all students and teachers. Booking is essential.
For enquiries and bookings, please contact schools@corkfilmfest.org or call 021 427 1711
Note: Study Guides, in association with French cultural institute and Goethe institut Ireland, are available from at ifi.ie/studyguides
