Catch these exceptional films first in Cork this Sunday 9 November, and meet the Irish and international filmmakers behind them.
We also have a special offer to hear from one of Ireland’s most influential TV and film producers, Ed Guiney (Element Pictures), followed by one of his latest features, My Father’s Shadow, which he will also introduce. A Sunday afternoon treat for audiences, fellow filmmakers and students of film.
Ready to dive into the 70th Cork International Film Festival?
- All Festival tickets are on sale now.
- Grab a Festival Pass, including our new ‘7 for €70’ film pass and a 15-Film CineSaver Student/U25 for just €70, and unlock more films for less.
SPECIAL TICKET OFFER
Join us Sunday 9 November for a special combined ticket celebrating storytelling, creativity, and cinema at its finest:
ED GUINEY IN CONVERSATION
SUN 9 | TRISKEL | 11.45
Hear from Ed Guiney, co-CEO of Element Pictures (makers of Room, The Favourite, Poor Things), as he discusses the art of storytelling, producing internationally acclaimed films, and championing Irish talent on the global stage. Hosted by Tara Brady (The Irish Times).
MY FATHER’S SHADOW
SUN 9 | ARC CINEMA | 14.30
A powerful, visually stunning debut from Akinola Davies Junior, co-written with his brother Wale. Set during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, it follows two young brothers navigating Lagos – and their father’s struggles – in a moving exploration of family, resilience, and memory.
Special combined ticket price: €15
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF CAPTAIN NAIRAC + Q&A
Alison Millar | Ireland, United Kingdom | 2025 | 90 mins | Documentary
SUN 9 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00 | WITH Q&A
On the evening of 14 May 1977, in a crowded bar near the Irish border, undercover British soldier Captain Robert Nairac sang a rebel song. He was soon to become known as one of the Disappeared.. The Disappearance of Captain Nairac follows the search for his remains by an ex-republican prisoner.
Followed by a Q&A with director Alison Millar.
THE MOELLN LETTERS + Q&A
Martina Priessner | Germany | 2025 | 96mins | Subtitled | Documentary
SUN 9 | ARC CINEMA | 14:15 | WITH Q&A
WED 12 | ARC CINEMA | 17:30
In November 1992, a racist arson attack in Mölln shattered the lives of İbrahim Arslan and his family. At just seven years old, İbrahim survived, but he lost his sister, his cousin and his grandmother. In the aftermath of the attacks, the city received hundreds of letters of solidarity which were ignored for nearly three decades.
Why did public service clerks store the letters into storage rather than making sure the Arslan family would see them when they needed them most?
Screening on Sunday 9 November will be followed by a Q&A with one of the film’s protagonists, Namik Arslan.
In association with Amnesty International. Complete the viewing of The Moelln Letters with our interview of director Martina Priessner as part of DOC DAY Online.
This film is eligible for the Best Documentary Award/Gradam na Féile do Scannáin Faisnéise.
This screening is supported by German-Films and the Goethe-Institut Irland.
PEAK EVERYTHING (AMOUR APOCALYPSE) + Q&A
Anne Émond | Canada | 2025 | 65 mins | Fiction
SUN 9 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00 | WITH Q&A
THU 13 | ARC CINEMA | 15:15
An unusual romantic comedy sneaked into our Screen Green strand. A delightful, surprising love story, set in the backdrop of the approaching climate apocalypse. Adam is a kind-hearted, hypersensitive kennel-owner. To help combat his climate anxiety, Adam orders a therapeutic solar lamp. Through the lamp’s supplier’s technical support line, he meets Tina, a radiant woman with a voice that soothes all of his worries.
Screening on Sunday 9 November will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker Anne Émond.
“Overall, I found the film to be the perfect 2025 rom com. Although it addresses complex and serious issues in today’s world, including climate change, anxiety and depression, the movie was extremely light-hearted.” Beatriz Ferreira, Now Toronto.
“All at once a romantic comedy, disaster movie, family drama and eco-horror” Nikki Baughan, Screen Daily.
This film is eligible for the Audentia Award.
This screening is supported by the Embassy of Canada in Ireland.
SIX WEEKS ON (SECHSWOCHENAMT) + Q&A
Jacqueline Jansen | Germany | 2025 | 99 mins | Subtitled | Fiction
SUN 9 | ARC CINEMA | 14:30 | WITH Q&A
TUE 11 | ARC CINEMA | 20:45 | CC
ALSO ONLINE
After the death of her mother, Lore must deal with the COVID 19 pandemic in her small former home town in Western Germany, whilst navigating bureaucracy, red tape and traditional family beliefs, all the while finding a path to her own grief and paying her final respects.
The first fiction feature from director Jacqueline Jansen, Six Weeks On is drawn from personal experience of losing a relative during the pandemic, and it is precisely because of this that the film feels so truthful, with honesty and tenderness prevailing whilst exposing the varying uncertainties Lore is faced with.
Followed by a Q&A with director Jacqueline Jansen.
This film is eligible for the Spirit of the Festival Award for Best Film award and Best Screenplay, and for the Audentia Award.
This screening is supported by German-Films and the Goethe-Institut Irland
THE MEMORY BLOCKS + Q&A
Andrew Kotting | United Kingdom | 2025 | 77 mins | Subtitled | WITH Q&A
SUN 9 | ARC CINEMA | 20:00 | WITH Q&A
Beautiful and profound, The Memory Blocks feels like the apotheosis of Andrew Kotting’s collaborations with his daughter Eden.
Set in some almost forgotten factory, a plucky band of neurodivergent workers help Eden navigate the murky waters of memory, while a motley bunch of fantastical figures accompany her somewhere over the rainbow.
Followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Andrew Kotting
