Nouvelle Vague

Paris, 1960. Jean-Luc Godard has built a reputation as a film critic and cannot resist any longer the itch to make his own film. François Truffaut, who the year before became the film world’s darling with his debut The 400 Blows, has a story for him. Godard gets on it, wants Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg in the lead roles.

This film will be called Breathless and was to become one of the most beloved and admired films in history.

Expectations were high for Richard Linklater’s self-declared love letter to the French New Wave, told in Godard’s way. His success is undeniable and his joy making it contagious. From DoP David Chambille’s superb black-and-white compositions to the wonderful performances of an ensemble cast composed of barely known actors channelling to perfection the famous figures of the New Wave, you are left wanting more. And you can! thanks to a restored print of Godard’s Breathless, screening twice at the festival.

Linklater’s first, or Godard’s first? You decide.

Introduced by Yal Sadat (Cahiers du Cinéma). This film will also screen at Cinemax Bantry on Tuesday 11 November.

COMPANION SCREENING

We are pleased to offer two screenings of Jean-Luc Godard’s 1960 seminal film and Linklater’s inspiration - Breathless (A Bout de souffle).

This screening is supported by the French Embassy in Ireland.

Cork International Film Festival is delighted to return to its Principal Venue, The Arc Cinema on North Main St, Cork, for its 70th Festival edition, Thursday 6th to Sunday 16th November 2025.

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. The GATE Screen features luxurious double sofa seats and tables, creating an intimate and sophisticated viewing experience. It is dedicated to showcasing arthouse films, including independent and local productions, foreign and Irish language titles throughout the year.