This is a Prison
The New Women’s Prison in Limerick is regarded as the most state-of-the-art prison in Europe. With an innovative ‘trauma-informed’ design this is a brave new touchstone for the Irish Prison Services; one that indicates a tide change in how prisons operate in Ireland.
But what does success look like in a facility like this and how does it reflect upon a modern Ireland? What is rehabilitation? Next to what social norms? What does this all say about a society where some may feel safer incarcerated, indeed, where some not yet born are destined to end up ‘inside’?
A fascinating, intelligent - and beautifully shot! - documentary on very important issues, which everyone should care about.
The screening will be followed by a Panel Discussion hosted by Fiona Donson, Senior lecturer at University College Cork, Ireland (UCC) and Co-Director, Traveller Equality and Justice Project.
The panelists will be Andrew Keogh, Director of 'This is a Prison' and 'Mismantler', Sheila Connolly, Chief Executive Officer at Cork Alliance Centre, and Gillian Butler.
This film is eligible for the Best Documentary Award/Gradam na Féile do Scannáin Faisnéise.
Watch our Senior Programmer, Don O’Mahony talk about why he picked this film as one of his must-see movies of CIFF 2025, here.
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.
