Celebrate Ireland’s broad creative diversity. From local voices to global collaborations, Irish film continues to grow and surprise. Check them out as part of our Irish Voices programme as well as the Irish Shorts Programmes.
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.
Irish Voices
THEOCRACY – THE EMIGRANT’S ARTIST
Sé Merry Doyle | Ireland | 2025 | 97 mins | Documentary
MON 10 | TRISKEL | 17:00 | With Q&A
An exploration of London-based artist Bernard Canavan, who was given up by his unmarried parents to an orphanage in Dublin, Theocracy – The Emigrants Artist charts Bernard’s extraordinary journey in trying to find out who he really is.
Preceded by A PLACE AWAY (Ellie O’Sullivan | United Kingdom | 1989 | 10 mins), introduced by Best New Irish Feature Award juror Charlotte O’Sullivan, daughter of the filmmaker.
THIS IS A PRISON
Andrew Keogh | Ireland | 2025 | 90 mins | Documentary
THU 13 | ARC CINEMA | 20:15
The New Women’s Prison in Limerick is regarded, with an innovative ‘trauma-informed’ design, as the most state-of-the-art prison in Europe. 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?
Followed by a panel discussion. More information coming soon here.
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF CAPTAIN NAIRAC
Alison Millar | Ireland, United Kingdom | 2025 | 90 mins | Documentary
SUN 9 | TRISKEL | 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
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. All films are from 2025, except where indicated.
FÍS ÉIREANN/SCREEN IRELAND SHORTS
82 mins
SAT 8 | EVERYMAN | 14:00
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is proud to present Irish short films funded under the Focus film schemes, along with Cork picks of recent Screen Ireland short films. (WP) indicates World Premiere status.
PUNT – Nicky Larkin
LIKE ME – Aisling Brady (WP)
A SONG – Ellius Grace
MAGIC MARKERS – Jason Branagan (WP)
THE AFTERS – Jamie O’Rourke (WP)
IRISH SHORTS 2
In Competition | 95 mins
SUN 9 | ARC CINEMA | 12:00
Extraordinary new voices and an accomplished practitioner presenting playful, poetic and idiosyncratic portraits, and haunting and sublime drama.
ONGOING – Jack Hogan
BODYVERSES – FRANCES MEZZETTI: 2ND LOCK – Juan Robles
SCOITHEADH – Aoise Tutty Jackson [D]
SWIMMER – Helen Warner
I THOUGHT I HATED U, MOON SNAIL – Jack Hogan [RU] [D]
IRISH SHORTS 3: PURE CORK
In Competition | 86 mins
SUN 9 | EVERYMAN | 14:30
A selection of Cork, Cork-based, and Cork-visiting talent, viewing Cork and the world through their eyes with compassion and humour. All shorts in this programme are eligible for Best Cork Short Award.
HEAD FIRST – Sean Breathnach, Matt Sullivan
ARE YOU THERE? – James O’Callaghan
MOAN – Neil O’Driscoll, Róisín O’Donovan
CHATTER – Stephen Canty
CULCHIE – Richard Lennon [RU]
FÁINLEÓGA – Luke O’Donoghue [D]
GLEN FOLK – Annie Mar Forrester, Aaron Ross [D] [2024]
THROUGH YOUR EYES – Yelyzaveta Zvarych [RU]
