Get involved, be inspired, and celebrate cinema with us. This month, CIFF is spotlighting French film and youth creativity and storytelling. Join us for a weekend of free French features to celebrate Bastille Day. We also launch an exciting new collaboration with Cork Migrant Centre, supporting Cork’s young migrants to create and share their stories on screen. There is still time to submit your film – late submissions for CIFF2025 are open until 30th July – and registration is open for volunteers to be part of our milestone 70th edition this November. For more information and other opportunities, read below.
French Film Weekend – Bastille Day 2025
From Friday 11th to Sunday 13th of July CIFF is celebrating Bastille Day with five in-person screenings at UCC Library and an hour-long online dialogue-free shorts programme for young people aged 6+ which will be available to watch nationwide. All screenings are FREE, but ticketed.
From a 1923 silent film that sees a mad scientist immobilise Paris with a mysterious ray to a fake romantic cruise in a cinematic adventure that’s both hilarious and touching, you will have a unique chance to immerse yourself in a weekend of free French cinema.
CIFF is delighted to participate in this initiative by the French Embassy, celebrating French culture and marking the close friendship between Ireland and France. Discover the full programme of Bastille Day Ireland here.
Presented in association with the French Embassy in Ireland and Institut français. Bastille Day Ireland Film programme is an initiative of the French Embassy in Ireland, presented in association with Alliance Française Irish network, Institut français, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin City Libraries, Fingal County Council’s Arts Office, Galway City Museum, and Cork International Film Festival.
Look@Me with Cork Migrant Centre
With the vital funding support from Rethink Ireland, Cork International Film Festival has been enabled to host Look@Me, a six-week summer filmmaking programme for young people aged 13–21 and their mentors, in partnership with Cork Migrant Centre. The programme will be led by professional filmmakers and educators and offers a unique opportunity for young people from diverse backgrounds in Cork to share their stories, build skills, and connect with their peers through film.
The finished short films will be celebrated at a premiere showcase for all involved during the 70th Cork International Film Festival in November, with an additional community screening at Cork Migrant Centre.
Late Submissions Deadline
With a rich history of championing emerging and established voices, CIFF offers filmmakers valuable industry exposure, networking opportunities, and the chance to be part of a vibrant celebration of cinema at the heart of Cork’s cultural calendar. CIFF is now accepting late submissions for its milestone 70th edition, taking place from Thursday 6th to Sunday 16th November.
👉 Late Submission Deadline: Wednesday, 30th July
👉 Irish Shorts Late Submission Deadline: Friday, 1st August
Don’t miss this chance to bring your film to a global audience at Ireland’s longest-running and largest film festival.
Volunteer at CIFF
As Cork International Film Festival marks its 70th anniversary from this November, we are on the lookout for enthusiastic and committed volunteers to help make this special edition truly memorable. This year, we are also introducing exciting new roles for Sustainability and Accessibility – perfect for those passionate about making a positive impact across diverse communities.
Volunteer registration is now open, and we would love to hear from you.
To get involved, simply send your full name and contact details to volunteer@corkfilmfest.org, or visit our website for more information.
Culinary Cinema at The Montenotte
We were delighted to host an exclusive CIFF Culinary Cinema event, the Irish premiere of The Golden Spurtle with a specially themed meal in collaboration with The Montenotte last week, to thank our partners and introduce new guests to the Festival.
Sampling our signature blend of film, hospitality, and memorable experiences, guests enjoyed bespoke cocktails courtesy of Redbreast before settling into the hotel’s luxe Cameo Cinema for the screening. This was followed by a three-course film-inspired Scottish supper, expertly crafted by Executive Chef Martin Lovell.
Our sincere thanks to the outstanding team at The Montenotte for their warm hospitality and to Redbreast for the perfect pour to set the tone. This is just a taste of what’s to come for our 70th anniversary Festival in November.
BIFAs
BIFA 2025 entries are now open. CIFF International Shorts are invited to submit their films for consideration. For full BIFA entry/eligibility conditions and to submit your film visit the BIFA website. Read More
EURODOC
EURODOC is accepting applications for their new intensive workshop for the development of documentary film projects for producers based in Ireland. The programme runs in Cork this October. Read More
FILM JOURNALISM PROGRAMME
Film Ireland has launched the second Journalism Mentorship Programme to train and mentor diverse aspiring film writers – applications now open. Read More
SUMMER FILMMAKING WORKSHOPS
Cork Young Filmmakers are running five-day summer workshops for 14-18 year olds in locations across County Cork this month. A fun, creative and affordable way for young people to learn about filmmaking. Read More
IRISH MYTHS AND LEGENDS
Applications for this scheme are now open. From Tír na n-Óg to Cú Chulainn – and beyond – Screen Ireland is looking for original, inventive story ideas based on myths and legends from Irish culture. Read More
