From the world’s first prison-based restaurant in Italy to the fearless climate activism of one woman in Germany, our Culinary and Green Screen strands offer absorbing films and unique experiences. Our Director of Programming, Aurélie Godet, also has a special film recommendation from our Momentum strand where you can discover films that will stay with you long after the lights have come up.
All Festival tickets and passes are on sale now at corkfilmfest.org and the myCIFF app.
CULINARY CINEMA: WELCOME TO JAIL (BENVENUTI IN GALERA) + PANEL DISCUSSION
Welcome to Jail (Benvenuti In Galera) by Michele Rho:
Filmed over three years, Welcome to Jail (Benvenuti In Galera) tells the story of the world’s first restaurant opened inside a penal institution. Located at the Milan Bollate Prison, In Galera is a concrete example of social reintegration for inmates. What makes it unique is not only the high-quality dining experience it offers, but above all the stories and perspectives that intersect here. (7.45pm, Mon 11th Nov, Triskel)
Event: Join food writer and journalist Joe McNamee along with the people behind Cork’s own prison restaurant project: The Open Door, for a fascinating discussion on rehabilitation through upskilling in the culinary arts.
The panel will include: Liam Spacey, Governor Cork Prison; Karen C. Whelan, Chief Officer Work Training, Cork Prison; JJ Healy, Culinary Lecturer MTU & The Open Door Project Coordinator; and William O’Brien, Chef de Partie, Rose Hotel, Tralee
Explore our full Culinary Strand and special event packages here.
GREEN SCREEN: PETRA KELLY – ACT NOW! + Q&A
Petra Kelly – Act Now! by Doris Metz:
Petra Kelly was one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century. In 1980, she co-founded the German Green Party, the world’s first green party to rise to prominence. She fought relentlessly for radical social change, disarmament and a society at one with nature. She campaigned to protect the environment and ban uranium mining, demonstrating solidarity with the peace movements in both the East and West. Today, her spiritual legacy is continued by many young climate activists. With previously unseen international film footage, the film paints a picture of a sensitive, unwavering woman who let no one stand in her way. (2pm, Sun 10th Nov, Triskel)
Event: Filmmaker Doris Metz will discuss Petra’s legacy and her close relationship with Ireland with Gisela Holfter, Director of the Centre for Irish-German Studies at University of Limerick in a Q&A hosted by Ingrid de Doncker, Co-founder & Head of Research and Innovation at Future Planet.
Explore our full Green Screen and special event packages here.
Green Screen is sponsored by our Sustainability Partner, Future Planet. Together, we were awarded Best Small Sponsorship by the Business to Arts Awards 2023 for our partnership to improve climate literacy and promote activism.
PROGRAMMER’S PICK: WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS (LJÓSBROT)
Today’s pick is from our Director of Programming, Aurélie Godet:
When The Light Breaks (Ljósbrot) by Rúnar Rúnarsson (8pm, Fri 15th Nov, Arc Cinema)
“The emotional truth reached by these young actors is stupefying. They’re very intense emotions, some of which having to be hidden from other people. It reminds me of Heath Ledger’s Brokeback Mountain performance – which should have won him an Oscar… I look forward to hearing from the producer Heather Millard, who will be with us, about how such a miracle was made possible.”
The film will be introduced by its producer, Heather Millard and will be preceded by the new short film by Rúnar Rúnarsson, entitled O.
This film has been selected by our Young Programmers for the Lookout Award. 
