Play a leading role in enabling film to push boundaries and change mindsets.
THE POWER OF FILM
“At its best, cinema retains a remarkable ability to speak to people of every age, from every background, and in ways that almost any other art form in popular culture struggles to compete with. Film can be a great force for good, and film festivals create a unique space for shared experience, to entertain and provoke, to inspire and delight, and to promote thought and action. Cork International Film Festival plays a vital role in the cultural life of Cork, maximising participation for audiences and artists in a shared creative experience.” Oscar®-winning producer and CIFF Patron, Lord David Puttnam
THE DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
As a charity, we rely on the support of our donors and partners to deliver our programmes and positively impact communities.
The Director’s Circle brings together a passionate group of social investors committed to our mission. As well as opportunities to attend events throughout the year, Director’s Circle members will convene annually to help the Festival unlock the potential of film storytelling.
Through the Director’s Circle you will gain a closer relationship with us while providing vital philanthropic support that will shape the future of our Festival, film, Cork and society.
CIFF Intinn Youth Film & Mental Health Programme – Still from ‘I Used to Live Here’; Look@Me filmmaking workshops with primary school pupils
JOIN THE DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
By joining the Director’s Circle, you will provide vital philanthropic support as well as creative insights that will impact the Festival’s work and our communities. Members of the Director’s Circle will receive unique benefits that bring you closer to the Festival.
There are four levels to choose from:
Individual/Dual Patron*: €3,000 per annum
You will receive:
- Invitations to special events, including Festival Opening Gala, exclusive receptions and screenings
- Invitation to an annual exclusive Director’s Circle gathering with fellow philanthropists, CEOs and creative leaders
- Personal and focused involvement with the Director & CEO and the Development team
*Dual membership available
Tax benefit: At €3K, the Festival can avail of a tax benefit of 31%, making your support worth €3,930
Corporate Patron**: €5,000 per annum
All the benefits of the individual level, designed for founders and entrepreneurs who would like to get closer to the Festival while strengthening your company’s commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) priorities.
**Tax benefit: At €5K, your company can avail of corporation tax relief of 12.5%
Project Patron: €15,000 per annum
All the benefits of the individual level.
Align with a cause you are passionate about by supporting one of our key strategic projects in education, sustainability, EDI, mental health or heritage.
For example:
- Aeráid – a youth climate action and film project
- Intinn – our acclaimed youth film and mental health programme
- Look@Me – a film and primary school education outreach project
- CIFF Digital Archive – a unique treasure trove of precious materials tracking the history of modern film and Cork
Bespoke Visionary: €50,000 per annum
All the benefits of the individual level.
Align with a cause you are passionate about by enabling the Festival to develop a new landmark strategic project and deliver a positive impact in your key focus area.
Speak to our team to explore this opportunity further
Talk to us about joining The Director’s Circle at any of these levels. We invite you to gain a closer relationship with Cork International Film Festival whilst providing vital philanthropic support.
Contact Michelle Reid, Head of Development
Email: michelle@corkfilmfest.org / Tel: +353 (0)21 427 1711
Cork International Film Festival Director’s Circle 2025
Cork International Film Festival is deeply grateful for the generous support of our major donors, whose commitment helps us bring exceptional cinema to audiences and nurture Cork and Ireland’s vibrant film culture.
We are proud to acknowledge and thank the following supporters:
Abigail E. Disney & Pierre Hauser
Donal & Cecilia Gallagher
Ger McNaughton
Jackie & Eoin O’Callaghan
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