A cine-concert is often a festival highlight, and this year CIFF presents the World Premiere of Stupid August, Pádraig Trehy’s silent historical fantasy brought to life with a live performance of an original score by Cork composer John O’Brien. Join us at MTU Cork School of Music on Thursday 13 November for a cinematic experience not to be missed.
Next Thursday, we will also present our renowned training and development platform, First Take, and check out our special ticket bundle offer below for tickets to the UCC Puttnam Scholars, CIFF Short Awards and an illustrated talk with Oscar®-winning film producer and CIFF Patron, David Puttnam.
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CINE CONCERT: STUPID AUGUST (WORLD PREMIERE)
Pádraig Trehy | Ireland | 2025 | 89 mins | World Premiere
THU 13 | MTU CORK SCHOOL OF MUSIC – CURTIS AUDITORIUM | 19:45
SUN 16 | ARC CINEMA | 15:00 | (FILM ONLY)
This year, we are thrilled to present the world premiere of Pádraig Trehy’s new film, Stupid August. An amnesiac clown finds himself exiled to the Ireland of the early 1960s. As the shadows of his past re-emerge, Gus must navigate the present dangers to find himself again and be finally free. Stupid August is a historical fantasy which explores the dangers of burying our collective histories and the lasting traumas of our inhumanity.
With this beautiful film that will be presented in two ways at CIFF – one with live music and one with the recorded score, both gorgeous – Pádraig Trehy looks back at silent film’s ability to express powerful, fundamental truths of human existence.
Stupid August will be brought to life with a live musical performance of an original score by Cork composer John O’Brien.
Presented in association with the Irish Film Institute, Stupid August was produced under the Arts Council’s Authored Works scheme.
TICKET BUNDLE OFFER: PUTTNAM SCHOLARS, CIFF SHORT AWARDS + DAVID PUTTNAM TALK
Join us for a very special evening at the Triskel where CIFF will present the Irish Premiere of Cardboard Ocean by the UCC Puttnam Scholars, followed by the presentation of the CIFF Short Awards and the opportunity to hear from Oscar®-winning film producer, educator and CIFF Patron, David Puttnam in a special illustrated talk: Festivals Matter.
TICKET BUNDLE OFFER: Enjoy all three events (17:00 – 19:45, Triskel) for €10. Book via Cardboard Ocean purchase window.
THU 13 | TRISKEL | 17:00
Presented by UCC’s Puttnam Scholars: a seascape painter reflects on her past lives whilst grappling with her art and activism. Followed by a Q&A with the Scholars and David Puttnam. In partnership with University College Cork.
Join us after for the CIFF Short Awards, presented by David Puttnam.
DAVID PUTTNAM TALK: FESTIVALS MATTER
THU 13 | TRISKEL | 18:30
“Festivals offer a place for us to come together – a chance to reflect upon ourselves in a truly authentic way. They are a vital launch pad for films that support them on their onward journey to reach their audiences.”
A unique opportunity to hear from Oscar®-winning film producer, educator, and CIFF Patron David Puttnam as he delivers an illustrated talk and Q&A with his characteristic mix of energy, anecdote, seriousness of purpose, and infectious humour.
The Short Awards will be presented in partnership with:
FIRST TAKE
THU 13 NOV | TRISKEL | 10:30 – 16:00 | TICKETS €20* | INCLUDES LIGHT LUNCH
First Take is a training and development platform for newly established film professionals, film and media students and the wider film industry, which comprises case studies, presentations and panel discussions.
This year’s event will include a focus on the art of editing short film, in collaboration with Irish Screen Editors, and present a case study of the new short film Mary is Missing, which features a cast and crew of adults with intellectual disabilities.
We will also delve into the initiatives and players aiding in the development of sustainable regional film production in Cork city and county, in partnership with Screen Producers Ireland, and host a conversation with leading Irish writers about carving a career in screenwriting, in collaboration with Storyhouse.
*For groups of 10 or more, tickets: €15 each. Full day package – special offer: First Take, Puttnam Scholars, CIFF Short Awards, and David Puttnam Talk: Festivals Matter (18:30, Triskel): €25 (book via First Take ticket purchasing window).
This event will be presented with Closed Captions.
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