Welcome to the 55th Corona Cork Film Festival. As every year, it is a chance for everyone to celebrate the excellence and innovation that exists in film nationally, across Europe and internationally. It offers the public an ideal opportunity to meet Irish and international film makers and we believe our festival offers something for all, from big features to new movements in film. We have guests from many countries such as Iran, Bosnia and Turkey, while our commitment to the short film is consolidated this year with an excellent programme, of documentaries, gala screenings and features.

As always, we anticipate the social events organised around the festival will present our customary welcoming atmosphere for guests, cinemagoers and patrons alike. We appreciate all whose support, financial and otherwise, makes this festival what it is.

In these challenging times we are grateful for the continued support of the Arts Council.

We also acknowledge the support of the MEDIA Programme of the European Union, Cork City Council, Fáilte Ireland, Culture Ireland and FÁS Screen Training Ireland.

The continued sponsorship from Corona and Michael Barry makes for a great combination and we are most grateful for that support.

A special ‘thank you’ goes to our core staff, seasonal staff and volunteers including the Board of Directors.

I encourage all to get behind our city and festival and bring much needed late-in-the-year cheer to us all.

Michael O’Connell, Festival Chairman