There is plenty to look forward to as we step into a new year of Festival activity. Our 2026 film submissions will open on Wednesday, 14 January, inviting filmmakers to submit their features and shorts to our 71st edition next November. We will also welcome back our free European Cinema Weekend in early February offering Cork audiences the chance to enjoy films shortlisted for the LUX Audience Award, presented in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland. Further announcements will be made in January.
Thank you once again for your continued support, especially during this milestone 70th year. We wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and restorative break over the festive season.
GIVE THE GIFT OF FILM: CIFF GIFT CARDS
Give the gift of film and the shared Festival experience this year with our CIFF Gift Cards, which can be redeemed against films and events in our 2026 year-round programme and during our 71st Festival next November. The perfect Christmas stocking filler or present for the film fan in your life.
CHRISTMAS AT THE ARC CINEMAS: CORK, MIDLETON & MALLOW
Festive film favourites, including Elf, Die Hard, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life and The Polar Express are screening at The Arc Cinemas in Cork City, Midleton and Mallow between now and Christmas Eve. Don’t miss out – all Christmas classic tickets are just €6.50.
If you missed the spectacular Opening Gala and Irish Premiere at our 70th Festival, the Arc Cinemas in Cork City, Midleton and Mallow will reopen on Friday, 26th December with the brilliant, electrifying SAIPAN. Starring Steve Coogan as Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and Cork’s own Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane, this gripping drama will be a perfect post-Christmas cinematic treat during those ‘Twixmas’ days until New Year.
“Steve Coogan and Éanna Hardwicke are a dream team in real-life Irish football drama.” Screen Daily
“Key to its much broader appeal is relative newcomer Hardwicke, who is simply incredible and more than holds his own against Coogan.” Deadline
2026 FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARTS COUNCIL 2026 FUNDING DEADLINES
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The Arts Council is the national government agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland, and has shared a schedule of funding opportunities for 2026.
Funding distributed through its schemes will enable artists to create, make and present their work, and ensure that people can access excellent arts experience across the country.
Pictured above: False Memories, Dance Limerick, What Next Dance Festival 2025.
SCREEN IRELAND 2026 FUNDING DEADLINES
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Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland supports writers, directors and production companies by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television, animation and shorts.
The 2026 application deadlines for the agency’s Development, Production and Distribution funding strands are now available to view.
Pictured above: A Quiet Love (Irish Premiere at 70th Cork International Film Festival)
IRISH SHORTS & EU VALUES: A SHORT FILM SCREENIING
As a major driver of European cultural engagement in Ireland, Cork International Film Festival was delighted to collaborate with the European Movement in Ireland and Goethe Institut on a cultural event – ‘Irish Shorts & EU Values: A Short Film Screening’ – on Monday 8th December last. (Watch the video above right, courtesy of European Movement in Ireland.)
Together we presented a showcase of remarkable short films that illuminate and celebrate the core values we share across the EU: equality, dignity, and freedom. Each film – Tin City (Feargal Ward), Mary is Missing (Aisling Byrne), Through Your Eyes (Yelyzaveta Zvarych) and Breakfast Roll (Remi Alfalah, Shannon Haly) – offered a powerful reminder of how storytelling can spark dialogue, deepen understanding, and connect us across borders. Following the screening, filmmakers Aisling Byrne and Caitríona Daly (writer, Mary is Missing), and Yelyzaveta Zvarych joined Don O’Mahoney (CIFF Senior Programmer) for a conversation about the art of film storytelling and cultural exchange.
