The Young Programmers Project gives six young cinephiles aged 18–24 the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in film festival programming and discover what goes on behind the scenes at Ireland’s first and largest film festival.
Working closely with CIFF’s Programming Team, the Young Programmers explore the curatorial process from screener to screening, developing their understanding of film selection as well as marketing and promotion, licensing and distribution, event management and networking.
Throughout the programme, the group will help select films eligible for the CIFF Lookout Award, contributing their own perspectives to a programme of cinema for young audiences. They will also work with the Festival team to promote their selections before presenting the Lookout Award Programme during the 71st Cork International Film Festival, 12th–22nd November 2026.
The project offers emerging film lovers a chance to develop practical industry knowledge, exchange ideas and play an active role in shaping part of this year’s Festival programme.
We’re delighted to welcome this year’s cohort and can’t wait to see what they bring to CIFF 2026.
Meet the 2026 Young Programmers
KAIA EGRITEPE
Kaia Egritepe is an emerging filmmaker and Creative Digital Media graduate with a passion for storytelling. Working across narrative film, experimental media, and transmedia projects, she explores themes of belief, belonging, and identity through a wide-ranging multimedia skillset. She is currently focused on developing new film projects and expanding her creative practice.
GEORGE LYNCH
George Lynch is a filmmaker from Cork, Ireland. He graduated the MA in Film & Screen Media at University College Cork and is a recipient of the Lord Puttnam Scholarship (2023–2024). Alongside his filmmaking, he has worked as an event photographer for local arts organisations, including the monthly film showcase The People’s Picturehouse Cork.
His latest film, Fragmented, is currently on the festival circuit. The anti-war short film won Best Director at First Cut! Youth Film Festival 2026 and earned a finalist nomination at Fastnet Film Festival 2026.
RIDHIMA UPPAL
Ridhima Uppal is a 23-year-old international student at UCC from India, completing a Master’s in Marketing and Management. She has a background in English Literature and an avid interest in cinema, especially scriptwriting & directing. She is currently working in Digital Marketing and is interested in pursuing any new opportunities presented in this new city, but her dream role would definitely be something related to the film industry.
MAX BARRETT
Max Barrett recently finished his college Bachelor degree in Biotechnology at University College Cork.
RUTH O’REGAN
Ruth has a background in tabletop game design, youth organisation, and radio programming – quite removed from the world of film! Yet at the heart of all these projects lies a similar trust in collaboration, absorbing new ideas, and following through on your own creative ambitions.
In 2022, she helped set up a group for teenagers learning to play Dungeons & Dragons. In 2025, she brought the first of her published games to Cork’s Warpcon. This year, she founded Cork Dragons Roost, a summer camp for role-playing games. Between a passion for Irish film-making & an ever-increasing appetite for participating in the conversations surrounding it, Ruth hopes to learn just as much now from her time as a Young Programmer.
SAOIRSE KINGSTON
Saoirse is a marketing graduate from UCC, focusing on food photography and graphic design. Experience in youth work, community murals and working festivals and events across Europe. Inspired by strong female film characters – and loves to travel, paint and crochet.
