We are delighted to announce that An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD will be in attendance at our Awards Gala Presentation tomorrow, November 15th in The Everyman Theatre.
Our final Sunday of screenings will offer a rare chance to see precious archive films on the big screen, including two adapted from the work of great Cork author Frank O’Connor, and the newly restored short film by Pádraig Ó Maidín covering the 10th CIFF in 1965. There will also be a fascinating new documentary on Daniel O’Connell followed by a panel discussion and, to round off our 70th edition, the Closing Gala: Is This Thing On?, directed by Bradley Cooper.
Don’t miss the final weekend of the 70th Cork International Film Festival.
All Festival tickets and passes are on sale now.
IFI CORK ON CAMERA
SUN 16 | TRISKEL | 14:00
In association with the Irish Film Institute (IFI) we present two films adapted from the work of the great Cork author, Frank O’Connor. Born Michael Francis O’Donovan on Douglas Street in 1903, O’Connor was a prolific writer and translator, having published novels, poetry and journalism. Much of his writing was shaped by his impoverished Cork childhood and his experiences of the Civil War.
Preceding these will be a screening of newly discovered film from the Festival archives, covering the 10th edition of the Cork International Film Festival. Directed by Cork County librarian and local historian Pádraig Ó Maidín, it captures the great and the good on the red carpet as well as pulling back the curtains on the behind the scenes activities.
CORK FILM FESTIVAL, 1965 / FÉILE SCANNÁN CHORCAIGHE
Pádraig Ó Maidín | Ireland | 1965 | 17mins
Featuring, amongst others, CIFF founder Dermot Breen, Jack Lynch TD, actors Trevor Howard, James Mason, Cyril Cusack and Noel Purcell and filmmaker Louis Marcus.
LARRY
Shelah Richards | Ireland | 1959 | 25 mins
The cosy relationship between Larry and his mother is disrupted when his father comes home from the war.
GUESTS OF THE NATION
Denis Johnston | Ireland | 1935 | 40 mins
During the Irish War of Independence in 1921, two British soldiers captured by the IRA form bonds with their guards. But their captors face a stark dilemma.
Acclaimed pianist Josh Johnston, grandson of Shelah Richards and Denis Johnston, will provide musical accompaniment for Guests of the Nation.
The films in this programme are preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive.
Supported by Cork City Council Local Heritage and Biodiversity Community Grant Scheme
DANIEL O’CONNELL: THE EMANCIPATOR
Ruán Magan | Ireland | 2025 | 60 mins | Documentary
SUN 16 | TRISKEL | 16:30
To mark the 250th anniversary of Daniel O’Connell’s birth in 1775, this documentary explores his life and legacy, and examines how O’Connell’s achievements continue to shape and impact our world today.
A Create One production, produced in association with RTÉ, University of Notre Dame and University College Cork, with the support of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
This screening will be followed by a panel discussion. Commissioned by and presented in partnership with University College Cork and RTÉ.
The panel will be hosted by Liz Dunphy, Journalist at the Irish Examiner. The speakers are:
- Ruán Magan, Director of Daniel O’Connell: The Emancipator
- Claire Connolly, Professor of Modern English at University College Cork
- Dr. Jay Roszman, Lecturer of 19th century Irish and British History at University College Cork
- Grace Neville, Emeritus Professor in the French Department of University College Cork
- Mick Clifford, Journalist at the Irish Examiner
CLOSING GALA: IS THIS THING STILL ON?
Bradley Cooper | United States | 2025 | 120 mins | Fiction
SUN 16 | EVERYMAN | 19:30
The Closing Gala on Sunday 16th November will be the Irish Premiere of Is This Thing On?, the third feature directed by Bradley Cooper, following A Star is Born and Maestro.
As their marriage quietly unravels, Alex (Will Arnett) faces middle age and an impending divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene while Tess (Laura Dern) confronts the sacrifices she made for their family — forcing them to navigate co-parenting, identity, and whether love can take a new form.
Loosely inspired by the true story of comedian John Bishop’s personal journey into comedy, Bradley Cooper’s beautiful film is an incisive study of midlife discontent and a modern-day comedy of remarriage. Humour and feeling blend in a harmonious, powerful balance with an exceptional supporting cast including Andra Day, Cooper, Amy Sedaris, Sean Hayes, Christine Ebersole, Ciarán Hinds, and Scott Icenogle.
CORK FILM TRAIL: PROJECTING FILM & CORK OUT TO THE WORLD
Between screenings, discover a series of vibrant, interactive installations across Cork city centre. The 2025 Cork Film Trail celebrates seven decades of Festival history, from our first edition in 1956 to the filmmakers, guests, and evolving technologies that shaped CIFF.
Follow the Trail through iconic locations including Cork City Hall, ARC Cinema, The Metropole Hotel, The Irish Examiner, Cook Street and Kent Train Station. Each stop features short podcasts and QR codes linking to the CIFF Digital Archive, where you can browse Festival brochures, programme highlights and unique stories from the past 70 years.
Along the way, enjoy Cork’s renowned hospitality – stop for a coffee, a pint, or a snack at nearby pubs and cafés (our map has all the best spots!) – and don’t miss our popular Film Quiz on Wednesday 12 November at The Pav.
Enter our Murphy’s Moments Competition as part of the Cork Film Trail!
You could win Apple Airpods, CIFF & Murphy’s Goodies and Gift Cards…
Closing date: midnight, Saturday 15th November 2025. Terms & conditions apply.
The Cork Film Trail is sponsored by Murphy’s, presented in collaboration with our Creative Partner, Babelfís, and supported by Cork City Council.
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