Our Opening Weekend has kicked off our 69th edition with a feast of film premieres and there are many more cinematic treats to look forward to in the next few days.
IRISH VOICES: NEIL MARTIN: BÓTHAR AN CHEOIL + Q&A
Neil Martin: Bóthar an Cheoil (6.30pm, Tue 12 Nov, Arc Cinema):
The work of Belfast composer Neil Martin has been performed across the globe, from Ground Zero to Mostar Bridge from the Royal Albert Hall to the International Space Station.
Producer, arranger and musician, Neil is an artist, who thrives on collaboration with performers, writers, and thinkers from all walks of life. This feature doc follows Neil through grief, celebration and new ambitions to ask whether the work of being an artist ever feels finished.
Director Damian McCann and subject Neil Martin will attend the screening and participate in a post-screening Q&A hosted by Don O’Mahony, Senior Programme Manager.
BEST NEW IRISH FEATURE: THE DAMNED
The Damned (8.15pm, Mon 11 Nov, Arc Cinema):
In this atmospheric drama set in the 19th century, Eva, a young widow, faces an impossible choice when a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated fishing village during an especially cruel winter. With their food supplies dwindling, Eva and her crew must decide whether to rescue the shipwrecked sailors or let them perish to ensure their own survival. As the consequences of their actions begin to manifest, the villagers find themselves grappling with the weight of their decisions and begin to believe they are all being punished.
Drawing inspiration from classic Hollywood tales and thought-provoking morality plays, Icelandic writer/director Thordur Palsson (The Valhalla Murders) explores the complexities of human nature and the fragility of societal bonds in the face of adversity. He does so with accomplished artistry, from striking visuals to a haunting sound design. The cast led by Odessa Young and Joe Cole is as convincing as their characters’ chances to make it through the frozen winter are slim.
This screening will be introduced by its producer Conor Barry.
Best New Irish Feature Award nominee, proudly supported by the Irish Examiner
CLOSE CAPTIONED SCREENINGS
We are delighted to offer a curated selection of Irish film premieres with closed captioning in the Arc Cinema. These features will also be available to watch nationwide as part of our Online Selection of six superb features, Mon 11th – Sun 17th November.
Hands in the Fire by Margarida Gil
Young film student Maria do Mar travels the Douro River region to document old manor houses for her thesis project. Naively confident in the power of cinema to capture reality, she is shaken upon discovering the dark secrets of the final manor on her list. (8.30pm, Sun 10 Nov, Arc Cinema)
The Deposition by Claudia Marschal
Thirty years after he was molested by a local priest, Emmanuel remembers and confronts his father. Several months later, he goes to the police station, discretely switches his phone recorder on and starts his deposition. Director Claudia Marschal finds the perfect balance to register this tragedy’s devastating impact at an intimate, family and collective level. (8pm, Mon 11 Nov, Arc Cinema)
In Limbo by Alina Maksimenko
Ukraine, February 2022. Russia has just invaded Ukraine. Disabled after a leg surgery, Alina escapes with her cat to join her parents, caught by the war in their cottage in the nearby village. She films their daily lives, in which the tension of their enclosed world and uncertain future seems to grip them all. A raw and haunting testimony. (4pm, Mon 11 Nov, Arc Cinema)
BRÍAN CROTTY: EXHIBITION, SCREENING + PERFORMANCE
Tue 12 – Wed 13 Nov, St Peter’s Cork
Visual artist Brían Crotty presents a brand new film and art exhibition that unveils a new artistic language in which cinema and painting converge to explore the ephemeral nature of memory and the profound depths of the Irish experience.
DROP | Brían Crotty | Ireland | 2024 | 37 mins | Fiction
In a fusion of painting, animation, AI generation, and cinematic artistry, Drop follows the conversation between Noelle and Frank, where they grapple with the complexities of fragmented and traumatic memory and the interplay between dreams and reality. The film’s narrative unfolds with a cinematic rhythm, challenging viewers to engage with the permanence of painted scenes and the ephemeral qualities of cinema.
FREE but ticketed.
Note: The film screenings start on the hour, 3pm – 6pm; the 6pm screening incorporates a live performance
SUPER CINE SATURDAY (16th NOVEMBER)
Wherever you are in Cork, join us on Saturday 16 November for a feast of Festival films.
CIFF is delighted to have teamed up with four cinemas across Cork County: Cinemax Bantry; Gate Cinemas Midleton and Mallow; and Regal Cinema Youghal – who will exclusively show a ‘Taste of CIFF’ with three specially selected feature films from the 69th Festival programme.
The whole family can enjoy a gorgeous, festive family animation featuring a magic reindeer; the premiere of Sinéad O’Shea’s insightful and affecting documentary on the late Edna O’Brien; and a must-see metaphysical LGBTQ+ comedy from this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
PROGRAMMER’S PICK: THE FABLE
Today’s pick is from our Director of Programming, Aurélie Godet:
The Fable (1.15pm, Mon 11th Nov, Arc Cinema):
“The lucky audience of The Fable first screening experienced something truly rare with some of them struggling at the Q&A as they choked with emotion. I’m not surprised. This is a truly outstanding film, gorgeous and profound, and hearing director Raam Reddy made it even more special.”
Director Raam Reddy will attend the screening on Monday, 11th Nov.
