The 69th Cork International Film Festival is now open!
Our sold-out Opening Gala screening of Edward Berger’s heart-stopping thriller, Conclave is taking place at The Everyman Theatre this evening, marking the first of the many incredible films that will play out over the rest of the Festival.
We look forward to premiering the six features short-listed for this year’s Best New Irish Feature Award, supported by the Irish Examiner, throughout the Opening Weekend.
We also have some very exciting announcements: a second screening of Conclave (Sat 9th); and a special ‘Paul McGann reads Bruce Robinson‘ event on Wednesday 13th.
ANNOUNCEMENT: SECOND SCREENING OF CONCLAVE
Conclave (Repeat Screening) by Edward Berger (11.30am, Sat 9th Nov, Arc Cinema):
Following a sold-out Opening Gala screening, we are delighted to present an additional screening of Conclave on Opening Weekend.
After the unexpected death of the Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with managing the covert and ancient ritual of electing a new one. Sequestered in the Vatican with the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders until the process is complete, Lawrence finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy that could lead to its downfall.
“Conclave is an engrossing ecclesiastical hoot which elegantly compresses a prestige-miniseries’ worth of meaty intrigue and lively incident into two brisk hours.” Sight & Sound
Courtesy of Black Bear
SPECIAL EVENT: PAUL McGANN READS BRUCE ROBINSON
Special Event: Paul McGann reads Bruce Robinson (12.30pm, Wed 13th Nov, Arc Cinema):
In a special addition to this year’s programme, actor Paul McGann will be reading the short story Paranoia in the Launderette by Bruce Robinson in an event following the screening of the sold-out screening of Withnail and I and Honorary Disruptor Award presentation to Bruce on Tue 12th.
BEST NEW IRISH FEATURE: FRÉWAKA (FRÉMHACHA) + Q&A
Fréwaka (Freamhacha) + Filmmaker Q&A (8.30pm, Fri 8th Nov, The Everyman):
We are proud to present Aislinn Clarke’s second feature Fréwaka. The Northern Irish filmmaker has returned to the horror genre that takes Irish language cinema to new heights.
It tells the story of home care worker Shoo, who must temporarily leave behind her pregnant partner as she is sent to a remote village to care for an agoraphobic woman. As the two develop a strangely deep connection, Shoo is consumed by the old woman’s paranoia, rituals, and superstitions, eventually confronting the horrors from her own past.
Director Aislinn Clarke will be in attendance at this screening and participate in our Industry Days.
This screening event concludes with a Q&A.
“It’s the mythical and political Irish context of “Fréwaka” that makes it stick, as it draws on lingering national guilt over the iniquities of the Magdalene laundries, and twists deep-seated folk imagery into uncanny nightmare fuel.” Variety
Best New Irish Feature Award nominee, proudly supported by the Irish Examiner
BEST NEW IRISH FEATURE: SEPTEMBER SAYS
September Says (8pm, Sun 10th Nov, The Everyman):
We are thrilled to present Ariane Labed’s directorial debut September Says. Sisters July and September are very close, but very different: September is protective and distrustful; July, open and curious. An incident in school forces them to flee to an old holiday home with their mum, where a series of surreal events cause their bond to shift in ways July cannot comprehend.
“September Says captures the fragility of adolescence with a preciseness and intimacy, brought to life by performances from Mia Tharia and Pascale Kann,” Screen Daily
Best New Irish Feature Award nominee, proudly supported by the Irish Examiner
MURPHY’S MOMENT: OUT OF FRAME
Murphy’s Moment: Out of Frame (6pm, Sun 10th Nov, The Roundy):
We have teamed up with our Sponsor and Drinks Partner Murphy’s for some very special ‘Murphy’s Moments’ during this year’s Festival. Keep an eye on our socials and newsletters for news about competitions and special events.
This Sunday 10th Nov, our ‘Murphy’s Moment’ event will be with our friends at Out of Frame Cork at 6pm at The Roundy, Cork. Hear from filmmakers selected for CIFF’s ‘Pure Cork’ short film competition who will take part in a Q&A with CIFF Programmers.
Please enjoy responsibly