NOV 9 – 26 2023
Discover Film. Reimagine the World.
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
We warmly welcome you to the 68th Cork International Film Festival, an expanded edition that will offer audiences even more opportunities to watch the best Irish and international films across Cork City and County.
Our sincere thanks to all of you who participate in Ireland’s oldest and largest film festival - audiences, Festival Friends, Corporate Members, funders, donors, sponsors and partners - your continued support is hugely valued. It is you, our audience and supporters, who enable us to deliver your annual Festival and our vital year-round outreach programmes.
Our education programmes have engaged over 7,000 young people, creating greater access to creative opportunities and supporting their mental wellbeing through our unique, free film and mental health programme, Intinn. Your support has been critical in enabling us to develop this and other important outreach projects, such as our Look@Me filmmaking programme with primary school children, throughout the year.
As a registered Charity, we rely on the generosity of our Patrons alongside public funding to deliver a world-class cultural experience that welcomes 35,000 people each year, and to support these impactful outreach activities.
Please help us to continue this valuable work.
BECOME A FESTIVAL FRIEND
Enjoy the Festival with complimentary tickets, discounts, access to year-round events, and more!
• Festival Friend €175
• Double Festival Friend €295
• Festival Best Friend €255 (Ticket to all films)
• Double Festival Best Friend €375 (Tickets to all films)
If you are able, please help us do more by becoming a Festival Friend or Corporate Member, or simply add a donation to your ticket purchase. For more info contact marketing@corkfilmfest.org
Further information at corkfilmfest.org/support. Your support, whatever the size, makes a big difference.
BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER
Support the Festival and avail of complimentary tickets and discountsperfect for staff engagement and client entertainment with great visibility for your company.
• Debut Corporate Membership €500
• Classic Corporate Membership €1,000
• Premiere Corporate Membership €2,500
BOOK ONLINE NOW
TICKETS MUST BE BOOKED ONLINE AT: CORKFILMFEST.ORG OR VIA THE MYCIFF APP
Or call our Customer Service
Phone Line on +353 (0) 21 427 1711
9:30 - 17:30, Mon - Fri, 20 Oct - 8 Nov; 9:45 - 20:30, every day, 9 - 26 Nov
Customer Service: help@corkfilmfest.org
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Concession prices apply to under 25s, senior citizens (65+), full-time students and the unemployed. For full details of our ticketing terms and conditions, and for additional information, please visit corkfilmfest.org/terms-conditions. Please note that all information contained in this guide is correct at the time of printing but that changes may occur. Access info on p. 50 and at corkfilmfest.org/access.
Cork International Film Festival CLG
6 Castle Street, Cork, T12 T25W corkfilmfest.org
Tel: +353 (0) 21 427 1711
Email: info@corkfilmfest.org
Company Number: 081633
Charity Number: CHY20218
(unless otherwise stated) GALAS
Opening Night Gala: Poor Things
Irish Gala: One Night in Millstreet
International Gala: All of Us Strangers
Documentary Gala: Is There Anybody Out There?
Family Gala: Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds
Not applicable to Galas or Special Presentations. Passes make great gifts. Simply click ‘Give as a gift’ on
or
WELCOME
#CIFF2023
LORD DAVID PUTTNAM
PATRON
I truly believe that film is a force for good, and that powerful stories, well told, have the ability to speak to us all and create a positive impact on all our lives. Cinema can transport us to other worlds, spark new conversations, and inspire action and change, and film festivals are uniquely special places that bring us together to experience the extraordinary and the ordinary, collectively. The 68th edition is bursting with films that encourage us to reimagine the world, to discover and share new experiences. I am extremely proud to represent Cork International Film Festival as its Patron and I warmly encourage you to explore this year’s wonderfully exciting programme.
CLLR. KIERAN McCARTHY ARDMHÉARA CHORCAÍ - LORD MAYOR OF CORK
Cork City Council is very proud to support Cork International Film Festival, one of the oldest festivals in the world, and a unique marker of the cultural heritage of our richly diverse city. Film provides a lens through which our social and cultural histories are viewed and new experiences and memories are formed.
As the city’s First Citizen, I am delighted to encourage both Corkonians and visitors to Cork to explore the city, its heritage and continuous reinvention, through the Festival programme. I hope you will join me on my Film and Heritage Walking Tours along the Festival’s Cork Film Trail, and immerse yourself in the wide range of films that offer something enjoyable and memorable for everyone.
BARNEY WHELAN CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Welcome to Cork International Film Festival, the heart and soul of our vibrant city’s cinematic celebration. Much more than a display of exceptional films, the Festival is a testament to the city’s enduring passion for storytelling, culture, and community. Proudly, the Festival stands as a beacon of inclusion and sustainability. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, we want to inspire our audiences to think globally and act locally. We believe in the power of diverse voices, and strive to ensure that our platform showcases a spectrum of perspectives, and fosters an environment where all voices can be heard, appreciated, and celebrated. Thank you for joining us on this cinematic journey - let the stories begin!
INTRODUCTION
DISCOVER FILM, REIMAGINE THE WORLD
Welcome to the 68th edition of Cork International Film Festival, we are excited to share the programme with you. This year, we offer you an extended Festival over 18 days, in 14 venues across Cork City, suburbs and county, as well as online. Alongside much-anticipated award-winning films in Gala presentations, there are many original new voices represented, both local and global, telling stories that provide fresh perspectives, challenge and inspire, delight and entertain.
We want your Festival to be welcoming to all; whether you choose a film in the cinema, embark on our Cork Film Trail, join a Q&A discussion after a screening, or try out one of our festive culinary cinema events, there are many ways to enjoy the magic of cinematic storytelling, during the Festival and year-round.
FIONA CLARK FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
& CEO
From the shortest of shorts to the finest of features, from factsoriented documentaries to the wildest of fantasies, from close and far… we are both happy and proud to bring to Cork and Ireland, for a remarkable 68th time - the best and most important films that were made (not only) in the past year. We are equally delighted to bring to you for the first time our Best New Irish Feature competition.
We hope you will feel the same joy we had in selecting the films when you look through these pages and spot films and events that spark your curiosity, and fill you with festive expectations. Thank you for joining us this November.
ANNA
KOPECKÁ DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
"A magnificent advertisement for the city and region, and a national treasure." Irish Examiner
SCHEDULE
THU 09FRI 10SAT 11 SUN 12MON 13TUE 14WED 15THUR 16FRI 17
Morning 10:00
Afternoon 12:00
If Only Night Wouldn't Fall 12:30 Triskel (see p. 29)
All the Colours of the World are Between Black and White 14:45 Triskel (see p. 22)
A Chef for Dalí 17:00 Everyman (see p. 31)
Parallax Emerging Film Artist Exhibition: Opening Reception 17:00 Lord Mayor's Pavilion (see p. 37)
A Sensitive Person 17:30 Triskel (see p. 25)
Evening 18:00
Opening Gala: Poor Things
19:30 Cork Opera House (see p. 10)
So This Is Christmas 20:00 Everyman (see p. 14)
Female Trouble
20:45 Triskel (see p. 32)
Danger: Diabolik 10:00 Triskel (see p. 32)
Junior Filmmaking Workshop 10:00 (see p. 34)
The Gullspång Miracle 10:30 Everyman (see p. 27)
Poitín 12:30 Triskel (see p. 33)
Family Friendly Shorts 13:00 Everyman (see p. 34, 40)
Irish Shorts 1: In Competition 14:30 Triskel (see p. 38)
Brave the Dark 15:00 Everyman (see p. 23)
International Shorts 1 10:30 Everyman (see p. 40)
Samsara 10:30 Triskel (see p. 25)
Senior Filmmaking Workshop 11:00 (see p. 34)
Irish Shorts 3: Pure Cork 12:45 Everyman (see p. 39)
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes 13:15 Triskel (see p. 27)
Robot Dreams 15:00 Everyman (see p. 34)
IFI Cork on Camera: Flora Kerrigan 15:30 Triskel (see p. 28)
The Eternal Memory 16:45 Triskel (see p. 29)
Kidnapped 17:30 Everyman (see p. 24)
IntinnScreening + Workshop 10:00 St. Peter's (see p. 35)
Schools Screening 10:30 Everyman (see p. 35)
IntinnScreening + Workshop 10:00 St. Peter's (see p. 35)
Schools Screening 10:30 Everyman (see p. 35)
IntinnScreening + Workshop 10:00 St. Peter's (see p. 35)
Schools Screening 10:30 Everyman (see p. 35)
Film Education Panel - Things can only get better? 10:00 St. Peter's (see p. 35)
Schools Screening 10:30 Everyman (see p. 35)
Schools Screening 10:30 Everyman (see p. 35)
Screen Ireland Shorts 18:00 Everyman (see p. 39)
Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell 19:30 Triskel (see p. 24)
Irish Gala: One Night in Millstreet 20:30 Everyman (see p. 11, 14)
The United Irishmen 18:00 Triskel (see p. 19)
Fallen Leaves 20:30 Everyman (see p. 23)
Ninja 3: The Domination 21:00 Triskel (see p. 32)
International Shorts 2 12:30 Triskel (see p. 40)
Salem's Lot 13:00 Everyman (see p. 32)
Seven Winters in Tehran 15:00 Triskel (see p. 27)
The Piano 17:00 Everyman (see p. 33)
IntinnScreening + Workshop 12:00 St. Peter's (see p. 35)
International Shorts 3 13:00 Triskel (see p. 41)
Mighty Afrin: In the Time of Floods 14:30 Everyman (see p. 30)
Free Radicals 15:30 Triskel (see p. 37)
International Shorts 4Documentary Shorts 13:00 Triskel (see p. 41) First Take Industry Day 12:00 St. Peter's (see p. 42)
12:00 Triskel (see p. 27)
Almayer's Folly 14:00 Everyman (see p. 33) Youth (Spring) 13:30 Triskel (see p. 27) Negu Hurbilak 13:00 Everyman (see p. 15)
The Girls Are Alright 15:30 Triskel (see p. 15) Excursion 15:00 Everyman (see p. 15)
Sisi & I 17:00 Everyman (see p. 25)
Aoife Desmond Programme 17:00 Sirius Arts Centre (see p. 36)
Theatre of Violence 14:30 Triskel (see p. 27)
Camping du Lac 15:15 Everyman (see p. 15)
Irish Shorts 2: In Competition 17:30 Triskel (see p. 38)
Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives 17:15 Everyman (see p. 33)
Animal 17:30 Everyman (see p. 15)
I See A Darkness 17:00 Triskel (see p. 19)
The Goldman Case 17:30 Everyman (see p. 20)
Bury Our Hearts at the Bend of the River 20:00 Triskel (see p. 18)
Next Goal Wins 20:00 Everyman (see p. 25)
Stella 18:00 Triskel (see p. 31)
Virgilio 18:00 Triskel (see p. 30)
Eileen 20:00 Everyman (see p. 23)
Aonaracht (Singularity) 20:15 Triskel (see p. 18)
All You Need Is Death 20:00 Everyman (see p. 14)
Embryo Larva Butterfly 20:45 Triskel (see p. 15)
Blues Run The Game: The Strange Tale of Jackson C. Frank 18:00 Triskel (see p. 26)
Puttnam Scholars: Close Shave 18:00 St. Peter's (see p. 34)
The Bikeriders 20:30 Everyman (see p. 22)
Solitaire 20:30 Triskel (see p. 19)
Prospect House 20:30 Everyman (see p. 14)
She Is Conann 20:30 Triskel (see p. 17, 20)
SAT 18SUN 19MON 20TUE 21WED 22THUR 23FRI 24SAT 25SUN 26
Fitzcarraldo 11:30 Everyman (see p. 33)
Deserts
12:30 Triskel (see p. 20)
aemi @ CIFF: Experimental Shorts 1 13:00 Sirius Arts Centre (see p. 36)
aemi @ CIFF: Masterclass 15:00 Sirius Arts Centre (see p. 36)
Family Gala: Sirocco and the Kingdom of the Winds 15:00 Everyman (see p. 12, 34)
The Human Surge 3 15:30 Triskel (see p. 24)
The Days of Trees 17:15 Everyman (see p. 14)
A Prince
18:30 Triskel (see p. 20)
Five and a Half Love Stories in an Apartment in Vilnius Lithuania 20:00 Everyman (see p. 18)
Police Story 3: Supercop 20:45 Triskel (see p. 32)
aemi @ CIFF 2023: Kevin Jerome Everson Programme 10.45 Triskel (see p. 36)
IntinnScreening + Workshop 10:00 St. Peter's (see p. 35)
Schools
Screening 10:30 Gate Mallow & Midleton, Reel Picture Ballincollig (see p. 35)
Look@Me 'Make Sense' Screening 10:30 St. Peter's (see p. 35)
Schools Screening 10:30 Gate Mallow & Midleton, Reel Picture Ballincollig (see p. 35)
Schools Screening 10:30 Gate Mallow & Midleton, Reel Picture Ballincollig (see p. 35)
Schools Screening 10:30
Gate Mallow & Midleton, Reel Picture Ballincollig (see p. 35)
Irish Shorts - Out of Competition 12:30 Everyman (see p. 39)
Family 13:00 Triskel (see p. 17)
The Taste of Things (aka The Pot-au-Feu) 15:00 Everyman (see p. 31)
The Subterranean River Of Czech Cinema 15:45 Triskel (see p. 37)
Riddle of Fire 17:30 Triskel (see p. 20)
IntinnScreening + Workshop 12:00 St. Peter's (see p. 35)
We Will Not Fade Away 15:00 Triskel (see p. 16)
Knit's Island 17:30 Triskel (see p. 16)
I Dream In Photos 18:00 Everyman (see p. 18)
aemi @ CIFF: Experimental Shorts 3 20:30 Triskel (see p. 36)
International Gala: All Of Us Strangers 20:30 Everyman (see p. 11, 22)
Contamination 20:30 Triskel (see p. 32)
1923 Commemoration Event 18:00 Triskel (see p. 28)
Landshaft 20:45 Triskel (see p. 16)
Queendom 13:00 Triskel (see p. 16)
Our Day 13:00 Triskel (see
Dreaming In Between 15:30 Triskel (see p. 17) Songs of Earth 15:15 Triskel (see p. 16, 30)
Cork Jewish Culture with Ruti Lachs 15:30 St. Peter's (see p. 28)
My Friend Lanre 17:45 Triskel (see p. 19)
Schools Screening 10:30
Gate Mallow & Midleton, Reel Picture Ballincollig (see p. 35)
EUNIC Short Shorts from Europe
18:00 St. Peter's (see p.41)
If Only I Could Hibernate 18:00 Triskel (see p. 24)
Pictures of Ghosts 20:30 Triskel (see p. 16)
The Sweet East 20:30 Triskel (see p. 17)
and Go 13:30 Triskel (see p. 33)
Tiger Stripes 17:30 Triskel (see p. 17)
Documentary Gala: Is There Anybody Out There? 20:00 Triskel (see p. 12)
One Night in Millstreet 14:30 City & County Venues (see p. 21)
Fallen Leaves 16:30 City & County Venues (see p. 21)
The Holdovers 18:00 Triskel (see p. 24)
THU 9 | 19:30CORK
OPENING GALA POOR THINGS
Yorgos Lanthimos | Ireland, United Kingdom, United States | 2023 | 141 mins
THU 9 | CORK OPERA HOUSE | 19:30
An incredible tale about the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (an outstanding and hilarious performance by Emma Stone), a sexually innocent young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (whom she calls “God”), played by Willem Dafoe. Kept a secret, Bella is eager to learn about and see more of the world around her, so she runs off with Duncan Wedderburn, a slick and debauched lawyer (exuberantly played by Mark Ruffalo), and travels across the continents. Free from the prejudices of her times, Bella demands equality and liberation.
Yorgos Lanthimos (The Favourite, CIFF2018) expands his gloriously bizarre vision without compromise, and what an extraordinary vision it is! Produced by Ireland’s own award-winning Element Pictures, the film is visually stunning on every level. Daring, edgy, laugh-out-loud shockingly funny, this is a wild, sometimes grotesque, completely bewitching, mono and technicolor riotous romp of a ride, from a master magician of cinema. FC
Winner: Golden Lion, Venice Film Festival 2023
ONE NIGHT IN MILLSTREET
Andrew Gallimore | Ireland | 2023 | 79 mins
SAT 11 | EVERYMAN | 20:30
The St. Patrick’s weekend of 1995 witnessed an extraordinary thing, a world championship boxing match deep in the countryside of County Cork.
One Night in Millstreet not only relives the titanic contest that took place in the Green Glens Arena, but also marks the trajectory of the two competitors. The preening, self-regarding, and mentally formidable Super Middleweight Champion, Chris Eubank, and the hungry challenger from Cabra, Steve Collins. Take a ringside seat to the giddy and hype-laden hoopla! DOM
The Irish Gala will be attended by the filmmakers and special guests. Also screening as part of our county-wide Super Cine Saturday (see p. 21)
IRISH GALA INTERNATIONAL
ALL OF US STRANGERS
Andrew Haigh | United Kingdom, United States | 2023 | 105 mins
SUN 19 | EVERYMAN | 20:30
Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal star in (CIFF Alumnus) Andrew Haigh’s superb and unsettling adaptation of Taichi Yamada’s ‘Strangers’
Adam (Scott), a screenwriter living in London, strikes up an acquaintance with neighbour Harry (Mescal), which becomes something more intimate. Meanwhile, whilst revisiting his old family home, he discovers something unusual and beautiful, which keeps him returning. With striking performances from a chamber cast (Jamie Bell and Claire Foy as Adam’s parents), Haigh’s exceptionally fine script is matched by beautiful cinematography and the best 80s soundtrack. Guaranteed to uplift and pull at the heartstrings in equal measure. FC
FAMILY GALA DOCUMENTARY GALA
SIROCCO AND THE KINGDOM OF THE WINDS
SIROCCO ET LE ROYAUME DES COURANTS D'AIR Benoît Chieux | France, Belgium | 2023 | 80 mins | Subtitled + Live Voiceover in English
SAT 18 | EVERYMAN | 15:00
Juliette and Carmen love a series of fantasy books written by family friend Agnes, who also babysits them from time to time. What an exciting and unexpected surprise when they find a secret passage from her house into the world of the books!
Adventure and new friends await the two sisters in this beautiful take on ‘Alice in Wonderland’ by French director Benoit Chieux. Will they meet the terrible magician Sirocco who controls the winds? Will they find their way back before Agnes wakes up from her afternoon nap? This animated adventure for all ages opened the famous Annecy International Animation Film Festival earlier this year where it won the Audience Award. AK
IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE?
Ella Glendining | United Kingdom | 2023 | 87 mins
FRI 24 | TRISKEL | 20:00
Ella Glendining was born without hip joints and shortened femurs, a very rare set of physical conditions. Having grown up loving her body, but knowing nobody with a similar one, Ella ventures out beyond her East Anglian home to try and find someone that she can physically relate to. A remarkably powerful, disarmingly funny and thoroughly engaging film about discrimination, all-pervasive societal ableism and the strength of self-love needed to carve out a space that fits you in this world. RBC
Director Ella Glendining will attend this screening and be the keynote speaker at Doc Day as part of our Industry Events on 24 Nov (p. 42).
AWARDS
Celebrating excellence in filmmaking and championing new and established voices. This year, we are delighted to announce our inaugural Best New Irish Feature Award, supported by the Irish Examiner. The award includes a cash prize of €3,000 and the jury is chaired by Oscar®-winning film producer, education luminary and CIFF Patron, Lord David Puttnam.
Three of our Shorts awards – the Grand Prix Irish Short, the Grand Prix International Short and the Grand Prix Documentary Short – are Academy Award®-qualifying, ensuring that the winners in Cork will be automatically longlisted for the Oscars®.
SHORTS AWARDS
Winners to be announced on Thu 16 November
GRAND PRIX IRISH SHORT Academy Award®-Qualifying Category
Jurors: Kelly Campbell, Director & Grand Prix Irish Short winner 2021; Niels Putman, Chief Editor, Talking Shorts, Belgium; Tsanko Vasilev, Artistic Director, In The Palace International Short Film Festival, Bulgaria
GRAND PRIX INTERNATIONAL SHORT Academy Award®-Qualifying Category
Jurors: Denise O’Keeffe, Assistant Director, Valladolid International Film Festival; Johanna Prack programmer for Folkets Hus och Parker, Sweden; Ken Wardrop, Director, So This is Christmas
GRAND PRIX DOCUMENTARY SHORT Academy Award®-Qualifying Category
Jury as per Grand Prix International Short
BEST DIRECTOR: IRISH SHORT
BEST CORK SHORT AWARD
Supported by Murphy’s
SHORT FILM CANDIDATE FOR THE EUROPEAN FILM AWARDS 2024
Cork International Film Festival is the official Irish representative.
FEATURES AWARDS
BEST NEW IRISH FEATURE
Proudly supported by the Irish Examiner
Winner to be announced on Sun 19 November
Jurors: Lord David Puttnam, film producer and CIFF Patron; Carmel Winters, filmmaker; Zeynep Güzel, filmmaker and Head of Doc Station Berlinale.
GRADAM SPIORAD NA FÉILE (SPIRIT OF THE FESTIVAL AWARD)
Winner to be announced on Sun 26 November
Jurors: Graham Fulton, Conic Distribution UK; Katie Holly, Keeper Pictures, Ireland; Grégoire Graesslin, Kinology, France
GRADAM NA FÉILE DO SCANNÁIN FAISNÉISE (AWARD FOR CINEMATIC DOCUMENTARY)
Winner to be announced on Sun 26 November
Jurors: Babette Dieu, European Film Market, Berlinale; Victoria Leshchenko, Dok. Leipzig, Germany; Carmen Thompson, Red Sea International Film Festival & Sheffield Doc Festival
CORK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL YOUTH JURY AWARD
Winner to be announced on Sun 26 November
Chosen by our youth jury comprising students from UCC, MTU and St. John’s Central College
AUDIENCE AWARDS (FEATURES AND SHORTS)
Chosen by you, the audience, by voting online. All Festival features and shorts that have their Irish premiere in cinema are eligible for the awards. Winners to be announced on Mon 27 November
PARALLAX EMERGING FILM ARTIST BURSARY 2024
2024 recipient to be announced on Thu 16 November
Jurors: Valerie Byrne, Director, National Sculpture Factory; Maximilian Le Cain, filmmaker & UCC Film Artist in Residence 2023; Anna Kopecká, Director of Programming, CIFF; Aoibhie McCarthy, Artistic Director, Sample-Studios
So This is Christmas
BEST NEW IRISH FEATURE AWARD
From folk horror to truly intimate personal stories, our newly established competition is a showcase of the best of new Irish fiction and documentary works. Proudly supported by the Irish Examiner.
ALL YOU NEED IS DEATH
Paul Duane | Ireland | 2023 | 95 mins
Folk song collectors Anna and Aleks secretly record a forgotten, taboo ballad and unwittingly release something dark, ancient and terrifying. SE
Paul Duane will participate in a Career Interview in First Take. (see p. 42)
WED 15 | EVERYMAN | 20:00
ONE NIGHT IN MILLSTREET
Andrew Gallimore | Ireland | 2023 | 79 mins
Take a ringside seat to the hype-laden world championship boxing match that took place in the Green Glens Arena on St. Patrick’s weekend in 1995 between Chris Eubank and Ireland’s Steve Collins. DOM
One Night in Millstreet is our Irish Gala. See p. 11 for details.
SAT 11 | EVERYMAN | 20:30
THE DAYS OF TREES
Alan Gilsenan | Ireland | 2023 | 90 mins
We find Alan Gilsenan in a rich vein of form with The Days of Trees, an intimate and beautifully wrought meditation on trauma, offering hope and insight. DOM
CIFF will premiere Alan Gilsenan’s The United Irishmen on 12 Nov. (see p. 19)
SAT 18 | EVERYMAN | 17:15
PROSPECT HOUSE
Paul Mercier | Ireland | 2023 | 100 mins
Protesters film a period re-enactment in a dilapidated 18th-century house to save it from demolition. Through this film-within-a-film device, Paul Mercier’s satirical script blurs the lines between ‘real life’ and dramatised events. DOM
FRI 17 | EVERYMAN | 20:30
SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS
Ken Wardrop | Ireland | 2023 | 90 mins
Illuminating the challenges often unseen beyond the toys, trees and tinsel, characters in a small Irish village reflect on their difficult relationships with Christmas. RG Venom Films, the team behind So This is Christmas, will participate in Doc Day as part of our Industry Events (see p. 42).
FRI 10 | EVERYMAN | 20:00
The Girls are Alright (Las Chicas Están Bien)
SPIRIT OF THE FESTIVAL AWARD
Be the first to discover the next big European filmmaker. Six strong and exciting voices are presented in this competition for first and second European fiction features.
ANIMAL
Sofia Exarchou | Greece, France, Poland | 2023 | 116 mins | Subtitled
In her second feature, Exarchou puts the Greek tourism machine in the spotlight with cruel honesty and imagination, filled with glitter and karaoke nights full of false notes. AK
THU 16 | EVERYMAN | 17:30
EXCURSION (EKSKURZIJA)
Una Gunjak | Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, France, Norway | 2023 | 93 mins | Subtitled
Teenage girl Iman falls for an older boy and, to protect their half-imaginary relationship, invents a white lie that spirals out of control in this powerful feature debut by Una Gunjak. AK
THU 16 | EVERYMAN | 15:00
CAMPING DU LAC
Éléonore Saintagnan | Belgium, France | 2023 | 69 mins | Subtitled
Following a car breakdown, Éléonore is forced to make a stop at a campsite where she encounters interesting local characters and searches for a mysterious lake monster. AK
FRI 17 | EVERYMAN | 15:15
THE GIRLS ARE ALRIGHT (LAS CHICAS ESTÁN BIEN)
Itsaso Arana | Spain | 2023 | 85 mins | Subtitled
Actress Itsaso Arana’s debut feature tells a story of four actresses and a writer spending a week in a secluded country house rehearsing a period play, chatting, and getting artistic inspiration from their own lives. AK
WED 15 | TRISKEL | 15:30
EMBRYO LARVA BUTTERFLY
Kyros Papavassiliou | Cyprus, Greece | 2023 | 92 mins | Subtitled Penelope and Isidoro navigate their relationship in a world where time is non-linear, and past, present and future skip back and forth arbitrarily. SE
WED 15 | TRISKEL | 20:45
NEGU HURBILAK
Colectivo Negu | Spain | 2023 | 90 mins | Subtitled
A young woman escapes political persecution at the end of the Basque crisis, but is stalled in a border town where time stands still. SE
FRI 17 | EVERYMAN | 13:00
AWARD FOR CINEMATIC DOCUMENTARY
Spotlighting non-fiction filmmakers who draw you into different worlds, pushing cinematic boundaries and telling unique stories.
KNIT’S ISLAND
Ekiem Barbier, Guilhem Causse, Quentin l’Helgoualc’h | France | 2023 | 96 mins | Subtitled
In a curious corner of the internet is a sprawling self-contained world in which people live out their strangest fantasies. RBC
With a post-screening panel as part of 'Night of Ideas' with the French Embassy in Ireland
MON 20 | TRISKEL | 17:30
QUEENDOM
Agniia Galdanova | France, United States | 2023 | 98 mins | Subtitled
Through radical performance and presentation, artist and activist Gena challenges the status quo in Russia through lone acts of rebellion and quiet revolution. RG
WED 22 | TRISKEL | 13:00
LANDSHAFT
Daniel Kötter | Germany, Armenia | 2023 | 97 mins | Subtitled
The ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is etched out of absence across the landscape and people of a borderland. RBC
TUES 21 | TRISKEL | 20:45
SONGS OF EARTH (FEDRELANDET)
Margreth Olin | Norway | 2023 | 90 mins | Subtitled
A daughter documents her father’s deeply personal communion with the stunningly beautiful and mountainous terrain he grew up in. RBC
Showing as part of Green Screen (p. 30)
THU 23 | TRISKEL | 15:15
PICTURES OF GHOSTS (RETRATOS FANTASMAS)
Kleber Mendonça Filho | Brazil | 2023 | 93 mins | Subtitled
An homage to the long-lost cinemas of Brazilian city, Recife, director Kleber Mendonça Filho combines personal archives with new footage to revisit his family home and to the Recife of his youth. AK
WED 22 | TRISKEL | 20:30
WE WILL NOT FADE AWAY (MY NE ZHASNEMO)
Alisa Kovalenko | Ukraine, France, Poland, United States | 2023 | 100 mins | Subtitled
Five teenagers growing up in the war-torn Donbass region in Ukraine escape this reality to go on a lifechanging Himalayan expedition. RBC
MON 20 | TRISKEL | 15:00
Knit’s Island
Dreaming in Between (Nigekireta Yume)
YOUTH JURY
Stories from across the globe, from the fantastical and bizarre to smaller tales on life and living, selected in collaboration with the CIFF Young Film Programmers, and all competing for our Youth Jury Award. The Jury comprises students from UCC, MTU and Cork College of FET, Douglas Street Campus.
DREAMING IN BETWEEN (NIGEKIRETA YUME)
NINOMIYA Ryûtarô | Japan | 2023 | 96 mins | Subtitled
A life-changing situation leaves a high school vice principal taking stock of his life and reassessing the relationships he has with family, friends and students. SE
FAMILY
Don Palathara | India | 2023 | 111 mins | Subtitled
Sony is a revered member of a small Catholic community in Southern India. But beneath his pleasant demeanour lurks something more sinister. SE
WED 22 | TRISKEL | 15:30 SUN 19 | TRISKEL | 13:00
SHE IS CONANN
Bertrand Mandico | France, Luxembourg | 2023 | 104 mins | Subtitled
The bloody, gender-flipped tale of Conann, a cruel and barbaric force to be feared, in Bertrand Mandico’s love letter to the macabre. SE
Also part of the Directors’ Fortnight (p. 20) FRI 17 | TRISKEL | 20:30
THE SWEET EAST
Sean Price Williams | United States | 2023 | 104 mins
Lillian runs away whilst on a school trip, and so begins a journey through the mental psyche of the United States of America. SE
THU 23 | TRISKEL | 20:30
TIGER STRIPES
Amanda Nell Eu | Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore, France, Germany, Netherlands, Indonesia, Qatar | 2023 | 95 mins | Subtitled
Twelve-year-old schoolgirl Zaffan starts to notice unexpected and terrifying changes in her physical body in Amanda Nell Eu’s exciting debut film. SE FRI 24 | TRISKEL | 17:30
IRISH FICTION & DOCUMENTARIES
(OUT OF COMPETITION)
Well-known names, returning and locally based directors, and some new fresh Irish filmmakers bring their latest works to the Festival this year, including several experimental works that also feature in our Parallax strand.
AONARACHT (SINGULARITY)
Damian McCann | Ireland | 2023 | 90 mins | Subtitled
A documentary about Belfast harpist, experimental composer and sound engineer Úna Monaghan and her innovative and genre-traversing work in music and art. SE
TUES 14 | TRISKEL | 20:15
FIVE AND A HALF LOVE STORIES IN AN APARTMENT IN VILNIUS,
LITHUANIA
Tomas Vengris | Lithuania, Latvia, Ireland | 2023 | 112 mins
A series of vignettes situated in an apartment in Vilnius conceives a charming portrayal of the complexities of desire and love. RG
SAT 18 | EVERYMAN | 20:00
BURY OUR HEARTS AT THE BEND OF THE RIVER
Aoife Desmond | Ireland | 2023 | 60 mins
Cork artist Aoife Desmond captures dance artist Siobhán Ní Dhuinnín, performer Kanako Haru and her, creating interactions and performances between the source and the mouth of the River Lee. DOM
MON 13 | TRISKEL | 20:00
I DREAM IN PHOTOS
Gary Lennon | Ireland | 2023 | 84 mins
An honest and nuanced portrait of Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Cathal McNaughton, delving into his life, work and impressive visual legacy. RG
This screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Gary Lennon and subject Cathal McNaughton.
SUN 19 | EVERYMAN | 18:00
I SEE A DARKNESS
Fergus Daly, Katherine Waugh | Ireland | 2023 | 134 mins
An erudite and absorbing digressive film essay, I See a Darkness explores a particular history of image production and its associated use in atomic testing. DOM
FRI 17 | TRISKEL | 17:00
SOLITAIRE
Maximilian Le Cain | Ireland | 2023 | 73 mins
The latest film from 2023 UCC Film Artist In Residence Maximilian Le Cain is an unsettling experimental ghost story. SE
Maximilian Le Cain will participate in a UCC Film Artist in Residence ‘In Conversation’ following the screening.
THU 16 | TRISKEL | 20:30
MY FRIEND LANRE
Leo Regan | United Kingdom | 2023 | 85 mins
What do you do when the charismatic friend and collaborator you have filmed for years tells you he is dying? RBC
The director and producer of My Friend Lanre will participate in Doc Day as part of our Industry Events (see p. 42).
THU 23 | TRISKEL | 17:45
THE UNITED IRISHMEN
Alan Gilsenan | Ireland | 2023 | 101 mins
Possessing a grandeur and epic sweep often absent in most historical documentaries, The United Irishmen reminds us of what a truly radical group it was and also what a seminal moment 1798 was. DOM
CIFF will premiere Alan Gilsenan's The Days of Trees on 18 Nov (see p. 14)
SUN 12 | TRISKEL | 18:00
DIRECTORS' FORTNIGHT
An exceptional opportunity to discover the selection of Cannes Film Festival’s parallel section, Directors’ Fortnight in the presence of Artistic Director Julien Rejl. From the fantasy world of Conann through the deserts of Morocco to gardens of rural France, come and experience the new and unexpected.
DESERTS (DÉSERTS)
Faouzi Bensaïdi | France, Germany, Belgium, Morocco | 2022 | 119 mins | Subtitled
Two bank representatives travel the deserts of Morocco to recover loan payments from poor villagers in the form of goats and carpets in this road-movie comedy that blends humour and mysticism. AK
THE GOLDMAN CASE (LE PROCÉS GOLDMAN)
Cédric Kahn | France | 2023 | 116 mins | Subtitled
Based on a real case from the 1970s, the courtroom drama The Goldman Case tells a story of a trial that divided France. AK
In partnership with the French Embassy in Ireland and Alliance Française SAT 18 | TRISKEL | 12:30 FRI 17 | EVERYMAN | 17:30
A PRINCE (UN PRINCE)
Pierre Creton | France | 2023 | 82 mins | Subtitled
A young man comes to a gardening school to learn horticulture and fulfil erotic fantasies of his older teacher in this rural tale of love and lust. AK
SAT 18 | TRISKEL | 18:30
RIDDLE OF FIRE
Weston Razooli | United States | 2023 | 118 mins
Three kids embark on a quest to unlock the parental controls on their games console in this adventure tale for grown-ups everywhere. SE SUN 19 | TRISKEL | 17:30
SHE IS CONANN
Bertrand Mandico | France, Luxembourg | 2023 | 104 mins | Subtitled
The bloody, gender-flipped tale of Conann, a cruel and barbaric force to be feared, in Bertrand Mandico’s love letter to the macabre. SE
Also screening as part of the Youth Jury Award (see p. 17) FRI 17 | TRISKEL | 20:30
SUPER CINE SATURDAY
Wherever you are across Cork City and County, join us on Saturday 25 November for a feast of Festival films!
Cork International Film Festival is delighted to have teamed up with six Cork city- and county-wide venues: The Reel Picture Ballincollig and Blackpool; 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 68th Festival programme.
The whole family can enjoy a gorgeous family animation featuring a lonely dog who builds himself a robot who becomes his best friend; a brand new Irish documentary about the legendary boxing match between Ireland’s Steve Collins and Chris Eubank in Millstreet in 1995; and a heart-warming, delightful black comedy from the master of Finnish dark comedies, and winner of the Jury Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
SAT 25 NOVEMBER
ROBOT DREAMS
Pablo Berger | Spain, France | 2023 | 102 mins
See p. 34
LEHDET)
ONE NIGHT IN MILLSTREET FALLEN LEAVES (KUOLLEET
Andrew Gallimore | Ireland | 2023 | 79 mins
See p. 11
Aki Kaurismäki | Finland | 2023 | 81 mins | Subtitled
See p. 23
INTERNATIONAL FICTION
A collection of new works from renowned film festivals around the globe. Assembled in this strand to entertain, surprise - and sometimes even shock - but always to ignite long debates and selected with love for film by our programming team.
ALL OF US STRANGERS
Andrew Haigh | United Kingdom, United States| 2023 | 105 mins
Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal star in this superb and unsettling adaptation of Taichi Yamada’s ‘Strangers’, with striking performances from a chamber cast, beautiful cinematography and the best 1980s soundtrack. FC
Also our International Gala, see p. 11
ALL THE COLOURS OF THE WORLD ARE BETWEEN BLACK & WHITE
Babatunde Apalowo | Nigeria | 2023 | 93 mins
A closeness develops between two men in a modern day Nigerian society, where same-sex relationships are still deemed illegal, in Babatunde Apalowo’s debut feature. SE
THE BIKERIDERS
Jeff Nichols | United States | 2023 | 116 mins
Austin Butler, Jodie Comer and Tom Hardy star in this film about the rise of a 1960s Chicago motorcycle club. SE
INTERNATIONAL FICTION
BRAVE THE DARK
Damian Harris | United States | 2023 | 120 mins
When a popular drama teacher (Jared Harris) takes a homeless teenager under his protective wing, together they will have to face the boy’s dark past and find his purpose in life. AK
Filmmakers and special guests in attendance.
SAT 11 | EVERYMAN | 15:00
EILEEN
William Oldroyd | United States | 2023 | 96 mins
This pitch-perfect American period psychological thriller, with Thomasin McKenzie and Anne Hathaway, follows an unlikely and dangerous friendship between a young prison facility worker and her new glamorous blonde colleague. AK
TUE 14 | EVERYMAN | 20:00
FALLEN LEAVES (KUOLLEET LEHDET)
Aki Kaurismäki | Finland | 2023 | 81 mins | Subtitled
Yet another delightful treat from the master of Finnish dark comedies, this is a story of two solitary people from Helsinki fighting against loneliness. AK Shortlisted for the 2024 LUX Audience Award. Screening as part of Super Cine Saturday (see p. 21)
SUN 12 | EVERYMAN | 20:30
THE HOLDOVERS
Alexander Payne | United States | 2023 | 133 mins
Set in 1970s America, this warm comedydrama by Alexander Payne plays out on the campus of a New England prep school where a grumpy professor spends Christmas babysitting a group of students, starring Paul Giamatti. AK
SUN 26 | TRISKEL | 18:00
IN OUR DAY
(우리의 하루)
HONG Sang-soo | Republic of Korea (South Korea) | 2023 | 84 mins | Subtitled
A simple story of an actress returning home, contemplating life and art is just a narrative excuse for HONG Sang-soo to explore the beauty of ordinary and profound human connections. AK
THU 23 | TRISKEL | 13:00
THE HUMAN
SURGE
3 (EL AUGE DEL HUMANO 3)
Eduardo Williams | Argentina, Portugal, Netherlands, Taiwan, Brazil, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Peru | 2023 | 93 mins | Subtitled
Argentinian filmmaker Eduardo Williams returns with a sequel to his 2016 debut, Human Surge, using a 360-degree camera and once again exploring human notion of time, relationships and digital images. AK SAT 18 | TRISKEL | 15:30
INSIDE THE YELLOW COCOON SHELL (BÊN TRONG VÒ KÉN VÀNG)
PHAM Thien An | Vietnam, Singapore, France, Spain | 2023 | 178 mins | Subtitled
Following a family tragedy, Thien travels to his home village to begin a search through the mystical Vietnamese landscape for his long lost brother. SE SAT 11 | TRISKEL | 19:30
IF ONLY I COULD HIBERNATE (BAAVGAI BOLOHSON)
Zoljargal Purevdash | France, Mongolia | 2023 | 99 mins | Subtitled
In Mongolia, teenager and physics genius Ulizii is torn between familial loyalty and his dreams of a better future when his alcoholic mother abandons him and his siblings to survive the winter. FC WED 22 | TRISKEL | 18:00
KIDNAPPED (RAPITO)
Marco Bellocchio | Italy | 2023 | 125 mins | Subtitled
This historical melodrama by Marco Bellocchio is based on the true story of Edgardo Mortara, a Jewish boy who was taken from his family by the Church, christened and raised as a Catholic. AK
SUN 12 | EVERYMAN | 17:30
INTERNATIONAL FICTION
NEXT GOAL WINS
Taika Waititi | United Kingdom, United States | 2023 | 103 mins
Michael Fassbender stars as Dutch coach Thomas Rongern who tries to turn the American Samoan soccer team from losers into winners in this biographical sports comedy drama directed by Taika Waititi. AK
MON 13 | EVERYMAN | 20:00
A SENSITIVE PERSON (CITLIVÝ ČLOVĚK)
Tomáš Klein | Czech Republic | 2023 | 120 mins | Subtitled
A grotesque vision of Central Europe is the background of a darkly humorous story about a complicated relationship between father and son. AK
FRI 10 | TRISKEL | 17:30
SAMSARA
Lois Patiño | Spain | 2023 | 113 mins | Subtitled
Samsara is an immersive, sensorial and beautiful cinematic experience that is positioned on the borders of fiction and documentary cinema. AK
SUN 12 | TRISKEL | 10:30
SISI & I (SISI & ICH)
Frauke Finsterwalder | Germany, Switzerland, Austria | 2023 | 132 mins | Subtitled
Delightful comedy about a relationship between Empress Sisi and her new lady-in-waiting Countess Irma. Set on Corfu, the Empress spends her summer away from the restrictions of the Austrian court. AK
WED 15 | EVERYMAN | 17:00
INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY
Fascinating stories from around the world, intimate insights into people’s lives, and visceral examinations of the human experience, this curated selection showcases the latest and best in factual storytelling.
ANSELM BLUES RUN THE GAME: THE STRANGE TALE OF JACKSON C. FRANK Wim Wenders | Germany | 2023 | 98 mins | Subtitled Damien Aimé Dupont | France | 2023 | 84 mins
Famous German director Wim Wenders is chronicling the work of painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer, wandering through his huge studio or gardens with his gigantic installations. AK
The tragic life of mysterious folk singer Jackson C. Frank, whose song ‘Blues Run The
SE
SUN 26 | TRISKEL | 12:00 THU 16 | TRISKEL | 18:00
Game’ is one of the most revered titles of the sixties folk boom.
Youth (Spring) (Jeunesse (Printemps)
INTERNATIONAL
THE GULLSPÅNG MIRACLE
Maria Fredriksson | Sweden | 2023 | 106 mins | Subtitled
Two sisters experience a “divine sign” when they meet the doppelganger of their deceased older sister. But then things start to get really strange. SE
SAT 11 | EVERYMAN | 10:30
SEVEN WINTERS IN TEHRAN
(SIEBEN WINTER IN TEHERAN)
Steffi Niederzoll | France, Germany | 2023 | 97 mins | Subtitled
In 2007, 19-year-old Reyhaneh Jabbari was sentenced to death for stabbing a man who tried to rape her. Her brave resistance made her a symbol of the fight for women’s rights and justice. AK
MON 13 | TRISKEL | 15:00
LITTLE GIRL BLUE
Mona Achache | France | 2023 | 96 mins | Subtitled
An unconventional non-fiction expression of the life of French actress, photographer and poet Carole Achache, embodied through a committed performance by Marion Cotillard. RG
FRI 17 | TRISKEL | 12:00
THEATRE OF VIOLENCE
Lukasz Konopa, Emil Langballe | Denmark | 2023 | 104 mins | Subtitled
An insightful and visceral dissection of the complex geo-political situation in Uganda, which subtly examines the much debated question of nature v nurture. RG
FRI 17 | TRISKEL | 14:30
MAX ROACH: THE DRUM ALSO WALTZES
Sam Pollard, Ben Shapiro | United States | 2023 | 82 mins
A fascinating insight into the life of Max Roach, legendary jazz drummer, composer, political activist and educator. SE
SUN 12 | TRISKEL | 13:15
YOUTH (SPRING) (JEUNESSE (PRINTEMPS)
WANG Bing | China, France | 2022 | 212 mins | Subtitled
Following a group of young textile workers in their everyday lives, WANG Bing’s observational documentary is an insight into the world of Chinese sweatshops. AK
THU 16 | TRISKEL | 13:30
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
IN CONVERSATION
UCC FILM ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
MAXIMILIAN LE CAIN
THU 16 | TRISKEL | 20:30
Following the premiere of his experimental feature, Solitaire (see p. 19), Maximilian Le Cain discusses his working and creative processes, and past and current projects, with Daniel Fitzpatrick, co-director of aemi, an initiative that supports and exhibits moving image works by artists and filmmakers.
1923 COMMEMORATION EVENT
CIFF, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UCC, PRESENTS: SOULS AND SHADOWS: REMINISCENCES ON IRELAND’S REVOLUTION
TUE 21 | TRISKEL | 18:00
Souls and Shadows: Reminiscences on Ireland’s Revolution is our 1923 Commemoration event. In this exclusive premiere performance, Constance Markievicz, Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera reflect on Ireland’s embattled era, interacting with live music and contemporary newsreels. Written and directed by Barry Monahan, UCC Lecturer in Film Studies. Proudly supported by Cork City Council Commemoration Fund.
CORK JEWISH CULTURE WITH RUTI LACHS
THU 23 | ST. PETER’S | 15:30 | Free
Screening of short documentary film, Cork Jewish Culture Virtual Walk followed by a discussion with director Ruti Lachs.
This event is free but ticketed.
IFI CORK ON CAMERA: A FOCUS ON FLORA KERRIGAN
SUN 12 | TRISKEL | 15:30 | 90 mins
Made in 1960s Cork and preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive, these amateur films by Flora Kerrigan tackle existential subjects, from death to desire, through experimental animation and live-action filmmaking.
Presented by the Irish Film Institute in association with Maynooth University
ILLUMINATE
An important and meaningful programme concentrating on the intersection of film and mental health, exploring well-being and encouraging dialogue through the curated films.
THE ETERNAL MEMORY
Maite Alberdi | Chile | 2022 | 85 mins | Subtitled
A tender and unflinching observation of a couple grappling with a husband’s slow descent with Alzheimers. RG PANEL DISCUSSION
There will be a panel discussion with special guests following this screening. See corkfilmfest.org for details.
SAT 11 | TRISKEL | 16:45
IF ONLY NIGHT WOULDN’T FALL (ALS DE NACHT MAAR NIET VALT)
Marc Schmidt | Netherlands, United States, Norway | 2023 | 84 mins | Subtitled
A unique insight into how Western nations contend with various forms of mental illness, following people with different conditions across a range of demographics. RG
FRI 10 | TRISKEL | 12:30
The Eternal Memory
GREEN SCREEN
VIRGILIO
Alfred Oliveri | Argentina, Uruguay | 2022 | 88 mins | Subtitled
Peruvian superstar chef Virgilio Martinez embarks on an expedition through his native Peru to investigate the origins of its ingredients and re-evaluate his life, his restaurants, and the sustainability of food production post-pandemic. FC
PANEL DISCUSSION
A post-screening panel discussion will be facilitated by food writer and journalist Joe McNamee, with Cork Michelin Star chef Takashi Miyazaki; Virginia O’Gara, co-founder of My Goodness; and Dr. Barbara Doyle Prestwich, Head of Plant Science, UCC.
Presented in partnership with UCC. See corkfilmfest.org for details.
WED 15 | TRISKEL | 18:00
Highlighting the urgent issue of climate change and the environment, and promoting actions to make positive changes in our communities. Green Screen is sponsored by our Sustainability Partner Future Planet. Together, we were awarded Best Small Sponsorship by the Business to Arts Awards 2023 for our partnership to improve climate literacy and promote activism.
MIGHTY AFRIN: IN THE TIME OF FLOODS
Angelos Rallis | Greece, France | 2023 | 92 mins | Subtitled
Twelve-year-old Afrin flees from her flooded river home to the overpopulated city of Dhaka, alone on a small boat, in Angelos Rallis’ immersive environmental documentary. SE
TUE 14 | EVERYMAN | 14:30
SONGS OF EARTH (FEDRELANDET)
Margreth Olin | Norway | 2023 | 90 mins | Subtitled
A daughter documents her father’s deeply personal communion with the stunningly beautiful and mountainous terrain he grew up in. RBC
THU 23 | TRISKEL | 15:15
The Taste Of Things (Aka The Pot-Au-Feu)
CULINARY CINEMA
From surrealist gastronomic adventures to exquisite French cuisine to elevating the humble pizza, feast your eyes on our Culinary Cinema strand (visit corkfilmfest.org for details of our culinary event packages and p. 44 for our Film and Heritage Walking Tour). For more food-related films, see opposite for our Green Screen feature, Virgilio.
A CHEF FOR DALÍ (ESPERANDO A DALÍ)
David Pujol | Spain | 2023 | 112 mins | Subtitled
1970s Spain, a talented chef, Fernando, arrives at ‘The Surreal’ beach bar, Cadaqués, home to artist Salvador Dalí, and their paths cross to create a new culinary genius. Deliciously fun! FC
EVENT: Local, seasonal afterhours pop-up supper at The Farmgate Café, English Market.
FRI 10 | EVERYMAN | 17:00
STELLA
Tyler Doehring | United States | 2022 | 78 mins | Subtitled
Mouthwatering and joyful, can a humble Neapolitan pizzeria achieve the first Michelin Star for pizza whilst retaining its vital role as the soul of its community? FC
EVENT: Volcano Pizza, Neapolitan sweet treats and refreshments pop-up at NeighbourFood Apple Market.
TUE 14 | TRISKEL | 18:00
THE TASTE OF THINGS (AKA THE POT-AU-FEU)
Tran Anh Hung | France | 2023 | 133 mins | Subtitled
A Belle Époque feast for all the senses, Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel serve up gastronomic marvels with a moving tale of love. FC
EVENT: Cave-à-manger style French dining and wine pairing at L’Atitude 51.
SUN 19 | EVERYMAN | 15:00
GUILTY PLEASURES
If Guilty Pleasures was a movie, it would be Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh battling alien egg-wielding vampire ninjas in aerobics gear, whilst David Soul and Divine commit crime in comic books. Sign me up!
CONTAMINATION
Luigi Cozzi | Italy, West Germany | 1980 | 91 mins
It’s government scientist, Brooklyn cop and disgraced astronaut versus the alien eggs in Luigi Cozzi’s delightfully schlocky horror. SE
MON 20 | TRISKEL | 20:30
NINJA 3: THE DOMINATION
Sam Firstenberg | United States | 1984 | 92 mins
An aerobics instructor becomes possessed by an evil ninja intent on revenge in this incredible action-horror-exercise hybrid from the great Cannon Films. SE
SUN 12 | TRISKEL | 21:00
DANGER: DIABOLIK
Mario Bava | Italy, France| 1968 | 105 mins
Director Mario Bava brings the celebrated Italian comic book thief Diabolik to the big screen in this eye-popping action feast. SE
SAT 11 | TRISKEL | 10:00
POLICE STORY 3: SUPERCOP
Stanley Tong | Hong Kong | 1992 | 91 mins | Subtitled
HK legends Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh go undercover to bust a drug smuggling case in Stanley Tong’s incredible high-octane action flick. SE
SAT 18 | TRISKEL | 20:45
FEMALE TROUBLE
John Waters | United States | 1974 | 89 mins
Rebellious schoolgirl Dawn Davenport (Divine) leaves home to embark on an excess-fuelled life of crime and modelling in ‘King of Trash’ John Waters’ transgressive cult classic. SE
FRI 10 | TRISKEL | 20:45
SALEM’S LOT
Tobe Hooper | United States | 1979 | 180 mins
Tobe Hooper’s gripping adaptation of Stephen King’s vampire novel sees David Soul trying to save a small town from the undead. SE
MON 13 | EVERYMAN | 13:00
Police Story 3: Supercop
DREAMERS & VISIONARIES RETROSPECTIVE
Behind each of these exceptional films is an equally exciting story of struggle and success, with their directors breaking boundaries and making their artistic dreams come true... and sometimes also making the producers broke in the process.
ALMAYER’S FOLLY (LA FOLIE
ALMAYER)
Chantal Akerman | Belgium, France | 2011 | 127 mins | Subtitled
Dutch trader Almayer marries a local girl out of greed in this powerful adaptation of a Joseph Conrad novel. More than just a personal tragedy, the film is a critique of European colonialist history. AK
WED 15 | EVERYMAN | 14:00
THE PIANO
Jane Campion | Australia, France, New Zealand | 1993 | 121 mins
We are celebrating 30 years since Jane Campion became the first female and first New Zealand director to win Le Palme d’Or in Cannes for her period drama The Piano. AK
MON 13 | EVERYMAN | 17:00
COME AND GO (VAI E VEM)
João César Monteiro | Portugal | 2003 | 175 mins | Subtitled
Our retrospective is celebrating the 20th anniversary since the premiere of comedy drama Come and Go, the last film/ testament by Portuguese independent filmmaker João César Monteiro. AK FRI 24 | TRISKEL | 13:30
POITÍN
Bob Quinn | Ireland | 1978 /2007 | 65 mins | Subtitled
The first feature drama entirely in the Irish language, Poitín stars Donal McCann and Niall Tóibín as lawless louts and Cyril Cusack as a wily poitín maker - an acting triumvirate of rare greatness. DOM Print courtesy of the IFI Irish Film Archive SAT 11 | TRISKEL | 12:30
FITZCARRALDO
Werner Herzog | West Germany, Peru | 1982 | 158 mins
The story of an opera-loving Irishman who decides to move his steam ship over a Peruvian mountain to a rubberrich valley proved to be a gargantuan task, not only for the main character but also for Werner Herzog himself. AK
SAT 18 | EVERYMAN | 11:30
UNCLE BOONMEE WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVES (LUNG BOONMEE RALUEK CHAT)
Apichatpong Weerasethakul | Thailand | 2009 | 110 mins | Subtitled
Director and visual artist Weerasethakul is known for his dreamy, fantastic works that mix folk tales and religious beliefs with everyday stories of ordinary Thai people. AK
TUE 14 | EVERYMAN | 17:15
Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives
FAMILY & YOUNG PEOPLE
Well-behaved grown-ups are welcome to accompany eager young film fans to films and events specially selected for our younger audiences. Sensory-friendly and access information available on corkfilmfest.org
ROBOT DREAMS
Pablo Berger | Spain, France
| 2023 | 102 mins
Dog builds himself a robot, and they become the best of friends, but when an incident separates them, will they ever meet again? SE Also screening as part of Super Cine Saturday (see p. 21)
SUN 12 | EVERYMAN | 15:00
DEEP SEA
TIAN Xiaopeng | China | 2023 | 112 mins | Subtitled
A young girl embarks on a quest for the Eye of the Deep Sea, setting sail on a restaurant under the ocean. SE
SIROCCO AND THE KINGDOM OF THE WINDS FAMILY GALA
Benoît Chieux | France, Belgium
| 2023 | 80 mins | Subtitled + Live Voiceover in English
Juliette and Carmen love a series of fantasy books written by family friend Agnes. What an exciting and unexpected surprise when they find a secret passage from her house into the world of the books! A beautiful take on ‘Alice in Wonderland’ by French director Benoit Chieux. AK
See p. 12 for more about our Family Gala.
SAT 18 | EVERYMAN | 15:00 SUN 26 | TRISKEL | 14:30
FILMMAKING WORKSHOPS
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST CUT! YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL
JUNIOR FILMMAKING WORKSHOP (8-12 y.o.)
SAT 11 | 10:00 - 13:00
Experience the fun and creativity of filmmaking!
SENIOR FILMMAKING WORKSHOP (13-17 y.o.)
SUN 12 | 11:00 - 16:30
For teens with a passion for filmmaking, working with professionals.
See corkfilmfest.org or contact education@corkfilmfest.org to book.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORTS
Various | International | 2023 | 70 mins
A fun selection of films for tots up to early
MON 11 | EVERYMAN | 13:00
CLOSE SHAVE
UCC LORD PUTTNAM SCHOLARS 2023
When Finbarr finds out his wife is coming to visit him in hospital after a serious operation, he devises a courageous and off-the-wall plan to look his best for her.
Followed by a Q&A with the Scholars and Lord David Puttnam. See corkfilmfest.org
THU 16 | ST. PETER’S | 18:00
teens (see p. 40).
FILM EDUCATION WORKSHOP
THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER? FILM EDUCATION AND SCREEN SKILLS IN IRISH SCHOOLS
16 NOV | ST. PETER’S | 10:00 – 11:00
A panel with Oscar®-winning film producer, CEO & Founder of Atticus Education and CIFF Patron, Lord David Puttnam, school representatives and screensector educators, chaired by: Dr. Ciara Chambers, Head of the Department of Film & Screen, UCC. To book: schools@corkfilmfest.org.
Please note: for Transition Year and up only.
SCHOOLS
Supporting film in school curricula in Junior and Leaving Cert Spanish, French and German and are presented in association with IFI Education. This year, we include a Green Screen event focused on climate action suitable for students from Transition Year and up, with the documentary Fashion Reimagined followed by a panel discussion with special guests.
Schools programme available in Cork City (The Everyman Theatre) 13 - 17 November;
Ballincollig (The Reel Picture), Midleton and Mallow (Gate Cinemas) 20 - 24 November.
For enquiries and to book, please contact schools@corkfilmfest.org
Senior Cycle French Sixteen (16 Ans)
Junior Cycle French: The Little Gang (La Petite Bande)
Senior Cycle German: Run Lola Run (Lola Rennt)
Junior Cycle German: Too Far Away (Zu Weit Weg)
Senior Cycle Spanish: Schoolgirls (Las Niñas)
Junior Cycle Spanish: One for All (Uno para todos)
TY and up - Environmental Activism: Fashion Reimagined + Panel Discussion (CIFF Green Screen, sponsored by Future Planet
Presented in association with the Irish Film Institute Education
INTINN
Intinn is our free, unique film and mental health programme that offers Transition Year students the opportunity to explore mental health, personal well-being and strategies of resilience through film and workshops led by youth mental health specialists. See corkfilmfest.org.
Developed in collaboration with University College Cork and supported by ESB Energy for Generations Fund.
Available for free in-person 13 - 20 Nov, and online nationwide from 27 Nov. For enquiries and to book, please contact schools@corkfilmfest.org
LOOK@ME OUTREACH FILMMAKING PROJECT
MAKE SENSE
2022-’23 5th Year Class, Strawberry Hill CoEducational Primary School | Ireland | 2023 | 10 mins
A playful investigation of the five senses through sound and image made by students at Strawberry Hill Co-Educational Primary School, Cork with film artists Vicky Langan and Maximilian Le Cain. Commissioned by CIFF as part of its Look@Me film and education project.
TUE 21 | ST. PETER'S | 10:30
PARALLAX ARTIST MOVING IMAGE
AEMI EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS
A MOMENT BETWEEN
SAT 18 | SIRIUS ARTS CENTRE COBH | 13:00
Three experimental works curated by aemi for CIFF2023. Total: 70 mins.
Approx 1 Second of a Sweet Kiss Lisa Freeman | Ireland | 2023 | 13 mins | digital
In a Nearby Field | Laida Lertxundi, Ren Ebel | Spain | 2023 | 16 mins | 16mm/digital
Dusty Stacks of Mom | Jodie Mack | 2013 | United States | 41 mins | 16mm/digital
AEMI ARTIST IN FOCUS:
KEVIN JEROME EVERSON (PROGRAMME)
SUN 19 | TRISKEL | 10:45
A programme of short works by aemi’s international Artist in Focus at CIFF, the acclaimed and prolific filmmaker Kevin Jerome Everson. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker.
KEVIN JEROME EVERSON
(MASTERCLASS)
SAT 18 | SIRIUS ARTS CENTRE COBH | 15:00
This masterclass offers audiences an in-depth introduction to the artist’s influences and methodology. Here he will discuss the processes, procedures and materials used in his world-renowned moving image practice over the past two decades
Email info@aemi.ie to book your place.
SPIRIT MESSAGES
NEW PROGRAMME OF WORKS BY IRISH AND INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS + POST-SCREENING Q&A WITH FEATURED FILMMAKERS
SUN 19 | TRISKEL | 20:30
The world premiere of Spirit Messages, aemi’s 2024 touring programme, receiving its theatrical debut at the 68th Cork International Film Festival. Total: 66 mins.
Coaley Peak (A Fragment) | Dan Guthrie | United Kingdom | 2021 | 16mm/ digital | 6.5 mins
False Wife | Jamie Crewe | United Kingdom | 2022 | digital | 15 mins
The Flesh of Language | Amanda Rice | Ireland | 2023 | 16.5 mins
The Dog Who Became A Frog Niall Cullen | Ireland | 2023 | digital | 6.5 mins
Terror Has No Shape | Luis Arnías | Venezuela, United States | 2021 | 16mm/digital | 10 mins
Echo | Ross McClean | Ireland, United Kingdom, 2023 | 16mm/digital | 12 mins
SOLITAIRE
THU 16 | TRISKEL | 20:30
Maximilian Le Cain | Ireland | 2023 | 73 mins
The latest film from 2023 UCC Film Artist in Residence Maximillian Le Cain is an unsettling experimental ghost story. SE Maximilian Le Cain will participate in a UCC Film Artist in Residence ‘In Conversation’.
SIRIUS AOIFE DESMOND
THU 16 | SIRIUS ARTS CENTRE COBH | 17:00
Exploring the relationship between humans and nature.
SIRIUS – HARBOUR’S MOUTH | 2023 | 12 mins
PASSAGE MIGRANTS | 2023 | 55 mins
GRAVING DOCK REVISITED | 2010 | 2:56 mins
MARIENBAD FILM FESTIVAL:
EXPERIMENTAL SHORTS
SUN 19 | TRISKEL | 15:45
CIFF is delighted to show a programme of short films from Marienbad Film Festival, an international film festival in the Czech Republic focusing on works of experimental nature,and contemporary moving image.
The Subterranean River Of Czech Cinema
This selection of four short experimental films shows a diverse range of approaches within Czech contemporary experimental filmmaking and the broad focus of the Marienbad Film Festival.
Traces, Fragments, Roots (Stopy, Střepy, Kořeny)
Květa Přibylová | Czechia | 2016 | 20 mins
Return To Adriaport (Návrat Do Adriaportu)
Adéla Babanová | Czechia | 2013 | 13 mins
Mitsu | Mark Ther | Czechia | 2018 | 15 mins
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back (Krok Vpřed, Dva Kroky Vzad)
Zbyněk Baladrán | Czechia | 2019 | 10 mins
ARTISTS’ FILM INTERNATIONAL
AT CRAWFORD ART GALLERY
FRI 10 – SUN 19 | CRAWFORD ART GALLERY
CIFF is delighted to collaborate with Crawford Art Gallery in presenting an Artist Talk with Michelle Deignan hosted by curator Dawn Wililams. Michelle is an artist and filmmaker based in London and her short film, Looking for Gary has been selected by Crawford Art Gallery to feature as part of Artists’ Film International (AFI), a collaborative project featuring film, video and animation from around the world.
Artist Talk With Michelle Deignan 16 NOV | CRAWFORD ART GALLERY | 17:30
For the full AFI screening schedule at the Crawford Art Gallery (10 - 19 Nov), see corkfilmfest.org
ANOTHER COUNTRY
PARALLAX EMERGING FILM ARTIST
FRI 10 - SUN 26 | LORD MAYOR’S PAVILION | 11:00 - 16:00 | FREE
A solo exhibition by Myfanwy Frost-Jones, inaugural recipient of the Parallax Emerging Film Artist Bursary, established by CIFF, National Sculpture Factory, and Sample-Studios, Cork in 2022. The recipient of the 2024 Bursary will be announced during the Festival, on Thu 16 Nov at St. Peter’s. See p. 13 for details.
In The Beginning, Woman Was The Sun
FREE RADICALS
TUE 14 | TRISKEL | 15:30 | 86 mins
Please note: This programme contains sequences of fast flashing lights. It may affect people who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy.
ANOTHER LIFE SOMEWHERE Traolach Ó Murchú | Ireland | 2023 | 3 mins
FABRIC FILM
Penny McGovern | United Kingdom | 2023 | 5 mins
I FOUND WATER SJ Ramir | New Zealand | 2023 | 10 mins
GRODEK | Devin Horan | United States | 2022 | 10 mins
HIGH AS KITES | Ian Helliwell | UK | 2022 | 3 mins
POOL OF COLOURS | Ian Helliwell | UK | 2022 | 3 mins
STRUCTURAL TIME LENS Ian Helliwell | United Kingdom | 2022 | 4 mins
WATERPARK | Ross Malo | Ireland | 2023 | 4 mins
HAPPY DOOM | Billy Roisz | Austria | 2023 | 3 mins
PROTOTIPO | Tina Frank, General Magic | Austria | 2023 | 4 mins
IN THE BEGINNING, WOMAN WAS THE SUN
Sylvia Schedelbauer | Germany | 2022 | 18 mins
OH, BUTTERFLY!
Sylvia Schedelbauer | Germany | 2022 | 19 mins
IRISH SHORTS
In-competition programmes are eligible for Grand Prix Irish Short Award and produced in 2023 (except where indicated)
IRISH SHORTS 1: IN COMPETITION
2023 | 96 mins
SAT 11 | TRISKEL | 14:30
An eclectic and exciting mix of Irish and World Premiere shorts.
DEATH OF THE SALARY MAN - Daniel Kehelly
WE GATHER - Dominic Curran (2022)
WITH LOVE, FROM AIDAN - Reuben Harvey
AMOEBA - Ian Fallon
THE BOAT - Luke Morgan
SHEE - Lia Campbell
ANAM CHARA - Cillian Lúcás Ó Gairbhí
IRISH SHORTS 2: IN COMPETITION
2023 | 89 mins
MON 13 | TRISKEL | 17:30
A selection of daring and innovative Irish and World Premiere shorts.
FÜR BETTINA - Adrian Duncan
TÁIM ABHAILE - Martina Aloia (2022) [C]
MYRRH - Yvonne McDevitt
MUSIC FOR SOLO PERFORMER - Jenny Brady (2022)
WHALE FALL - Patrick Hough
Whale Fall
The Boat
With Love, From Aidan
Immeasurable
of The Prawn
IRISH
SHORTS 3:
PURE CORK IN COMPETITION
2023 | 94 mins
SUN 12 | EVERYMAN | 12:45
A showcase of the breadth and quality of filmmaking talent in Cork City and County.
TO BE WHAT WE ARE - Claire Murphy [C]
CORK JOURNAL - Marta Renzi [C]
CUMHA - Elena Horgan [C]
ANUA - Aoise Tutty Jackson (2022)* [C]
ALIEN SKULL SUCKERS - Noel Holmes [C]
THE IMMEASURABLE GRIEF
OF THE PRAWN - Elinor O’Donovan [C]
SALTWATER - Jesse Gilbert [C]
TWO FOR THE ROAD - Lochlainn McKenna* [C]
Best Cork Short Award is sponsored by Murphy's (see p. 13)
IRISH SHORTS 4: OUT OF COMPETITION
2023 | 99 mins
SUN 19 | EVERYMAN | 12:30
Enjoy a selection of some of our favourite Irish short films from the past year. Mostly fiction, but documentary and animation are also represented.
CANINE - Paul Webster
DEAD MAN NO GOOD - Linda Bhreathnach
MYCELIUM - Maria-Elena Doyle
2% BABY - Róisín Sinai Kelly
FINDLATER - Allyn Quigley
MISREAD - Aisling Byrne, Sinéad O’Loughlin
MUD QUEEN - Nathan Fagan, Luke Daly
*not eligible for Grand Prix Irish Short Award
[C] denotes eligible for Best Cork Short Award
[D] denotes eligible for Grand Prix Documentary Award
SCREEN IRELAND / FÍS ÉIREANN
2023 | 82 mins
SAT 11 | EVERYMAN | 18:00
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is proud to present the World Premiere of an exciting, moving and inspirational selection of new Irish short films funded under the Focus and Real Short film schemes.
GAEL FORCE - Tara Hegarty
TWO FOR THE ROAD - Lochlainn
McKenna (Cork premiere)
ROOM TAKEN - TJ O'Grady-Peyton
WRECKER - Martina Glynn
YELLOW BELT - Allyn Quigley
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS
International Premieres: Eligible for Grand Prix International Short Award and Grand Prix Documentary Short Award. All films are from 2023 except where indicated.
Nocturnal Burger Appalachia
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 2
2023 | 90 mins
MON 13 | TRISKEL | 12:30
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 1
2023 | 91 mins
SUN 12 | EVERYMAN | 10:30
We present four magnificent shorts whose strong visual aesthetics and bold presentation of their themes will make for an impactful screening.
MAST-DEL - Maryam Tafakory [D]
NOCTURNAL BURGER - Reema Maya
OH, BUTTERFLY! - Sylvia Schedelbauer (2022)
ELECTRA - Daria Kashcheeva
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHORTS
2023 | 70 mins
SAT 11 | EVERYMAN | 13:00
A fun selection of films for tots up to early teens. See p. 34 for more family films.
LITTLE FAN - Sveta Yuferova, Shad Lee Bradbury
CAT - Julia Ocker (2022)
CATS ARE LIQUID - Natálie Durchánková
SOMNI - Sonja Rohleder
STARLING - Mitra Shahidi
Shorts from an experimentalist, a soothing animation, a tale of star-crossed lovers, a comedy spliced with darker moments and The Golden Bear winner at Berlinale 2023!
CAVE PAINTING - Siegfried A. Fruhauf
SOMNI - Sonja Rohleder
APPALACHIA - Roxana Stroe (2022)
BASRI & SALMA IN A NEVERENDING COMEDY - Khozy Rizal
LES CHENILLES - Michelle Keserwany, Noel Keserwany
Please note, Cave Painting contains flashing images that may affect certain viewers.
Peter
REROOT - Connor Richmond
PETER AND THE WOLF - Stephen McNally, Elliot
Dear. Animation based on original images by Bono.
SWING TO THE MOON - Marie Bordessoule, Adriana Bouissie, Nadine De Boer, Elisa Drique, Chloé Lauzu, Vincent Levrero, Solenne Moreau (2022)
(2022)
And The Wolf
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 3
2023 | 96 mins
TUE 14 | TRISKEL | 13:00
A films about animals in films, a hallucinatory road trip, the defining moment of a penalty kick, an animation featuring the soaring voices of Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Lily Lanken and Martha Wainwright, and no small amount of humour, either!
NO ANIMAL - Christoph Girardet, Matthias Müller [EFA] THE MÖBIUS TRIP - Simone Smith NOW.HERE - Hao Zhao
THE GIRL WITH THE RED BERET - Janet Perlman WHY ARE YOU IMAGE PLUS? - Diogo Baldaia INCIDENCES - Mischa Hedinger, Michela Flück (2022) IF THE SUN DROWNED INTO AN OCEAN OF CLOUDS - Wissam Charaf
EUNIC SHORT SHORTS FROM EUROPE FILM FESTIVAL 2023
2023 | 84 mins
WED 22 | ST. PETER’S | 18:00 | FREE
MALTA PRESENTS: I LOST MYSELF WHEN I FOUND YOU - Chelsea Muscat
PORTUGAL PRESENTS: NESTOR - João Gonzalez
SPAIN PRESENTS: CASTILLA MAL - Sara Rivero
GERMANY PRESENTS: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE TODAY - Sophia Groening
SLOVENIA PRESENTS: FAREWELL - Leon Vidmar
LUXEMBOURG PRESENTS: L’OGRE - Aurélien Pira
GREECE PRESENTS: IN TEN MINUTES - Christian Circa
INTERNATIONAL SHORTS 4 DOCUMENTARY
2023 | 99 mins
WED 15 | TRISKEL | 13:00
A selection of innovative documentary approaches ranging from the visceral to the beautiful.
MODERN SPEED - Mats Christian Rude Halvorsen [D] VOICE OF THE LAND - Bárbara Wagner & Benjamin de Burca [D]
LOVEBOARD - Felipe Casanova [D]
CALLS - Ming-Wei Chiang (2022) [D]
AQUERONTE - Manuel Muñoz Rivas [D]
POLAND PRESENTS: AIRBORNE - Andrzej Jobczyk
FRANCE PRESENTS: SUPERMARKET - Pierre Dugowson
IRELAND PRESENTS: RED RABBIT - Rory Kerr
AUSTRIA PRESENTS: IN THE UPPER ROOM - Alexander Gratzer
OUT OF COMPETITION
CORK INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS:
POULAPHOUCA - Ian Fallon
TUS LIMERICK SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN (CLONMEL) / RICHARD HARRIS
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS: NICO - Dailies Productions
The Girl With The Red Beret
Modern Speed
[D] denotes eligible for Grand Prix Documentary Award
INDUSTRY EVENTS
FIRST TAKE
THU 16 NOV | 12:00 - 16:00
| ST. PETER’S | TICKETS €15
First Take is a training and development platform for newly established film professionals, film and media students and the wider film industry, which comprises case studies, presentations and panel discussions. Its intention is to promote fresh thinking amongst emerging and working filmmakers, inspiring them to be proactive in creating and promoting their own film work.
This year’s event will include collaborations with Screen Greening, an important new sustainability initiative for the Irish film industry, as well as the National Talent Academies, with whom we will discuss diversity and inclusion in the Irish screen sector.
We will also profile Irish Short Filmmakers appearing in this year’s programme and host a special career interview with filmmaker Paul Duane, whose new feature film All You Need Is Death will screen at this year’s Festival (see p. 14).
A networking reception co-supported by National Talent Academies will conclude the event at 16:00.
DOC DAY LIVE
FRI 24 NOV | 12:00- 17:00
| ST. PETER’S | TICKETS €20/15
Cork International Film Festival continues to develop its focus on high-quality Irish and international documentary cinema with Doc Day, connecting emerging and established non-fiction filmmakers with industry professionals and the wider documentary sector, with the objective of helping to inform, inspire and develop opportunities within the global documentary landscape.
Doc Day 2023 will focus on artist filmmakers and their work in the non-fiction space, include a conversation on personal documentary filmmaking with the director, producer and editor of My Friend Lanre (screening in the CIFF2023 documentary selection), and a case study of leading Irish doc production house, Venom Films. The event will conclude with a keynote conversation with Ella Glendining, director of this year’s Documentary Gala Is There Anybody Out There?
A networking reception, co-supported by Creative Europe Media Desk Ireland from 17:00 to 18:30, will conclude the event and will be followed by our Documentary Gala, Is There Anybody Out There? at 20:00 at the Triskel (see p. 12).
Filmmaker Paul Duane
Director Ella Glendining
DOC DAY ONLINE
24 NOV - 31 DEC | FREE OF CHARGE
In addition to the in-person offering for Doc Day 2023, the Festival will host a series of online sessions complimenting this year’s nonfiction programme and encompassing in-depth filmmaker conversations and case studies
Visit corkfilmfest.org/industry for further details and to book.
IGNITE - DOCS
IGNITE - Docs is a bilingual talent development programme led by Cork International Film Festival and Docs Ireland and directed towards emerging Irish and Northern Irish documentary filmmakers embarking on their first or second non-fiction feature film.
A joint initiative of Cork International Film Festival and Docs Ireland, Belfast, supported by TG4, the Arts Council of Ireland, Fís Éireann/ Screen Ireland, Screen Skillnet, Northern Ireland Screen, and Arts & Business NI.
Our Industry Events are presented in partnership with Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
Supported by
Lord David Puttnam
CORK FILM TRAIL
“Film festivals are markers of the cultural heritage of a place. In exploring how art reaches and impacts an audience in a city, town or country, we learn about the social fabric and cultural soul of a location.” Dr. Ciara Chambers, Head of Department of Film & Screen Media, UCC
As we approach our 70th edition of the Festival in 2025, this year’s Cork Film Trail invites you to take a wander through the streets of Cork City to explore the CIFF’s rich heritage and deep connection to our changing city over the past seven decades.
Take in stunning images of the Festival and the city from the CIFF Digital Archive, a treasure trove of precious materials tracking the history of modern film and Cork, at these five key locations: City Hall, Anglesea Street; Savoy Cinema, Patrick Street; The Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain Street; the Irish Examiner, Oliver Plunkett Street; and at our Festival Hub, St. Peter’s Cork. Our handy online Trail map and accompanying short podcasts at each site will guide you on your exploration.
CIFF WALKING TOURS
Explore the Festival and our city on foot with two new CIFF Walking Tours: our Film and Heritage Walking Tour hosted by historian and Lord Mayor, Cllr Kieran McCarthy and a Culinary and Film Heritage Walking Tour hosted by Regina Sexton, UCC Adult Continuing Education lecturer, food writer, culinary historian, broadcaster and cook. For tour dates and times, see corkfilmfest.org.
CIFF Walking Tours are supported by Cork City
Feeling peckish or thirsty en route? Experience Cork’s famous hospitality and pub scene by enjoying some refreshments along the way (see our Trail map for nearby establishments at each site!). Keep an eye on corkfilmfest.org and our socials for details of our Trail pub quiz during the Festival too.
Don’t forget to share your Trail experience on social media with #CIFF2023.
The Cork Film Trail is presented in collaboration with our Creative Partner Babelfís and UCC, and sponsored by Murphy’s.
CIFF DIGITAL ARCHIVE
Cork International Film Festival’s unique Digital Archive is a treasure trove of precious materials, including photographs, programme covers and posters from previous Festival editions, tracking the history of modern film and Cork amassed over 68 years. Developed in collaboration with the Department of Digital Humanities at University College Cork, the Archive provides a unique snapshot of modern film history and the story of Cork’s development. View the archive online at corkfilmfest.ucc.ie.
DAYTIME HUB & NIGHTTIME CLUB
Soak up the Festival atmosphere, browse our programme over a coffee, and meet other like-minded filmmakers and film fans - day or night - in our city-centre Festival hubs.
FESTIVAL HUBST. PETER’S CORK
We are delighted to partner with St. Peter’s Cork on North Main Street to provide our daytime Festival Hub.
St. Peter’s is an artistic and cultural space built on the grounds of a 12th-century church, an ideal spot for gathering and enjoying the festivities and refreshments between films.
As the heart of Festival activities, you’ll have access to CIFF customer support service, a unique screening space, and a meeting point for events, along with our many filmmakers, jurors and industry professionals. Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, 9 - 26 Nov.
FESTIVAL CLUBINTERMISSION
@ THE PAV
Round off your day of watching the best in cultural cinema, and relax in the cosy surroundings and stunning interior of Intermission (Carey’s Lane), a testament to the fine talents of Cork’s skilled craftspeople. Every night during the Festival from 21:30.
Festival Club sponsored by our official Drinks Partner, Murphy's.
ONLINE PROGRAMME
We are delighted to offer a programme of European film highlights - all Irish premieresonline nationwide from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 November. Just like cinema screenings, online screenings have limited capacity so we recommend pre-booking. See corkfilmfest.org to book and watch.
DARK AGES
Tom Wilson | Romania, Czech Republic | 2023 | 77 mins
Angel's seemingly perfect life is turned upside down by a late-night arrival of an old family friend, Carmen. Produced by renowned Romanian director Corneliu Porumboiu and directed by British filmmaker Tom Wilson. AK
MAGNETIC FIELDS
Yorgos Goussis | Greece | 2021 | 78 mins | Subtitled
Following a chance meeting, two strangers explore an island looking for the best place to bury a metallic box. SE
TO BOOK YOUR ONLINE TICKET
LUISE
Matthias Luthardt | Germany, France | 2023 | 95 mins | Subtitled
Alsace, 1918. A woman on a remote farm near the border provides refuge for a French woman and the injured German soldier who was pursuing her. SE
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Visit corkfilmfest.org and choose your film. Click on ‘Book Now’
2. Book/pre-book and pay for your film when prompted
3. When you have successfully paid, your film will become available to watch at 12.01 on Mon 20 Nov (if you are pre-booking) or as soon as you have paid during the seven-day programme period.
• Once you start watching your film, you have 30 hours to finish it
• You can pause your film at any time during the 30-hour watch window
• ●Each film in the online programme is available to start watching at any time during the seven-day availability period (20-26 Nov)
THE NOTHINGNESS CLUB
Edgar Pêra | Portugal | 2023 | 92 mins | Subtitled
The many pseudonyms of renowned poet Fernando Pessoa are brought to life, working in an office under Pessoa in his publishing house. SE
MELCHIOR THE APOTHECARY (APTEEKER MELCHIOR)
Elmo Nüganen | Estonia, Latvia, Germany | 2022 | 100 mins | Subtitled
Melchior is an apothecary who is also adept at solving crimes, looking to science and evidence rather than superstition and faith, in mediaeval Tallinn. SE
PLASTIC SYMPHONY
Juraj Lehotský | Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland | 2022 | 97 mins | Subtitled
Two stepbrothers and street musicians rely on each other's support until unfulfilled ambition starts to break their bond. SE
FIND US
ACCESS
If you are planning to visit Cork to attend the 68th Cork International Film Festival, scan the QR code to access our map and helpful travel and accommodation tips. Please check with your travel operator regarding the latest travel information and timetables.
As a local festival with a global focus, CIFF has celebrated and promoted diversity and inclusion for 68 years. We welcome all visitors to screenings and events and are committed to ensuring that the Festival, its venues and activities, are accessible and inclusive.
• Festival Volunteers are onsite at each venue to support access needs during screenings.
• Our Festival Hub at St Peter’s Cork, where our Customer Support desk is based, has step-free access.
• Our Festival Club, Intermission, has a stepfree entrance and accessible bathroom. The Pavilion is not accessible by wheelchair.
• Our Festival screening venues have step-free access, accessible bathroom facilities, and wheelchair spaces in their auditoria - please see corkfilmfest.org/access for full details
• All non-English language films will be subtitled. More information about venue and online accessibility, and sensory-friendly screenings, is available at corkfilmfest.org/access.
If you have specific access needs or queries, we would be happy to help: access@corkfilmfest.org or +353 (0) 21 427 1711
SUSTAINABILITY
CIFF is committed to becoming a greener organisation that can lead the way for a more sustainable cultural landscape in Ireland. We encourage our audiences to support us on our sustainability journey, and we welcome any feedback that can help us improve: sustainability@corkfilmfest.org
The Arts Council proudly supports film festivals to bring the art of film to you.
The Arts Council proudly supports film festivals to bring the art of film to you.
Cumar:
Rhapsody
Holy Island