Cork International Film Festival

The Cork International Film Festival is held each November in Cork City, Ireland. Founded in 1956, it is the country’s oldest and largest film festival, showcasing a wide range of Irish and international films.

• Founded in 1956 as part of An Tóstal
• Ireland’s oldest and largest film festival
• Held annually in November in Cork City
• Features Irish and international films
• Three awards are Academy Awards qualifiers

What it is

The Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) is a major annual event in Ireland’s cultural calendar, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals in Cork City. As the country’s oldest and largest film festival, CIFF is known for its diverse programme, which features everything from big-budget productions to independent films, documentaries, and shorts. The festival is especially valued as a showcase for Irish film, providing a platform for new voices and established talent alike. For many, CIFF is a celebration of cinema’s power to connect people and spark conversation.

Where it comes from

The festival began in 1956 as part of An Tóstal, a national celebration of Irish culture. Over the decades, it has grown in stature and scope, reflecting the evolving landscape of Irish and global cinema. From 2007 to 2012, it was known as the Corona Cork Film Festival due to sponsorship. The festival’s history is preserved in the Dr. Joan Byrne Collection at University College Cork, which holds memorabilia and documents from its early years and the Irish Film Society.

How it is celebrated

During the festival, Cork City comes alive with screenings across various venues, offering audiences the chance to experience a wide array of films. The programme includes major international releases, world cinema, and a strong selection of Irish productions, as well as documentaries and short films. Filmmaker awards are a highlight, with three of the festival’s fourteen prizes qualifying winners for the Academy Awards. Attendees can expect lively discussions, Q&A sessions, and opportunities to meet filmmakers. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a focus on celebrating both established and emerging talent.

Joining in

Visitors to Cork during the festival can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant film culture. Most screenings and events take place in central venues, making it easy to explore on foot. Expect a friendly, enthusiastic crowd and a packed schedule of films and talks. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or a newcomer, you’ll find plenty to enjoy and discover at CIFF.

In the news

• Cork couples whose love story has a connection to film invited to take part in festival projectecho live

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Cork International Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it, and news headlines link to their publishers. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Cork International Film Festival on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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