Much to see at Cork Film Festival

THE 63rd Cork Film Festival has been in full swing since Friday night but movie buffs can still look forward to a full week of events before the Closing Gala on Sunday, November 18.

“Our mission is to bring people together through an outstanding programme of films and events, creating an unforgettable festival experience,” Cork Film Festival Producer and CEO Fiona Clark said.

The festival programme has been curated to have broad appeal, catering to families and school groups in addition to film fans and industry professionals.

One of Cork’s favourite sons, Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy, lends his voice to The Overcoat which is being screened in The Gate on Saturday, November 17. The family-friendly 31-minute animation is a retelling of a classic Russian short story and also features the voice of Alfred Molina.

All week, there are screenings of films in French, German and Spanish for secondary level language students as well as special screenings of Black 47 for senior cycle history students.

Fresh off the recent success of Rosie, Waterford actor Moe Dunford will attend the screening of The Dig on Thursday, along with directors Ryan and Andrew Tohill. Two of Ireland’s top artists Alice Maher and Aideen Barry will also attend their short, 6SKIN on Tuesday.

Stand out female directors in attendance include Cynthia Lowen with Netizens, a documentary exposing the proliferation of cyber harassment faced by women and Belarus filmmaker Darya Zhuk with Crystal Swan - both on Thursday.

Filmmakers Donal Mosher and Mike Palmieri will attend The Gospel of Eureka on the final day, which compares performances of Eureka Springs’ drag community with the city’s long-running play on the Passion of Christ.

The Grand Prix Irish Short and the Grand Prix International Short are Academy Award-qualifying, ensuring that the winners in Cork will be automatically longlisted for the Oscars.

These and the other awards will be announced at a ceremony in The Triskel from 5pm on Sunday before the festival closes with a screening of the award-winning Capernaum at The Everyman.

For full details see corkfilmfest.org.