Cillian Murphy film to premier at Cork's Sounds from a Safe Harbour

Organisers of the Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH) festival have announced the film programme for this year’s 10th anniversary event.

The festival, taking place across multiple venues in Cork city from September 11 to 14, will see a range of films, documentaries and other creative works showcased.

Curated by an evolving team that includes festival director Mary Hickson, actor Cillian Murphy, composer Bryce Dessner (The National), author Max Porter, and folklorist Billy MagFhlionn, this year’s SFSH continues to be shaped by the collaborative spirit of the 37d03d residency, which is the creative engine behind the festival.

The festival’s newly-announced film programme features three premieres, music documentaries, and artist-led conversations, all of which reflect the festival’s ethos of creativity, curiosity, and community.

The film strand of the festival programme includes the European premiere of Steve, which will take place at the Arc Cinema, followed by a Q&A with Cillian Murphy, Max Porter and Tim Mielants in Cork Opera House; the Irish premiere of Train Dreams, which will also take place at the Arc Cinema, and will be followed by a Q&A with Bryce Dessner; and the Irish premiere of It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley, a documentary into the life of the American musician, featuring never-before-seen footage, exclusive voice messages, and candid reflections from those who knew him.

Other showings include a screening of It’s All Gonna Break: Broken Social Scene at the Arc Cinema, which will be followed by a Q&A with founding member Charlie Spearin, hosted by Brendan Canty; a screening of In Time: Dónal Lunny at Triskel Christchurch, followed by a Q&A with director Nuala O’Connor, Brian McGloinn, and Frank Tate, and a special live music performance featuring Andy Irvine; a screening of Conor Walsh: Selected Piano Works at The Arc Cinema, followed by a Q&A with Jill Beardsworth and Keith Walsh, hosted by Ray Cuddihy; a screening of Eno at The Arc Cinema, which is an acclaimed documentary on Brian Eno; and a screening of Listen to the Land Speak at The Arc Cinema, which explores Irish mythology and Ireland’s landscapes.

Co-curator of the festival, award-winning actor, Cillian Murphy said: “Cork audiences will truly relish this bespoke selection of unique films”.

“I am thrilled to be part of the inaugural film programme of SFSH 2025,” 

said Mr Murphy.

“There has always been such a natural crossover between cinema and music, and these delightfully diverse films very much speak to the philosophy and heart of what this festival is all about. It is very meaningful for me to have the European premiere of Steve in my hometown of Cork city. Steve is a film that Max Porter wrote listening to 90’s Jungle and the film’s score is deeply influenced by the rhythms and patterns of drum and bass,” he added.

“I think Cork audiences will truly relish this bespoke selection of unique films, which can be sampled alongside the amazing live music events happening across the city throughout the festival.”

Festival director, Mary Hickson, said that there was a “lovely serendipity around the film programme and how it came together”.

“Lots of personal connections and offerings that formed the whole,” said Ms Hickson.

“Huge thanks to all of the films for agreeing to present at SFSH25.

“We are beyond thrilled to present all of these film titles.”

Tickets for each event will go on sale from 12pm on August 5 at: www.soundsfromasafeharbour.com.