Christy leads the way in Cork film festival line-up

Film lovers in Cork are in for a treat as the Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) launches its European Film Weekend.

This is a free three-day showcase of daring cinema from across the European Union, running from Friday, February 6, to Sunday, February 8 at The Arc Cinema.

The event promises to bring the best contemporary European storytelling to local audiences.

Among the highlights is the locally made, Knocknaheeny-set film Christy, ensuring a strong homegrown presence alongside European features.

There are four other films in the line-up: Deaf (Sorda), It Was Just An Accident, Love Me Tender, and Sentimental Value.

All four, alongside Christy, have been shortlisted for the 2026 LUX Audience Award. The prestigious film award is voted for by European citizens and Members of the European Parliament.

The five films will be shown alongside a programme of short films nominated for the European Film Awards.

Fiona Clark, Festival Director and CEO, says it is important to bring films like this to Cork and says the festival aims to encourage audiences to discover film and reimagine the world.

“Screening films like these in Cork for free allows audiences to experience stories they might not otherwise see, sparking conversation and broadening perspectives.

“It also reinforces Cork’s position as a vibrant cultural hub on the edge of Europe, where both local and international voices are celebrated, and the latest and best European film work is accessible.”

The weekend is taking place in partnership with the EU Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and the Arc Cinema, which Clark says is vital to helping CIFF offer free screenings of the films.

She also says that the CIFF European Film Weekend will kick off the festival’s established calendar of year-round film events, including programmes for St Patrick’s Day, Cruinniú na nÓg, Bastille Day, and Culture Night, plus specially curated films and outreach projects for schools and young people throughout the year.

The festival committee is particularly excited to present Christy, directed by Brendan Canty and starring a predominantly Cork cast.

“It’s incredibly exciting for the film, for CIFF, and for Cork. Brendan Canty, the director of Christy, premiered his short film of the same name at our 2019 Festival.

“At our 70th edition last November, we presented the world premiere of his documentary Gealtra, which was awarded both the Best New Irish Feature Award and the Audience Award. He is a great talent, and we are thrilled to support him as his career flourishes.

“Seeing his feature Christy recognised on such a large stage is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our local filmmakers.”

Canty says: “It’s incredibly humbling to be nominated for the LUX Audience Award alongside such incredible films, two of which are heading to the Oscars.

“As part of the nomination, these films are screened across the EU and translated into every EU language, which is really special.

“The idea that young people, and especially kids from care backgrounds all over the EU, might see Christy and feel represented means a huge amount to me.”

The filmmaker is proud that Christy will be shown at the European Film Weekend in Cork.

“I’m also delighted that the Cork International Film Festival is showcasing the nominees here at home. Getting to share the film with a Cork audience as part of this programme feels very full circle, and I’d love to see local audiences get behind it and vote for us.”

Clark says it is important for CIFF to continue fostering relationships with local filmmakers and European talent.

“Our mission is to connect audiences and filmmakers through transformative experiences, and so building these relationships is essential. It creates a dialogue between local and international filmmakers, encourages collaboration, and opens doors for Cork talent on a European and global stage.

“Festivals are not just about screening films; they’re about building connections, communities and networks that last long after the lights come up. As a local festival with an international reach, we’re very proud of our 70-year and continuing commitment to nurturing new Cork talent.”

Cork talent continues to dominate the IFTAs this year, highlighting the county’s immense wealth of creative individuals.

“As an integral part of Cork’s film history, CIFF has played a significant role in nurturing and supporting the county’s flourishing filmmaking scene.

“It’s thrilling to see Cork talent thriving on national and international stages. This doesn’t happen in a vacuum; the city and county have always valued and been rich in creativity, and CIFF is proud to be part of that ecosystem, supporting emerging talent, connecting filmmakers, and celebrating stories that originate here.

“It really speaks to the vibrancy and ambition of the Cork film community, as well as the important role that a festival of the scale and quality like CIFF brings.”

Clark hopes the inaugural European Film Weekend will become a lasting tradition in Cork, inspiring future editions for years to come.

“Showcasing LUX Audience Award nominees aligns perfectly with our mission to create access to exceptional European cinema in Cork, continually building an appetite for our annual Festival in November. We see it as a way to inspire our audiences, introduce new voices, and continue fostering cultural exchange through film.

“Through our partnerships with the EU Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and the Arc Cinemas, we hope to continue to do this, building on three years of partnership in presenting this mini-European festival at the start of the year.”

The CIFF European Film Weekend runs from February 6 to 8.

See: https://corkfilmfest.org