'It’s a smorgasbord; we really do have something for everyone': Cork Film Festival gets underway
Cork International Film Festival: Highlights include Éanna Hardwicke in Ancestors.
From highly-anticipated premieres and films from across the globe, to industry events and even a dog-friendly screening, this year’s packed programme promises something for every film-lover, celebrating the very best of cinema both at home and on the international stage.
Festival Director and CEO Fiona Clark says last year’s 70th anniversary reminded everyone of the festival’s importance, and that it is vital to cherish, support, and invest in it for the sake of audiences and filmmakers alike.
The event will see the Irish premiere of the much-anticipated , starring Éanna Hardwicke and set in London in the 1980s. Clark says she is thrilled to bring the film to Cork.
“Ancestors is a beautiful film. It’s wonderful to have David Turpin, an established screenwriter, making his debut as a director. The script is strong, and the performances are excellent. Éanna Hardwicke is brilliant at conveying what’s not said. That’s really the mark of a fine actor.”
Hardwicke will also be honoured with the prestigious Puttnam Award, named after Cork-based producer and filmmaker Lord David Puttnam.
“It’s a real testament to the body of work Éanna has already done. He will be doing an in-person conversation about his work and career at lunchtime on the 13th, which should be really interesting.”
The festival will also premiere , a film exploring a chapter in the life of actor Jimmy Stewart, which was filmed at West Cork Film Studios. Clark says local support for the film has been immense.
“The response to has been so fantastic that we’ve had to put on a second screening. There are a lot of extras in the film from Cork and Munster, many of whom are coming to see it. The producer of Jimmy is also the producer of The Body Of Water, which was also filmed in West Cork and is also in our programme. It’s a full-circle moment for both films at the festival.”
Animation fans can catch the Irish premiere of Julián, the latest feature from Cartoon Saloon’s Louise Bagnall, while retro lovers can revisit Stanley Kubrick’s iconic Dr Strangelove.
Nostalgia is also on the cards with the return of much-loved 1993 family classic . Closer to home, music fans can enjoy the world premiere of , celebrating Cork legend Rory Gallagher. Rounding out some of the highlights is The Debut, starring Hollywood heavyweights Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti.
Clark says the festival plays an important role in supporting and strengthening the wider ecosystem of Cork’s film industry.
“We want Cork to be a destination for filmmakers and film-lovers. We’re part of that ecosystem that supports filmmakers throughout their journey and then connects them with their audience during the festival. That platform the festival provides for screenings is powerful.”
The festival features a range of strands, including Green Screen, which explores films centred on climate change and the environment, and Disruptors, celebrating maverick filmmakers. Clark says Culinary Cinema is among her personal favourites.
“I’m not supposed to have favourites, but I love our Culinary Cinema strand. A big audience favourite will be , a dark comedy about a woman who finds a human finger in her chilli at her local diner, which becomes the catalyst for everything else to go wrong. Afterwards, Bakestone Café on Perry Street will play host to an American diner-style feast. If you can’t make it to the food part, I recommend booking for the film. It’s a good one.”
Clark says Ballymaloe Grainstore will play host to a documentary,
“A lot of the film was shot around East Cork, and Ballymaloe features, as do Redbreast whiskey and several well-known local food and drink producers.
“They’re going to put on a heart-warming Irish supper to accompany the film, and the event also features a drinks reception and a tasting of Redbreast Whiskey.
“We also have , a documentary about the London restaurant Angelina’s, which is on a quest for a Michelin star. We’re partnering with Ichigo Ichie’s chef Takashi Miyazaki and chef Sergio Gurrea from Da Mirco to create a Japanese and Italian fusion experience.”
The festival also places a strong emphasis on the film industry, with Clark highlighting the importance of nurturing emerging talent while continuing to support established filmmakers.
“We’re really committed to supporting filmmakers. We have strands for emerging filmmakers, a strand for documentary-makers, and our newest programme, Lasair, which is for emerging documentary short filmmakers, with a particular focus on the Irish language.”
Clark says that, with more than 200 films and events, the festival provides an opportunity to experience stories from right across the globe.
“We’ve tried to lean into the issues and themes that come through in films and storytelling, and that people are interested in and want to talk about.
“But there’s also plenty in the programme where you can just lose yourself for two hours and forget about the world outside. It’s a smorgasbord; we really do have something for everyone.”
CIFF runs from November 12 -22: https://corkfilmfest.org/
