DISCOVER FILM, REIMAGINE THE WORLD

FIONA CLARK 

Welcome to the 69th Cork International Film Festival. 2024 marks a period of exciting new beginnings for us. We are thrilled to introduce Cian Blackwell as our new Chair and Aurelie Godet as our Director of Programming. Together, they bring a refreshed perspective to our strategic and artistic vision that will guide us as we approach our milestone 70th anniversary next year.

As we carefully plan, curate, and present the diverse selection of films and events in our extensive programme, we are acutely aware of the significant role that a cultural institution like our Festival plays. We understand the responsibility we have to our local and global communities as we engage with filmmakers and artists in a dynamic relationship. At the core of our mission is the defence of artistic expression and the belief that the Festival should serve as a platform for transformative experiences for audiences, fostering connection and dialogue through engagement, welcoming and inclusive of all.

In line with our commitment to supporting filmmakers, we have expanded our range of awards to recognise their creative achievements. Film has the power to challenge boundaries, shift perspectives, and create moments of pure joy that resonate deeply with audiences. Our hope is that you will discover films throughout the Festival and beyond that not only accomplish these aspirations but also exceed them, leaving a lasting impact on all who experience them.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting cinematic adventure.

Fiona Clark
Festival Director & CEO

AURELIE GODET

A world of stories is coming to you, in all of its kaleidoscopic diversity. To guide you through this wealth of choices, some of CIFF’s programme strands were renamed to clarify their promise:

Irish cinema’s creative dynamism is for all to appreciate in Irish Voices and the Best New Irish Feature competition, as well as our short film programmes.

The beloved Guilty Pleasures has grown into Disruptors to welcome new films alongside the disruptors of film history who inspired them. Spirit of the Festival highlights a more complete sample of the best emerging filmmakers from Europe, our continent.

The films in World Tour have an irresistible, universal appeal and those in Momentum invite you to a transformative odyssey.

Not to forget the closer look on mental health offered by Illuminate and on environmental issues by Green Screen. The dizzying inventiveness of the artists featured in Parallax and the thematic echoes created by this year’s time-bending Retrospective. With, always, our Culinary strand for dessert.

And remember, the films in our Family programme are for everyone to enjoy and an ideal entry point into a realm of images that carry meaning.

See you very soon!

Aurélie Godet
Director of Programming