Get ready, film buffs! The 70th Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) is shaping up to be a spectacular event, with a lineup featuring some of the biggest names in cinema. The festival, Ireland’s oldest and largest, has announced its opening and closing gala films, promising a memorable cinematic experience.
'Saipan' Kicks Off the Festival
The festival will open with the Irish premiere of 'Saipan,' a highly anticipated film detailing the tumultuous relationship between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy during Ireland's preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, known for their work on 'Ordinary Love,' the film stars Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy and Éanna Hardwicke, a Cork native, as Roy Keane. 'Saipan' premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has already garnered positive reviews.
The Opening Night Gala will take place at The Everyman Theatre on Thursday, November 6th, at 7:00 PM. Fans eager to see this sports comedy-drama on the big screen should book their tickets soon, as seats are expected to fill up quickly.
Bradley Cooper's 'Is This Thing On?' to Close the Show
The festival will conclude with the Irish premiere of Bradley Cooper’s 'Is This Thing On?,' starring Will Arnett and Laura Dern. This closing gala will also be held at The Everyman Theatre on Sunday, November 16th. This promises to be a fitting end to a landmark edition of the CIFF.
A Milestone Celebration
Fiona Clark, Festival Director & CEO of Cork International Film Festival, expressed her excitement about the upcoming event: “We are delighted and honoured to bookend our landmark 70th Festival edition with two Irish premieres of this stature...We will be showcasing over 200 films and special events across Cork.”
With over 200 films and special events planned, the 70th Cork International Film Festival is set to be a significant cultural event. The full program will be unveiled on Wednesday, October 15th, but tickets for 'Saipan' and 'Is This Thing On?' are already available for purchase at corkfilmfest.org and via the myCIFF app.
- Opening Gala: 'Saipan'
- Closing Gala: 'Is This Thing On?'
- Location: The Everyman Theatre, Cork
- Dates: November 6th - November 16th, 2025
Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this historic celebration of cinema in Cork!