Irish Film Festival Los Angeles Celebrates Contemporary Cinema

The Irish Film Festival Los Angeles (IFFLA) returns March 20–22, 2026, at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica, California, showcasing the breadth and ambition of contemporary Irish filmmaking. The festival will feature six feature films, three feature documentaries, and over 30 short films across four curated strands.

A Vital Platform for Irish Filmmakers

Founded in 2019, the festival, presented by CIACLA, provides a crucial platform for Irish filmmakers to showcase their work in Los Angeles, a central hub for the global film industry. It offers opportunities for community building, networking, and professional development for artists with a connection to Ireland. CIACLA, dedicated to supporting Irish culture in Los Angeles, recognizes the importance of these international opportunities in a competitive film landscape.

Navigating a Changing Industry

The film industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with filmmakers facing increased challenges in securing attention and funding. Los Angeles remains a key location for deals and opportunities, despite shifts in production models and the ongoing recovery from the impacts of Covid-19 and industry strikes. The festival acknowledges that for Irish filmmakers, screening in LA is about proximity to the wider global cinema ecosystem.

Showcasing Diversity and Irish Language Cinema

The 2026 edition of IFFLA highlights the diversity of Irish filmmaking, with 14 women directors featured in the lineup. Several films will be presented in the Irish language (Gaeilge), reinforcing the festival’s commitment to cultural and linguistic representation. The program also includes LGBTQ+ stories, hybrid forms, and work from both first-time and established filmmakers.

Festival Highlights

Opening night will feature a screening of Horseshoe, followed by a Q&A with actor Neill Fleming. Director Donncha Gilmore will also be present for a discussion after his debut feature, Girls & Boys. The festival will also include a vertical cinema presentation, responding to evolving formats and audience engagement.

The Importance of International Collaboration

The success of Irish cinema on the international stage relies on the support of organizations like Culture Ireland and Screen Ireland, which play a vital role in enabling films to travel and sustaining the screen ecosystem.

Tickets and Information

Tickets and further information about the Irish Film Festival Los Angeles are available at ciacla.com/film.