Cork International Film Festival Opens With Animated Premiere and Rory Gallagher Tribute
The 71st edition of the Cork International Film Festival runs from November 12 to 22, bringing more than 200 films and special events to venues across the city. rte.ie reported that the festival schedule features a major focus on local music history alongside international cinema, anchored by high-profile galas at the MTU Cork School of Music and the Everyman Theatre.
Olivier Clert Animation Launches Festival Schedule on November 12
The festival opens on Thursday, November 12, at the MTU Cork School of Music’s Curtis Auditorium with the animated film Lucy Lost by Olivier Clert. Festival Director and CEO Fiona Clark stated that the venue establishes a new cinematic location for the event. The opening night includes a special musical presentation and an on-stage interview with director Clert and composer Anne-Sophie Versnaeyen.
Joe Bonamassa Documentary Debuts at Everyman Theatre on November 18
American guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s tribute to Irish rock legend Rory Gallagher receives its world premiere on Wednesday, November 18, at the Everyman Theatre. Titled Joe Bonamassa: The Spirit of Rory, the documentary chronicles Bonamassa’s lifelong connection to the Ballyshannon-born and Cork-raised guitarist. The production combines live footage from Bonamassa’s summer 2025 Irish Tour ’74 performances—staging Gallagher’s setlist to mark the 30th anniversary of his death—with interviews featuring musicians Brian May of Queen and Slash of Guns N’ Roses. A post-screening Q&A session follows with Rory Gallagher’s brother Dónal and a special guest.
Jesse Eisenberg Musical Comedy Closes Festival on November 22
Writer-director Jesse Eisenberg’s musical-comedy The Debut closes the festival on Sunday, November 22. The film stars Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, and industry projections place the feature among contenders for upcoming Academy Awards.
Ticket Information and Full Programme Launch
Festival organizers will release the complete event lineup on Wednesday, October 14. Audiences can secure tickets and review event schedules by visiting the official festival platform at corkfilmfest.org.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cork International Film Festival
Where do ticket holders purchase passes for the Cork International Film Festival?
Attendees can buy tickets and find detailed scheduling information directly through the official website at corkfilmfest.org.
Who participates in the Q&A following the Joe Bonamassa documentary premiere?
Dónal Gallagher, brother of the late Rory Gallagher, joins a special guest for the post-screening discussion at the Everyman Theatre on Wednesday, November 18.
Which venue hosts the Opening Gala for the 71st festival edition?
The Curtis Auditorium at the MTU Cork School of Music hosts the opening event featuring the animated film Lucy Lost on Thursday, November 12.