The Fastnet Film Festival’s much-anticipated 2025 programme was unveiled at a lively launch party at The Crane Lane, Cork, on April 24. This year’s festival promises an exhilarating blend of Hollywood star power, diverse screenings, engaging panels, hands-on masterclasses, and exclusive events — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Schull village.

Festival Director Tom McCarthy and Creative Advisor Lenny Abrahamson addressed over 200 filmmakers, celebrating the ongoing success and growing international reputation of the festival.

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, May 21, with a spectacular Opening Party at its new FFF Headquarters, The Old Convent, and concludes with the glamorous Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 25.

Festival Highlights:

  • In Conversation events with Domhnall Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, Nicola Coughlan, and Bill Pullman

  • Exclusive Interview: Ronan Day-Lewis, featuring clips from Anemone (starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley)

  • Kin Uncovered Panel: Aidan Gillen, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Clare Dunne, and Peter McKenna (co-creator)

  • Music & Film Experience: From a Forest to a Fiddle screening, followed by a live performance by Zöe Conway and John McIntyre (May 22, Holy Trinity Church)

  • Irish Language Day on Cape Clear: Fréwaka screening + Q&A with Aislinn Clarke and Clare Monnelly, walking trail, curated shorts, and gin tasting

  • World Premiere: In the Opinion of the Censor, directed by Andrew Gallimore

Industry Masterclasses & Panels:

An impressive series of workshops and industry sessions including:

  • Cinematography: Suzie Lavelle (Mad About the Boy, Normal People)

  • Scriptwriting: Tom Berkeley, Ross White, Aislinn Clarke, Clare Dunne

  • Distribution: Patrick O’Neill (Wildcard Distribution)

  • Plus: Documentary filmmaking, production skills, short-to-feature transitions, TV filming, music in film, and the live Puttnam Pitching Event.

Special Screenings & Guests:

Featured films include:
The Commitments, Chasing the Light, No Other Land, Oddity, Ex Machina, Mojo, While You Were Sleeping, Peter Rabbit, The Runway, and many more.

Special guests include:

  • Producers: Ed Guiney, Emma Norton, Mairtín de Barra, John Kelleher

  • Directors: Rebecca Miller, Lenny Abrahamson, Damian McCarthy, Megan K. Fox, Carmel Winters, Paddy Breathnach, Ciaran Donnelly

  • Composers: Anna Rice, Stephen Rennicks, Stephen Warbeck, Maurice Seezer

Beyond the Screen: Fringe Events

The festival experience extends throughout the village, with:

  • Over 165 short films, including outdoor screenings and local showcases

  • Café screenings and art exhibitions

  • Movie Quiz Night hosted by Oscar-winners Tom Berkeley and Ross White

  • Live music and family-friendly entertainment with SmartUp Productions

Get Your Tickets:

Tickets are available via Eventbrite and the festival office from April 28.
Full festival details at www.fastnetfilmfestival.com.

Thanks to Our Supporters:

The Fastnet Film Festival 2025 is proudly supported by:

  • Judy and Bill Bollinger

  • RTÉ Supporting the Arts

  • Cork County Council

  • The Arts Council

  • Screen Ireland

  • The Crespo Foundation

  • Benny & Cliona McCabe

  • Creative Technology

  • Right Price Tiles

  • IMRO

  • Creative Places

  • Clinch Wealth Management

  • Tom & Anne-Marie Clancy

  • Many wonderful local businesses

  • And a special thanks to the village of Schull for its invaluable support