Rediscover Kerry Through Film - Kerry International Film Festival Returns October 2025

Make space in your itinerary for Kerry International Film Festival (KIFF). From 16–19 October 2025, Killarney transforms into a cinema, welcoming film lovers to experience four days of stories, screenings and conversations.

What to Expect in KIFF 2025

The 26th edition of KIFF brings together Irish and international feature films, documentaries, and short film programmes. Audiences will also find industry workshops, Q&A panels, masterclasses, special screenings, and youth-oriented events.

The festival opens with Horseshoe, a darkly comic Irish feature from directors Adam O’Keeffe and Edwin Mullane, followed by a post-screening discussion with the filmmakers. The closing night film is Park Avenue, starring Katherine Waterston and Fiona Shaw, and the festival will honour Shaw with the Maureen O’Hara Award for her distinguished work in film and television.

Spotlight on Local Talent

The “Made in Kerry / Kerry Connection” strand highlights films with a tie to the county, whether by location, makers, or subject matter. There is also a retrospective screening of The Village, an ethnographic documentary exploring mid-20th century life in Dunquin, in partnership with the Irish Film Institute.

Short Films Take Center Stage

Ten curated short film programmes are slated, covering themes such as comedy, horror, Irish language (Gearrscannáin), “Slanted & Enchanted,” and more. For the first time, KIFF also introduces a Music Video programme, judged by curators from Nialler9.

Engaging Workshops & Youth Events

KIFF is not just for viewing, but for creating. On 16 October, the festival launches with an Industry Afternoon, featuring a Self-Distribution Masterclass, a session on freelancer resilience, and a case study in independent feature filmmaking using Horseshoe.

Younger creators won’t be left out: the Fresh Starts careers panel and youth short film screening kick off the festival, and on 18 October, Frame by Frame invites film-curious teens (ages 14–18) to make a one-minute film in a hands-on workshop.

Inclusivity & Special Screenings

KIFF is committed to access and community. A relaxed screening of Flow (an animated feature) is offered with neurodivergent audiences in mind, open to all but especially welcoming to families needing a gentler theatre environment.

Info for Your Visit

The festival will take place between the 16-19th of October in Killarney, Co. Kerry. Tickets are on sale now; access the full programme and purchase at kerryfilmfestival.com.