Did you find love at the flicks?

A search has begun in Cork for couples whose real life love stories are intertwined with the magic of cinema.

Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) is giving Leeside love stories their close-up, inviting couples to be filmed sharing their own stories as part of a new project inspired by the much-loved romantic comedy ‘When Harry Met Sally’.

This October, as part of the CIFF 2026, taking place from 12-22 November, selected Cork couples will be filmed sharing their unique stories. These pre-recorded clips will then be screened during a live rehearsed reading of ‘When Harry Met Sally’ on 13 November at The Granary Theatre, UCC, in collaboration with the UCC Department of Theatre. Tickets will be available to purchase as part of the festival programme, which will be launched on 14 October.

Couples who are willing to share their story and are comfortable appearing on camera are invited to register their interest via corkfilmfest.org.

Organisers said: “Cinema has given us some of the greatest love stories of all time, from chance encounters and first dates to unlikely friendships and happily-ever-afters. But what about the love stories happening just beyond the cinema screen?

“Perhaps your first date was at the cinema. Maybe you met at CIFF, Cork’s longest-running film festival, and shared your first film together. Or perhaps a visit to the festival has become a tradition you return to as a couple year after year.

“However your story began, CIFF wants to hear from couples whose love story has a connection to film, cinema or the festival.”

CIFF is Ireland’s first and largest film festival with this year’s outing marking its 71st edition.

One of Cork’s most significant and popular annual cultural events, the festival brings a programme of award-winning films from the international film festival circuit, new discoveries, and venues around Cork every year, as well as online.

Couple’s interested in sharing their love stories with CIFF are advised that filming will take place in the Cork city area in mid-October.