Cork gets Gearr-geous new film fest!

Cork is set to welcome a new addition to its cultural calendar this autumn with the inaugural outing of what will be Ireland’s only dedicated short film festival.

Gearr – Cork International Short Film Festival will celebrate the work of local, national, and international filmmakers from 8–11 October at the Arc Cinema in the city.

Building on the legacy of the sorely missed IndieCork Film Festival, the organisers aim to provide a platform for filmmakers working in short film and digital storytelling, and to put them at the heart of the festival experience.

Audiences will be introduced to their work and the artists themselves in public conversations, and there'll be a strong emphasis on professional development and industry engagement with a curated programme of masterclasses, panel discussions, and workshops, as well as networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals and visiting experts.

Gearr (the Irish word for ‘short’) will culminate in awards in three categories: Best International Short Film, Best Irish Short Film, and Best ‘Made in Cork’ Short Film.

Festival director and former programmer with IndieCork, Peter Zemek, outlined the core focuses of the Gearr.

He said: “The festival atmosphere will prioritise exchange, encouragement, and visibility for diverse creative voices, and engage fresh local curatorial eyes in selecting our award winners.

“While strongly supporting new and emerging voices, Gearr will also present work by established and mid-career artists, creating a dynamic meeting point between fresh perspectives and experienced practitioners.”

Existing connections with sister festivals and film industry organisations worldwide mean that a wealth of international titles will be available to screen at Gearr, but festival producer Aysegul Yuzel says it’s the work of Cork and Irish filmmakers that the organisers are most looking forward to showcasing.

She said: “We are now open for entries on the FilmFreeway platform and encourage filmmakers to show us your films! Peter and I will also operate an open-door policy in terms of developing the festival. We want to work with everyone and invite anyone who would like to get involved or support the festival to get in touch.”

Owner and Managing Director of Carlow and Dublin-based sponsor Blacknight Solutions Michele Neylon has strong Cork connections. He said: “Blacknight is happy to get behind this exciting new festival in Cork. We have long supported independent creative enterprises, believing that they are very important in giving opportunity to emerging new talent in the media, arts, and industry.”