March 16th & 17th 2024, CIACLA Los Angeles proudly hosted its fifth annual Irish Film Festival, coinciding with the international day of Irish celebration, St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the festival showcased the best of contemporary Irish cinema and also serves as a centerpiece for celebrating Irish culture in Los Angeles.

This two-day festival, held at Laemmle Monica Film Center, was an immersive journey into Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition, featuring an impressive lineup of 8 feature films—including critically acclaimed titles and innovative works by emerging talent. The festival shines a spotlight on the range of voices in the industry including award winning documentaries, authored experimental film and an Irish language feature film.

Additionally 3 curated short film screenings that present 23 short films by exciting Irish filmmakers, highlighting 9 female directors and 11 female writers, 2 Irish language shorts, enchanting animation shorts, 2 experimental shorts and a selection of short documentaries.

Beyond the screenings, the Irish Film Festival Los Angeles 2024 was an exciting time to bring together a community of film enthusiasts and industry professionals and the wider public through engaging Q&As with filmmakers, insightful panel discussions, and networking events, particularly spotlighting Irish talent in Los Angeles and Women in Film & TV. Each day the festival ends with an after-evening social event for ticket holders, providing ample opportunities for connection and celebration.

Festival Director Matthew Nevin says “From riveting dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies to experimental films and whimsical animations, The Irish Film Festival Los Angeles is a testament to the creativity, passion, and vision of Ireland’s filmmakers, inviting audiences to explore new stories and celebrate the art of cinema. With Irish film continuously making waves on the international scene, we are both proud and excited to amplify these voices, championing new stories and the artists behind them. Join us for a memorable exploration of Irish cinema!”

We welcomed Special Guests: Irish Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Thomas Byrne, Consul General Of Ireland Marcella Smyth, Screen Ireland’s Steven Davenport.

Filmmakers/Actors/Special Guests Attending The Festival Include

March 16th: New Voices:  Tom Jorgensen, Aoife Corry, Ella Marie Carmen | The Disembodied Adventures Of Alice: Clea Van Der Grijn Ciaran Carty, Senna O Hara, Hilary Bowen Walsh | Women In Film & Tv Panel: Kirsten Sheridan, Patricia Kelly, Cléa Van Der Grijn, Cassidy Harrison | Tarrac: Kate Finegan | The Futures: Gavin Kelly, Cassidy C Harrison, Eric Fernandez | One Night In Millstreet: Morgan Bushe

March 17th: Irish Contemporaries: Johnny O’Callagahn, Jenn McGuirk, Arron Cobbs, Rian Sheehy Kelly, Matthew Nevin | Verdigris: Patricia Kelly | Irish In Los Angeles Panel: Alan Smyth , Sonya Macari, Kevin Ryan & Johnny O’Callaghan | Apocalypse Clown: George Kane , James Dean, Shane O’brien, Natalie Palamides, Polyanna Mcintosh, Morgan Bushe

Location: Laemmle Monica Film Center, 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Kindly Supported by Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme, Screen Ireland, ELMA, TG4, MART Gallery & Studios, LA County Arts & Culture & Creative Recovery LA, The Irish Film Institute’s IFI International programme in connection with Culture Ireland and Arts Council Ireland.