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New Focus Shorts at the 70th Cork International Film Festival

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New Focus Shorts at the 70th Cork International Film Festival

Posted: 24th October 2025

Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is proud to present three World Premieres of Irish short films funded under the agency's flagship Focus Shorts film scheme, along with Cork picks of recent Screen Ireland short films at the 70th Cork International Festival.

This screening will take place on Saturday 8th November at 2pm in The Everyman Theatre. Tickets are available here.

Find out more about the films on the programme below.

Punt

In the shadow of the 1994 World Cup, a heartbroken woman returns to the island of her happiest memory to end her life. But when her electric meter runs out, a coin hunt sparks an unlikely bet: Ireland to qualify.

Punt
Written and directed by Nicky Larkin, produced by Alanna Riddell Bond.
Punt received its World Premiere at this year's Galway Film Fleadh and will screen at the Belfast Film Festival prior to its Cork Premiere.
 
Watch the film's trailer here.
 
Follow Punt on its festival journey on Nicky Larkin's Instagram page: @nicky_larkin1

Like Me

Alor is a 20-something beast-like monster who drifts through life wearing a humanistic mask. When she reluctantly attends a grungy gaff party, Alor meets a seductive stranger who fascinates and challenges her wavering spirit.

Like Me
Written by Ivan Cush, directed by Aisling Brady, produced by Séamus Waters.

Like Me will be receiving its World Premiere at the Festival.

Director Ais Brady and lead actor Caitríona Ennis.
Director Ais Brady and lead actor Caitríona Ennis.

Follow Like Me on its festival journey on Ais Brady's Instagram page: @getupandliedown

A Song

Set during the Willie Clancy Summer School, A Song follows Noel, a reserved teacher whose bond with James stirs memories of his estranged mother, forcing him to confront identity, family fractures, and music’s power to wound and heal.

A Song
Written by Shaun Dunne, directed by Ellius Grace, produced by Louise Byrne. Based on a story by Colm Tóibín.

A Song received its World Premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh earlier this year. Director Ellius Grace recently won the Dearbhla Walsh Award for Best Director at the Louth International Film Festival.

Watch a clip from the film here.

Follow the film on its festival journey on Instagram: @asong_shortfilm

Photo credit: Faolan Carey
Photo credit: Faolan Carey

Magic Markers

When he comes across magical markers that bring his drawings to life, Jack creates a big brother to protect him from school bullies, but when the magic begins to fade, he must find the strength within to stand on his own.

Magic Markers
Written and directed by Jason Branagan, produced by Emer Durcan.

Magic Markers will be receiving its World Premiere at the Festival.

Jason Branagan, writer/director, said:

Magic Markers is a love letter to childhood and the complexity of growing up. It’s a nod to siblings and the relationships that shape us — even through absence. I wanted to create something that not only evoked the family films I grew up on, but also the impact they had. Those films were the campfires we gathered around as kids, immersing ourselves in other worlds, and I hope we’ve captured even a little of that spirit. Being a kid-centric story, it’s impossible to think or talk about the film without mentioning the joy of bringing Jack and Andy to life with James McGowan and Flynn Gray — two superbly talented young actors who embody the heart of the film.

Follow the film on its journey on Instagram: @magicmarkersfilm

The Afters

Kevin's anxiety reaches fever pitch at the afters of an elitist wedding. A film about feeling terribly out of place and working class anxiety on the conveyor belt of hyper capitalism.

The Afters
Written and directed by Jamie O'Rourke, produced by Aisling Magill.

The Afters will be receiving its World Premiere at the Festival.

Follow the cast and crew:

Director and writer Jamie O'Rourke @jamie_o_rourke

Producer Aisling Magill - @aisling_magill

Actor Terry O'Neill - @tezoneill49

Actor Frank Bourke - @frankybourke