Jamie-Lee O’Donnell leads star-studded Irish showcase at Foyle Film Festival

Foyle Film Festival returns to Derry from Wednesday, November 18 to Sunday, November 29, bringing 12 days of outstanding international cinema, Irish film, special events and emerging talent to screens across the city.

Now in its 39th edition, Foyle Film Festival, led by Nerve Centre, has unveiled an exciting programme of acclaimed films, international previews, cinematic classics and special events, exploring this year's central theme of compassion and the power of cinema to connect audiences through storytelling.

Among the highlights of this year’s programme is a special appearance by Derry-born actor Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, who will introduce a screening of Skintown (Courtesy of Visit Films), in which she stars, and take part in a post-screening discussion with audiences.

The festival opens up on Wednesday, November 18 at Brunswick Moviebowl with The Lightkeeper (Courtesy of ShinaAwil and Sepia Films), a beautifully realised romantic-drama from director Vic Sarin, starring Dominic Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Sarah Bolger and Aidan Quinn. Set in 1924 and filmed against the spectacular landscapes of Donegal, including Culdaff and Malin Head, the film follows a reclusive lighthouse keeper whose carefully ordered world is transformed by unexpected human connections.

A moving exploration of love, loss and community, the screening will be introduced by screenwriter Ciaran Creagh, who will also take part in a post-screening discussion alongside producer Larry Bass and cast member Keith McErlean.

The festival closes on Sunday, November 29 at Brunswick Moviebowl with Paper Tiger (Courtesy of Neon and Picturehouse Entertainment), the latest film from acclaimed writer-director James Gray. Set in 1980s New York, this gripping crime drama stars Miles Teller, Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson and follows two brothers whose involvement in a dangerous scheme draws them into the world of the Russian mafia. Combining the tension of a classic crime thriller with an emotionally charged exploration of family loyalty, Paper Tiger promises a powerful closing to this year's festival.

Preview Screenings: Discover some of the year's most anticipated films, including Josephine (Courtesy of Curzon Film), Beth de Araújo's powerful drama starring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, winner of both the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize at Sundance; The Debut (Courtesy of Lionsgate UK), a wildly entertaining musical comedy-drama from Jesse Eisenberg starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti; Onslaught (Courtesy of Universal), starring Adria Arjona, an intoxicating blend of high-octane action and relentless horror thrills and Tender Loving Care (Courtesy of StudioCanal), the latest from legendary filmmaker Mike Leigh, a richly observed portrait of resilience, humour, and the enduring power of human connection set in post-Brexit England.

Irish Film: Celebrate Irish storytelling with Skintown (Courtesy of Visit Films), Kieron J. Walsh's electrifying adaptation of Ciarán McMenamin's novel, starring Jack Rowan, Chris Walley, Hope Ikpoku Jr. and Derry native Jamie-Lee O'Donnell; Our House, Peter Young's dogme-style family therapy session meets home siege thriller which opened this year's Galway Film Fleadh; and I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning (Courtesy of Curzon Film), an intoxicating and compassionate drama which follows five childhood friends as they turn thirty, written by celebrated Irish playwright Edna Walsh and featuring a stellar cast of Irish acting talent including Daryl McCormack, Anthony Boyle and Lola Petticrew.

World Cinema: Explore international perspectives through Hope, the spectacular new genre-bending thriller from South Korean director Na Hong-jin, featuring Hoyeon, Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander; Fatherland, starring Hanns Zischler and Sandra Hüller as Thomas Mann and his daughter Erika as they travel across a Germany in ruins at the height of the Cold War; Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty! (Courtesy of Sony Picture Classics), a charming and moving musical comedy-drama starring Rinko Kikuchi and All of a Sudden (Courtesy of Curzon Film), the deeply resonant and immensely rewarding new film from writer-director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi.

Documentary highlights include American Doctor (Courtesy of Conic Films), an extraordinary account of three American medics volunteering in hospitals in Gaza and The Siege of Paradise, the latest film from celebrated Irish filmmaker Gar O’Rourke, a sharply funny and surprisingly tender story of paradise under pressure in the age of social-media driven tourism.

Special Events: A programme celebrating local stories and creative talent includes the launch of Táin Bó Cúailnge, Derry animator John McCloskey's ambitious animated adaptation of the Irish epic; Star of the Sea, James Wynne's Irish-language documentary about a North Belfast youth football team during the Troubles; a special screening of The Best Man, marking the centenary of pioneering Derry filmmaker Terence McDonald's birth and the chance to witness an unforgettable cinematic experience as the timeless classic of film history Battleship Potemkin screens from a brand-new restoration with an original score composed and performed live by Vincent O’Callaghan.

Cinematic Classics: Audiences can rediscover much-loved films on the big screen, with screenings including Breakfast at Tiffany's and Some Like It Hot. The programme also features newly restored 4K presentations of Jonathan Glazer's acclaimed British gangster thriller Sexy Beast, starring Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley and the strikingly original action-horror thriller Battle Royale.

Light in Motion Awards: The festival's internationally recognised Oscar® and BAFTA-qualifying short film competition returns, showcasing emerging filmmaking talent from across the world. With programmes spanning Irish, British, international and animated short films, the competition continues to provide an important platform for new voices, with winners announced at the closing-night awards ceremony on Sunday 29 November.

The festival's dedicated industry programme brings filmmakers, producers and screen-sector professionals together for workshops, discussions and networking opportunities exploring the future of filmmaking.

Highlights include a special conversation with Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Screen, reflecting on 23 years of transformation in the region's screen industry ahead of his departure in December.

The programme also features an Immersive Arts Day, the official launch of BFI Film Academy Northern Ireland, the Business of Film Panel, sponsored by Carson McDowell, and Backing the Debut, presented by Northern Ireland Screen, alongside practical filmmaking workshops and discussions exploring the growth of screen production across the North West.

Christopher Morrison, Head of Programming at Foyle Film Festival, said: This year’s edition includes preview screenings of award-winning titles alongside innovative, groundbreaking new talents, local, Irish, International, bringing an electric mix of perspectives, genres and styles. From exhilarating feature films to unforgettable selections from the Light in Motion shorts screenings, compelling sessions in our industry section and dynamic special events, there is something for every taste in this year’s line-up.

Eavan King, Head of Competition & Industry at Foyle Film Festival, said: “This region has a wealth of talent and stories, as well as being a beautiful part of the world to visit. This year, Foyle Industry looks at what’s working, what’s possible and what’s needed to grow the North West as a creative hub for screen talent.

“Our industry programme explores how we develop the skills, networks and confidence to keep our talent here and attract more productions to the region. Foyle Film Festival is proud to celebrate stories rooted in this place, alongside the local and international talent who make them.”

Venues: Screenings will take place at Nerve Centre and Brunswick Moviebowl, with some events taking place at external venues across the city.

Ticket Information: Tickets for all events are now on sale at Nerve Centre and Brunswick Moviebowl box offices, or online at foylefilmfestival.org

Foyle Film Festival is led by Nerve Centre. Funded by Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen and Derry City and Strabane District Council. Paul Hamlyn Foundation and Film Hub NI. Venue Partner is Brunswick Moviebowl. Awards Sponsor is City of Derry Crystal. Industry & Skills Partners include Screen Ireland, Ulster University, Carson McDowell, Women in Film & TV, BFI Film Academy and National Lottery. Food Partners are Sandwich Co. and Mekong. Foyle Film Festival, Wednesday 18 – Sunday 29 November 2026. See full programme via foylefilmfestival.org