Now in its eleventh year, Irish Film London presents the latest and greatest of Irish film and animation to UK audiences.

We run events throughout the year including the film section of the Brigid’s Day Celebration of Women, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in London, the St. Patrick's Day Festival with the Mayor of London, our annual Irish Film London Awards, and the five day Irish Film Festival London in November each year.

Through premiere screenings, director Q&A sessions, workshops, exhibitions, and performances, Irish Film London aims to bring together industry professionals, film fans and fans of Irish arts & culture alike. Focusing on Irish productions, scripts and casts, IFL provides a significant platform for Irish film in London, and ensures that the best of Irish creative talent is continually promoted here in the UK.

Supporting Irish film in the UK since 2012

Irish Film London was founded in 2012 by Kelly O’Connor as a way to bring the Irish creative community in London together to celebrate and promote the brilliant work of Irish film art.

The first Irish Film Festival London (IFFL) was held in November 2012 at Riverside Studios, Tricycle Theatre (now The Kiln) and the ICA.

In 2021, we celebrated the 10th anniversary edition of IFFL with a bumper programme of feature films, short films and animations which saw us return to Riverside Studios for the first time since its refurbishment. We also introduced an expanded industry programme, providing support for emerging filmmakers.

Over the years, both the festival and IFL as an organisation have grown in size and stature to now hold an important position in representing Irish film and moving image culture in the UK. We now deliver screenings all over the city of London and beyond with our touring programmes and online events.

Film is one of Ireland's greatest and most successful cultural exports and IFL is at the forefront of championing the creativity, diversity and value of Irish film. We are an inclusive organisation that is committed to showcasing a full range of Irish films to a diverse audience. Our films span from comedies to challenging documentaries, artists' films to major features and lovingly crafted animated shorts. By focusing on Irish productions, scripts and casts, IFL provides a significant platform for Irish film in London and ensures that the best of Irish creative talent is continually promoted in the UK, gets noticed, and meets other creatives and industry professionals. 

“IFL has helped to raise the profile of so many great Irish film makers, creatives and actors in the UK over the years.” – Moe Dunford, IFL Patron & actor (Vikings, Black ’47)

What’s special about IFL?

Our audiences come for more than a film. They seek genuine, unique experiences; to meet and make new friends; engage with filmmakers in post screening Q&As, then chat with them in the bar afterwards. Supporters love and return to the IFL because of its intelligently curated film selection, and unique blend of friendliness, openness and authenticity.

Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships is at the heart of the IFL; our relationship with audiences; filmmakers; Irish and UK film bodies and cultural institutions, our champions, our sponsors and our Patrons.  IFL is the first call for the Mayor of London, Irish Ambassador and Irish Government when they think about supporting Irish film in the UK.

“London is not an easy town to do well and project in the way Irish Film London has done.” - Ros Hubbard, IFL Patron & casting director (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Event Horizon)

Today, IFL is operated by Gerry Maguire as Festival Director and Head of Irish Film London, who is supported by a growing team, dedicated to providing world-class film culture experiences to audiences across the city of London and beyond.

As well as continuing to deliver IFFL every November, we are now also the official film partner for the Mayor of London and Greater London Authority’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations every March; we deliver a series of St Brigid’s Day events in association with the Embassy of Ireland in London every February; and we are the go to destination for filmmakers, producers, studios, distributors and NGOs who want to amplify their Irish film release through our considerable audience network and PR ability.

As well as our live events, we also offer exclusive online content via Irish FIlm From Home - a dedicated VOD platform showcasing Irish films to audiences through a secure screening portal. We also host the Irish Film London podcast - a fortnightly round up of new Irish film news and interviews, bringing some of the best of Irish screen talent to your facourite listening service.

With thanks to our generous funders and supporters, IFL continues to grow and help support Irish film and the Irish filmmaking community in London to thrive.