In this Film Ireland Podcast, we're delighted to partner with the Cork International Film Festival, which runs until the 16th of November. In this special episode, we highlight some of the standout films in this year’s line-up.
First, IMRO Award-winning journalist and reviewer Yuliia Riabova speaks with Aurélie Godet, Cork International Film Festival’s Director of Programming, about this year’s themes, approach, and the strong selection of Irish and international films .
Then filmmaker and actor Oscar O’Sullivan chats with Brendan Canty about his Irish-language documentary Gealtra.
Finally, festival correspondent Shane McKevitt sits down with director David Kittredge to discuss his film Boorman and the Devil, which documents John Boorman’s experience making The Exorcist II in Ireland. This chat was recorded after the film’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival earlier this year.
Listen to this podcast now on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Soundcloud, or subscribe to Film Ireland wherever you get your podcasts.
This podcast has been made possible with the support of Coimisiún na Meán.
Check out the full festival line up at corkfilmfest.org.
Aurélie Godet
Godet was previously a senior programmer for the Berlinale for five years, specialising in projects from French-speaking countries and was formerly a programmer at Locarno Film Festival. She is a member of Arte France Cinéma’s Advisory Committee and also has worked as a programmer and moderator for the French festivals La Roche-sur-Yon and 3 Continents.
In 2019 Godet co-founded the Red Balloon Alliance, an organisation that lobbies for better work-life balance at film festivals and offers childcare at Cannes, Berlin and San Sebastian.
She also helped launch the Colombo International Film Festival in Sri Lanka in 2014 and was deputy director of Unifrance’s New York office from 2006 to 2010.
Brendan Canty
Brendan Canty has forged his way as one of the most exciting and prolific Irish directors. His early career enjoyed large success with his video for Hozier's 'Take Me to Church' (which has since surpassed a billion views on Youtube along with two MTV VMA nominations), since then Brendan has gone on to direct consistently elegant and visually stunning music videos for top international artists (Dermot Kennedy, Talos) as well as commercials for brands such as Adidas, Sky Sports and Failte Ireland.
In 2017 Brendan directed For You (starring Barry Keoghan), which went on to win a Kinsale Shark and was nominated for an IFTA. In 2019, Brendan directed a second short film, Christy, which he has since made into his debut feature with BBC Film and Screen Ireland. The film premiered at the Berlinale 2025, where it won the Generation 14plus Grand Prix, and Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh. He recently won a multitude of awards for his latest short film Atali’i O Le Crezent (Sons of the Crezent), including the Audience Award and Best Director at Show Me Shorts.
David Kittredge
David is an Emmy-nominated director, editor and producer whose work has been featured at over 80 film festivals around the world as well as numerous television networks and streaming services. His 2025 film, BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL, a feature documentary on director John Boorman and his journey making EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC, will have its world premiere at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival. He previously served as lead editor and co-executive producer of Shudder's award-winning and Emmy-nominated limited series QUEER FOR FEAR, about the history of queer horror, executive produced by Bryan Fuller.
David has directed, edited, written and/or produced numerous theatrical film trailers as well as hundreds of promos and marketing materials for networks and streamers including ABC, NBC, Netflix, AMC Networks, Showtime, Epix, Bravo, USA, IFC, Disney Channel and SundanceTV. Working through agencies, he's also directed, written, produced, and/or edited pieces for HBO Max, Sony, TBS, FX, Shudder, Chiller and Hallmark Channel among others. He has also worked directly with companies including Adobe, creating digital marketing content.
David was also the host and producer of both seasons of The OutCast Presented By Outfest podcast, where LGBTQ creators and allies discuss their work, inspirations and the challenges of getting their authentic voices heard. Guests have included John Cameron Mitchell, Christine Vachon, Laverne Cox, Jonathan Groff, Justin Simien, Billy Porter, MJ Rodriguez and many others.
David was the editor of 54: THE DIRECTOR'S CUT starring Ryan Phillipe and Salma Hayek, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and includes 44 minutes of footage not included in the film's original theatrical release. The Lionsgate/Miramax Blu-Ray also includes a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of 54 which David produced, edited and appears in.
David's award-winning first feature, PORNOGRAPHY: A THRILLER, which he wrote, directed and co-edited, was an official selection at over 25 film festivals and has become a cult classic of LGBT cinema. David is based in Koreatown, Los Angeles. Selected work is available to watch at DavidKittredge.com.
