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FILM | MARCH 6
Best of Shorts + Filmmaker After Party
This Best of Shorts Showcase celebrates bold new voices in Irish cinema with a curated program of award-winning short films that span drama, intimacy, humor, and raw human connection. The evening features Mouse, directed by Rosie Barrett and starring Lynn Raffery, alongside I DO directed by Joseph Jones, HomeTime directed by Jonathan Lambert, and Gale Force directed by Tara Hegarty. Together, these films showcase a dynamic range of storytelling and cinematic craft from some of Ireland’s most exciting filmmakers.
Village East Cinemas / 7:00pm
+After party at Factory 380 | 380 3rd Ave.
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The official after party at Factory 380 (380 3rd Ave.) where guests are invited to continue the celebration with complimentary beer and appetizers.
9p–11pm.
A Showcase of Irish shorts + Filmmaker After Party
This Irish Shorts evening celebrates bold new voices in Irish cinema with a curated program of award-winning short films that span drama, intimacy, humor, and raw human connection. The evening features Mouse, directed by Rosie Barrett and starring Lynn Raffery, alongside I DO directed by Joseph Jones, HomeTime directed by Jonathan Lambert, and Gale Force directed by Tara Hegarty. Together, these films showcase a dynamic range of storytelling and cinematic craft from some of Ireland’s most exciting filmmakers.
Local filmmakers will be in attendance, offering audiences the opportunity to engage directly with the creative voices behind the work.
Image gallery
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Credits
Directed by:
Lisa Barros D’sa & Glenn Leyburn
Produced by:
Macdara Kelleher, John Keville, Trevor Birney, Olly Butler
Screenplay by:
Paul Fraser
Running Time:
90 minutes
CraicFest 2026 officially opens on March 5th with the New York City Premiere of SAIPAN at Village East by Angelika.
This special opening night screening marks the film’s first-ever presentation to NYC audiences, making it a landmark moment for both the festival and Irish cinema in New York City.
SAIPAN revisits the infamous events surrounding Ireland’s 2002 World Cup campaign, when tensions between team captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy erupted into one of the most controversial moments in Irish sporting history.
Set against the pressure of international competition, the film explores how preparation, professionalism, leadership, and personality collided - creating a moment that split public opinion and became etched into Ireland’s cultural memory.
More than a sports story, SAIPAN is a powerful examination of standards, principles, and what it means to represent a nation on the world stage.
Ticket includes After Party at Solas E. 9th St. off 2nd Ave with complimentary beer, 9p-11pm
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Directors Glen Leyburn & Lisa Barros D’Sa
Video gallery
Image gallery
More from the festival
Saipan
Shorts Program
Kids Program
BP Fallon Rock n Roll Wizard
Where the road
meets the sky
Negotiator
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