Credits

Directed by:
Colin McIvor

Running Time:
1h 39m

The film's Director Trevor Birney will be in attendance.

A gripping Irish crime thriller inspired by extraordinary true events, No Ordinary Heist pulls audiences into the high-stakes world of ambition, loyalty, and moral compromise.

When a bold plan spirals beyond control, lines blur between right and wrong, friendship and betrayal. Anchored by a magnetic performance from Éanna Hardwicke, the film explores the psychological tension behind a heist that is anything but ordinary, examining not just the crime itself, but the personal cost of risk, pride, and power.

Stylish, sharp, and emotionally charged, No Ordinary Heist delivers both pulse-pounding suspense and a nuanced character study, making it a standout addition to this year’s CraicFest lineup.

Director Colin McIvor. Starring Eanna Hardwicke (Saipan) Eva Birthistle and Eddie Marsan (Ray Donovan). Presented by the NI Bureau.

The film's Director Trevor Birney will be in attendance.

Buy Tickets

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

On the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2002 Irish captain Roy Keane forfeits his place in the squad at the teams preparation place in Saipan, following a heated argument with Irish manager Mick McCarthy. Starring Eanna Hardwicke. Steve Coogan and Kira Hinds. Produced by Glen Leyburn.

Shorts Program

Showcasing award winning shorts such as: Mouse – Directed by Rosie Barrett & starring Lynn Raffery, I DO - Directed by Joseph Jones, HomeTime – Directed by Jonathan Lambert and Gale Force directed by Tara Hegarty.$ 30 tickets. After party Factory 380! at 380 3rd Ave. Complimentary beer & appetizers from 9-11pm.

Kids Program

Award winning Best of Short films for kids and families. Animation and Live Action. Previous short films are Oscar Nominated shorts such as Give Up Yer Aul Sins and Granny O’Grimm. This fun short program is designed for kids and families. $15 tickets

BP Fallon Rock n Roll Wizard

Directed by Niall Carver. BP FALLON ROCK'N'ROLL WIZARD is a feature documentary charting the extraordinary life of a man who didn’t just witness the seismic shifts in modern music — he helped ignite them. This is the extraordinary life story of legendary music figure BP Fallon – a man who spends a lifetime helping others to shape rock’n’roll history… The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, T.Rex, Johnny Thunders, U2 etc. until a late-in-life career left turn via Jack White and Third Man Records. $20 tickets

Where the road
meets the sky

John Connors invites his grandmother Chrissy Donohue Ward into the frame to share the myths and oral traditions that shaped her and inspired him as a filmmaker. A lifelong Mincéir activist and poet, Chrissy blends enchanting fairytales with raw truths, celebrating the Irish Traveller community’s resilience.

Negotiator

In a world riven with conflict what is needed to turn war into peace? How can all parties to a war become all parties to a peace? Experience shows it’s the presence of a critical individual in whom all sides can have confidence to chair talks and create the space for an agreement to emerge. In Northern Ireland, one of the few examples of a long-lasting negotiated peace settlement, that critical person was Senator George Mitchell.

Ballroom Boom

U2's Adam Clayton explores the phenomenal rise and fall of Irish showbands when over 700 bands and thousands of musicians (including future rock heroes Van Morrison and Rory Gallagher) performed the latest chart hits live in ballrooms most nights of the week during the 1960s.

WHAT'S ON NEXT

From incredible live music to outstanding artists and hilarious comedians, there is always something in the works. We'd love to share it with you!

FILM | MARCH 7

No Ordinary Heist