Irish Film Festival London announces new curating team and new date

The Irish Film Festival London (IFFL) has announced the appointment of Úna Langlois as Guest Curator and Co-Director for its upcoming edition, which will take place in London from 27 to 31 January 2027, followed by the Irish Film Awards on 1 February.

Langlois brings more than three decades of experience directing and programming film festivals and cultural events. She co-founded and programmed the IndieCork Film Festival in Ireland from 2013 to 2025 and is also co-founder, Co-Director and Programmer of the 13th Parish Jersey International Film Festival.

Her career also includes 18 years as a programmer for the Cork Film Festival, from 1995 to 2013, as well as work with the Green Ray Film Agency, where she promoted Irish cinema at international festivals. She has curated festivals and cultural programmes in the United States, France, Algeria, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, and has regularly served as a jury member at events including the Galway Film Fleadh, Foyle Film Festival and the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs).

“I am delighted to join the superb team at Irish Film Festival London, and look forward to working with them towards an exciting and vibrant festival in 2027,” Langlois said. “The Irish Film Festival London has excelled at showcasing the best of Irish cinema to London and UK audiences. The festival is a unique and invaluable celebration of Irish stories and imagination, a celebration that welcomes everyone.”

Derek Murphy appointed year-round Festival Director

Irish Film & Television UK (IFTUK) has also appointed Derek Murphy as year-round Festival Director.

An actor, producer and broadcaster, Murphy has served as Festival Director of the IFTUK Pride Film Festival for the past two years. He has also programmed the IFTUK Masters At Work events and heads Q-IFTUK, the organisation’s LGBTQ+ division. Last year, he was the presenter and MC of the Irish Film Festival London Film Awards.

According to IFTUK Chair Carey Fitzgerald, the combination of Murphy’s year-round role and Langlois’ experience represents an important new chapter for the festival.

Irish Film Festival London moves to January 2027

The 15th Irish Film Festival London will move from its traditional November slot to 27–31 January 2027, with the Irish Film Awards taking place on 1 February.

The decision comes amid an increasingly busy autumn festival calendar and the crowded period leading up to Christmas. The new dates will also allow IFTUK to bring its St Brigid’s Day Festival together with the Irish Film Festival London, with further details to be announced.

“January/February is the perfect time for the Festival & Awards and we can also combine our St Brigid’s Day celebrations with the Festival,” Fitzgerald said.

Despite the move, IFTUK will maintain its presence in November 2026, hosting a series of preview screenings and events in partnership with the Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith and The Century Club.

A new edition across London

The 15th Irish Film Festival London will officially open with its traditional red-carpet Opening Gala at Vue Leicester Square on 27 January.

Screenings will subsequently take place across a range of London cinemas, alongside workshops and events at The Century Club and the Irish Cultural Centre. The festival will culminate in the Irish Film Awards at The Century Club on 1 February.

The festival has long combined a platform for emerging Irish talent with celebrations of some of the most significant figures in Irish cinema. Earlier this year, Niamh McCormack became an IFTUK patron after receiving the Ros Hubbard Award for Acting at the 2025 Irish Film Awards.

The previous edition also paid tribute to the late Brenda Fricker, who received the Suile Eile Award for her contribution to Irish film, recognising her extensive career and her final screen performance in The Swallow.

Submissions for the 15th Irish Film Festival London open on 2 September 2026 via FilmFreeway, with further details about the programme and November preview events to be announced.