2025 Chicago Irish Film Festival

Films from the land of storytelling

Adventures in Irish Storytelling

This year is an especially exciting program that includes award winners, nuanced and interesting stories and films from first time filmmakers that cover everything from past Irish Presidents to future dreams of a united Ireland, from bog stories to immigrant experiences. 

Join us February 27–March 9 and celebrate this year’s curated collection of independent films from the land of storytelling.

Online Program — March 3–9

Our online program is a specially curated series of films that are not screening in the in theater festival.

Stream in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

In Theater — February 27–March 2

Opening Night Gala

Dead Man's Money

When Young Henry’s wealthy uncle starts courting “the Widow” Tweed, he starts to fear that he’ll be written out of Old Henry’s will. Conspiring with his wife, Pauline, and a chauffeur with a checkered past, Young Henry resolves the Widow Tweed never sees a penny of the inheritance he thinks is rightfully his, but their plan has dire consequences.

The evening includes a pre-screening reception at BACKSTAGE located on level two AMC NEWCITY followed by screening at AMC NEWCITY14 with special guests director Paul Kennedy and actor Ciarán McMenamin.

Closing Film

The Irish Question

Special guest
director Alan Gilsenan.

Special Event

Mrs. Robinson

Screening will be followed by a Q&A with former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson.

Films

Fidil Ghorm: Blue Fiddle

David Keenan—Words on Canvas

The Spin

Kathleen is Here

Housewife of the Year

The Outcasts

Laoch — Defy the Odds

Billy Caldwell + the Great Lakes Treaty Making

Four Mothers

Shorts Programs

Shorts 1: Decisions

Featuring: Turnaround, All that’s Carried, The Carer, Eldritch Karaoke, Dead on Arrival, Mír, Two Mothers and I Found a Place

Shorts 2: What Others Think

Featuring: She Said ReJoyce, Letter, Next, We’re Blood, Worried Sick, Vinny, Polished, #Bog, The Wilde Sisters

Shorts 3: Voices

Featuring: Dublin Short, Breakfast Roll, Packrat, A Lady of Paris, Kiki, The Big City, Settle Yourself and The Last of the Handweavers

Shorts 4: Beginnings

Featuring: Peat, Beyond the System, Tough Love, Shadow Fable, Cat & Mouse, Homebird, A Simple Killing, An Ode to Tony MacMahon’s Den and Room Taken

Turnaround

Part of Shorts Program 1

We're Blood

Part of Shorts Program 2

The Last of the Hand Weavers

Part of Shorts Program 3

Room Taken

Part of Shorts Program 4

Donor & Sponsor Opportunities

Please consider donating and/or sponsorship to support the festival and help us continue to bring Irish films to the Chicagoland audience.

100% of your donation is used in presenting the festival.

We offer sponsorship to fit any budget, become a sponsor!

Don't Miss the 26th annual Chicago Irish Film Festival with the Best Independent Films by Irish Filmmakers.

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