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Athena Film Festival 2026: Women Leaders Tell Their Story
- Details
- Parent Category: Film Festivals
- Category: Previews
- Published on Thursday, 05 March 2026 10:27
- Written by Brad Balfour
Telling stories of women in leadership, the Athena Film Festival returns to Barnard College March 6 to 8. The festival is an annual showcase of narrative films, documentaries, and short films, alongside powerful and thought-provoking conversations with women from around the world.
Films include:
Opening Night Film
State of Firsts
Director: Chase Joynt
This film explores Sarah McBride’s historic run to become the first trans Member of Congress, the intense backlash that followed, and how the fight for change can be impacted by growing political extremism.
Centerpiece Film
Cutting Through Rocks
Directors: Mohammadreza Eyni, Sara Khaki
As the first elected councilwoman of her remote Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi fearlessly breaks patriarchal traditions by training teenage girls to ride motorcycles and stopping child marriages. When accusations arise questioning Sara’s intentions to empower the girls, her identity is put in turmoil.
Closing Night Film
Ask E. Jean
Director: Ivy Meeropol
A documentary that chronicles the life and career of advice columnist and gonzo journalist E. Jean Carroll, and her two successful legal battles with President Trump.
To learn more, go to: https://athenafilmfestival.com/
Athena Film Festival
March 6 - 8, 2026
Barnard College, Athena Center
3009 Broadway
New York, NY 10027
CraicFest 2026 kick Off St. Pat’s Festivities
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- Parent Category: Film Festivals
- Category: Previews
- Published on Tuesday, 03 March 2026 08:57
- Written by Brad Balfour
“Ballroom Boom” is narrated by Adam Clayton of U2
The legendary CraicFest kickoffs where the festival begins. Over the years, this series of events combines both Irish film and music. Launch by Terence Mulligan years ago, the fest has been a culrual phenomenon since it began.
This opening night has become a cornerstone of CraicFest with packed venues, unforgettable performances, bringing Irish to life in New York City. Past kickoff shows have featured iconic acts including Rubberbandits and Kneecap, setting the bar for what a CraicFest opening night is all about.
On Wednesday, March 4, we gather once again at Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar to launch CraicFest 2026 with a night that blends contemporary Irish music, world-class dance, and pure craic.
Music Guest: Graham Smith
Perfect for opening the festival, Smith brings contemporary Irish folk and acoustic storytelling to the CraicFest stage. Known for heartfelt songwriting and an unmistakable live presence, his music bridges the traditional and modern Irish sound in an authentic and powerful way.
Irish Dance Performance: Kait Rock
Internationally acclaimed Irish dancer Rock pushes the boundaries of the traditional form. Blending precision, athleticism, and modern expression, her performances bring Irish dance into bold, contemporary spaces while honoring its deep cultural roots. Fresh off the stage of Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” Tour, Kait returns to CraicFest.
The Kickoff events have historically filled quickly and there may be a Surprise Music Guest TBA. Arrive early to avoid disappointment. This is a free event but space is limited, please RSVP.
Thursday, March 5th
Opening Night Film & Party
“Saipan: A World Cup Feud” – NYC Premiere
7 pm: Village East by Angelika
CraicFest 2026 officially opens on March 5th with this New York City Premiere of “Saipan: A World Cup Feud.” This opening night screening marks the film’s first presentation to NYC audiences, making it a landmark moment for both the festival and Irish cinema in New York City. The film 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.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Directors Glen Leyburn & Lisa Barros D’Sa.
Ticket includes After Party at Solas [E. 9th St. off 2nd Ave.] with complimentary beer, 9pm – 11pm.
Friday, March 6th
Shorts Night
7 pm: Village East by Angelika
The Irish Shorts evening celebrates bold new visions 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, In addition, there’s “HomeTime” directed by Jonathan Lambert, “Mourning Glory” directed by John Carlin and written by Shane McNaughton, The Wheel directed by Jake Quinn 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.
Ticket includes After Party at Factory 380
380 3rd Ave. Complimentary beer & appetizers from 9-11pm. Local filmmakers to attend.
Saturday, March 7th
Kids Fest
11:30 am: Village East by Angelika
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.
Feature: “BP Fallon Rock’N’Roll Wizard Vol. 1.”
1 pm: Village East by Angelika
Directed by Alan Leonard, “BP Fallon Rock’N’Roll Wizard Vol. 1.” traces the remarkable arc of Fallon’s life, from the explosive rise of British rock through to unexpected late-career reinvention. Along the way, Fallon intersects with some of the most iconic names in modern music: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, Johnny Thunders, and U2; artists who didn’t just define eras, but rewrote the rules. When many would have slowed down, Fallon took a sharp left turn later in life, forging a creative partnership with Jack White and Third Man Records, proving that reinvention has no age limit and that true rock’n’roll spirit never retires.
Feature: “Where the Road Meets the Sky”
3 pm: Village East by Angelika
“Where the Road Meets the Sky” is a layered and deeply reflective experimental film funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, examining the intersection of time, language, and memory through the lived experience of Irish Travellers. At the center of the film stands Chrissy Donaghue Ward, grandmother of the film’s writer and director John Connors, a towering figure in Irish Traveller history. An unwavering matriarch, civil rights activist, and the last Shanakee of the open road from the Donaghue, Ward, and Connors clans, Chrissy is the keeper of a culture shaped by movement, oral storytelling, and survival.
Feature: “Ballroom Boom” – U.S. Premier
7 pm: Village East by Angelika
“Ballroom Boom” brings CraicFest 2026 to a close with a powerful, music-driven documentary, followed by a closing night party celebrating Irish sound, storytelling, and legacy. U-2’s bassist Adam Clayton explores the extraordinary rise and fall of Ireland’s showband era, when over 700 bands and thousands of musicians performed live in ballrooms across Ireland almost every night of the week during the 1960s. Director Billy McGrath to attend screening.
Ticket includes Screening and After party at Solas
E 9th St. off 2nd Ave.
For more i nfo and tickets go to:https://thecraicfest.com/
The NY Irish Center Presents “Fís Nua/New Vision” — America’s first Irish Language Film Festival In February
- Details
- Parent Category: Film Festivals
- Category: Previews
- Published on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 10:13
- Written by Brad Balfour
"The Quiet Girl"
A few years ago, the film world was surprised by the ascension of so many Irish actors, directors, below-the-line folks and even a bunch of choice locations (witness the locations used in “The Game of Thrones”). Now following such an auspicious series of acknowledgments, it seemed like a good time to plan a film festival of Irish language films. Yes, films in Gaelic, the original talk of inhabitants of the Emerald Island.
Once the British started occupying their next-door neighbor, part of their plans to oppress the population and its cohesion was to ban its native language. For decades, Gaelic was suppressed both North and South. But once the Republic of Ireland emerged, there were efforts to reestablish its native tongue. Nowadays, the Irish regale in their language, learning it as kids with a region in the West country where Gaelic is the primary language.
Now New York’s booming community of Irish speakers, learners and the Irish-curious will have a reason to convene since the NY Irish Center (NYIC) will host America’s first Irish language film festival — “Fís Nua/New Vision” — this February, Thu 19th to Sat, the 21st. The seven recently produced Irish-language feature-length and short films will unspool for the three-day festival.
It begins on Thursday, Feb 19, at 7pm, with the Festival Kickoff which includes a panel discussion and reception. The distinguished Irish language radio contributor, Caoimhe Nic Giollarnáith, moderates a discussion on the role that media and entertainment have played in the revival of the Irish language, with the perspective on TG4’s pivotal role in broadening the appeal. (In English and Irish)
Then, on Friday, February 20th at 7pm, the Opening Night Film will be the Oscar-nominated “The Quiet Girl.” (Best International Feature Film in 2023). Directed by Colm Bairéad, this masterfully crafted film tells of a neglected nine-year-old girl who finds a loving home with distant relatives on a farm in County Waterford. It was called “a jewel” by The Guardian. The highly acclaimed film was seen in limited release in New York and LA in 2022. This February screening will be preceded by a brief retrospective of Bairéad’s road to the Oscar nomination.
On Saturday, Feb 21 from 2 to 4pm is the Children’s Afternoon featuring “Lí Ban” and “Song of the Sea.” A treat for youngsters and families are two episodes from new TG4 animated series: “Lí Ban.” It follows a 12-year-old and her dog on a magical journey to the sea. Then, courtesy of the Oscar-nominated production studio Cartoon Saloon “Song of the Sea” directed by Tomm Moore with be shown.
Later that day, at 7pm, will be a Double Feature – a locally made short film “An Chathair Mhór” and “Ag Taisteal Siar” — the Festival’s closing night film. Made by Cian O’Connor, the short was filmed in Woodlawn in The Bronx, and produced with a primarily Irish cast and crew, O’Connor tells the touching story of a young man who travels to New York from Ireland where he rediscovers his love for Gaeilige,by minding his grandaunt Breda in her last days.
The Festival closes with Méabh O’Hare’s fascinating documentary “Ag Taisteal Siar” explores the rich musical heritage of Ireland’s Traveller community -- a driving force in Irish music scene since the 1960s ballad boom. It’s full of spellbinding performances and interviews with such legends as Kathleen Keenan, Sarah Dunne, Sharyn Ward, Niamh Dunne and Steo Wall.
“Fis Nua/New Vision” is produced in partnership with Ireland’s premier Irish language broadcaster, TG4, which is celebrated for being a hub for Irish language and culture globally. On the air since 1996, TG4 is a free channel available in over 80% of Irish households. It’s video on demand service recorded 4.3M video views in 2024, a 23% increase over the previous year.
Said TG4’s commissioning editor Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, “We’re delighted to partner with the New York Irish Center on the first edition of ‘Fís Nua.’ This collaboration reflects TG4’s commitment to make Irish language content available to audiences across the globe. We hope this festival will go on to strengthen transatlantic artistic exchange and deepen the creative bridge between Ireland and American filmmaking communities.”
Staged at the NY Irish Center, it’s a hub for culture and community enrichment serving diverse constituencies throughout New York City. The Queens based center serves over 25,000 annually –– from toddlers, young people, seniors, immigrants, arts lovers, and New York’s ever-evolving Irish diaspora. The bustling location is now celebrating its 21st anniversary during this 2025-26 season.
All films are shown with English subtitles.
Fís Nua/New Vision
February 19 - 21, 2026
To see and hear the station go to:www.tg4.ie
Festival Passes are $40, with Day Passes on sale for just $15.
Tickets are currently on sale at www.newyorkirishcenter.org
2026 Winter Film Festival Showcases Works From Around the World
- Details
- Parent Category: Film Festivals
- Category: Previews
- Published on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 17:15
- Written by Brad Balfour
Now in its 14th year, New York’s Winter Film Festival is back for it’s 2026 edition. Running February 18 to the 22nd at the Regal Union Square, the Winter Film Festival is a showcase in cinematic diversity. The festival places a special emphasis on highlighting the work of emerging and under-represented filmmakers, and for 2026, the festival will showcase 103 films from around the world – shorts and features, animation, documentaries, dramas, romances, comedies, horror and music videos, including 20 student films and 34 first-time directors. The shorts block includes Made in NY Shorts, Horror Shorts, Documentary Shorts, and Animated Shorts.
Features include Accomplices, in which after a car accident, Sofia and Branko’s idyllic life unravels. As they struggle to cope with the aftermath, their conscience haunts them, transforming their relationship and leading to a series of unexpected events. Beautiful, Pam follows a Queer sex-worker, named Pam, in the midst of a mid-life crisis during the week of their son’s 18th birthday. While living out of a motel and turning tricks, Pam attempts to balance fatherhood and addiction.
The WFF is also dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers as they break into the industry. There will be six FREE educational and career-building sessions open to the public, including:
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Film Festivals and How to Look After Your Mental Health (Feb 19, 12:45-2:00pm)
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Casting Strategies for Indie Filmmakers & Actors (Feb 19, 2:15-3:30pm)
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Independent Distribution Strategies: Information vs. Disinformation (Feb 19, 3:45pm-5:00pm)
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Sustainability for Indie Films with NYC MOME's FilmGreen Office (Feb 20, 2:15pm-3:30pm)
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Producing 101 (Feb 20, 3:45pm-5:00pm)
To learn more, go to: https://winterfilmfest.org/wff2026/
2026 Winter Film Festival
February 18 - 22, 2026
Regal Union Square
850 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
