Waterford International Film Festival celebrates 20 years with exciting programme of events
The festival will take place in person this weekend, featuring more than 50 live film screenings.
Waterford International Film Festival (WIFF) brings more than 50 live screenings, over 100 online film screenings, special Irish-language and family-friendly programmes, and a major animation industry event to Waterford this weekend.
WIFF is celebrating a major milestone this year as it marks its 20th edition, bringing two decades of independent filmmaking and international storytelling to Waterford.
The festival will take place in person this weekend, Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, featuring more than 50 live film screenings, alongside a programme of events and celebrations throughout the city.
The festival will then continue online from November 15 to 20, with over 100 films available to stream, including the live screening selections and additional online finalists, showcasing independent cinema from Ireland and around the world.
This year's live programme takes place at The House of Waterford and SETU Chapel, College Street, with a diverse selection of short films spanning drama, comedy, documentary, animation, music video and experimental filmmaking.
Among the highlights are two new dedicated programmes for 2026, a programme of family-friendly short films and a special Irish language film section.
Another major highlight of this year's anniversary festival is Animation Connect 2026, presented by the National Talent Academy for Animation in partnership with Waterford International Film Festival.
Taking place on Saturday, November 14, at The Reg Waterford, from 1pm to 3.15pm, the event brings together an impressive line-up of established animation professionals, award-winning artists and industry leaders.
The speakers include Tiago Rovida, Animation Director at Lighthouse Studios, Emilie Bach Nielsen, Cartoon Saloon Art Director, and Fabian Erlinghäuser, Cartoon Saloon Director.
The event offers a rare opportunity for emerging animators, students and established creatives to hear directly from professionals working at the forefront of the animation industry.
Some familiar faces from Irish screen talent, including Stephen Rea and Pauline McLynn, will also be featured at events over the weekend.
The festival will also host additional free events and networking opportunities, encouraging filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences to come together and celebrate independent film.
The live screening programme on Saturday, November 14, begins at 10am at SETU Chapel, before the festival moves to The House of Waterford for its two Crystal Shorts programmes at 5pm and 8pm.
The festival's awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, November 15, at 5pm at The House of Waterford, celebrating achievements across the film, short screenplay and photography competitions.
For those unable to attend in person, the festival continues online from 7pm on Sunday until midnight the following Saturday, November 21, through the festival's streaming partner Eiretainment.com.
The online programme features more than 100 films, including films selected for the live screening programme, as well as additional online finalists from the festival competitions.
An online access pass costs €9.99, providing access to the full programme throughout the festival week.
Ahead of the festival, Festival Director Stephen Byrne said, "Reaching our 20th edition is a significant milestone for the festival.
"Over the years, WIFF has provided a platform for independent filmmakers and creative voices from Ireland and across the world. This year's programme reflects that spirit, while introducing new opportunities for audiences and the creative community to connect, particularly through our Irish-language and family-friendly screenings and Animation Connect.
"We're looking forward to welcoming filmmakers, guests and audiences to Waterford to celebrate 20 years of film and creativity."
The full programme, screening details and ticket information are available at www.waterfordfilmfestival.net with online screenings and passes available at www.eiretainment.com.
