First Look at Galway Film Fleadh Programme

The Galway Film Fleadh has today unveiled the first highlights of its 38th edition, which takes place from July 7th–12th in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre and Pálás Cinema. Find out what's in store here...

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Ireland’s leading film festival will once again bring audiences an outstanding selection of Irish and international cinema, featuring world, international and Irish premieres, acclaimed filmmakers, emerging talent and a vibrant programme of industry events through the Galway Film Fair.

Among the first titles announced are the European Premiere of Edward Burns’ Finnegan’s Foursome, filmed along Ireland’s west coast; the Irish premiere of Learning to Breathe Under Water, starring Rory Kinnear and Maria Bakalova and filmed in Galway; Adam Morris’ music-filled drama Almost With You, featuring songs by Declan O’Rourke; and the inspirational rugby documentary Try!.

This year's festival will also shine a spotlight on Estonia as its Country of Focus, presenting a curated programme of contemporary Estonian features, documentaries and shorts, including the acclaimed documentary Becoming Roosi.

Festival Programmer Charlene Lydon said; "As always, the Fleadh will showcase the very best of new Irish cinema alongside award-winning films from around the world. This year's programme reflects the breadth and ambition of contemporary filmmaking, with a particular focus on stories connected through music, identity, resilience and community. We are especially excited to welcome audiences to our Spotlight on Estonia programme, while continuing to champion emerging filmmakers through our industry initiatives and diverse strand programming."

Highlights from the 2026 programme include:
• CLOSING FILM: Finnegan’s Foursome – the European premiere of Edward Burns’ latest feature, filmed on location along Ireland’s west coast.
• Learning to Breathe Under Water – the Irish premiere of the Galway-shot feature starring Rory Kinnear and Maria Bakalova.
• Almost With You – an uplifting Irish-Australian drama featuring songs by Declan O'Rourke and an original score by Luka Bloom.
• Try! – a powerful documentary following Ireland's mixed-ability rugby players on their journey to the world stage.
• Becoming Roosi – part of the Fleadh's Spotlight on Estonia programme, following one young woman's journey from childhood to adulthood over a transformative decade.

The full Galway Film Fleadh programme, including screenings, industry events, masterclasses and special guests, will be announced on 23rd of June at www.galwayfilmfleadh.com