The Cork International Film Festival has announced this year's opening and Irish galas ahead of its return next month.
The festival will open on Thursday 7 November with the Ralph Fiennes-starring Vatican thriller Conclave. Irish actor Brían F O'Byrne will be among the cast in attendance.
This year's Irish gala at the festival on Sunday 10 November is the documentary Blue Road: The Edna O'Brien Story, directed by Sinéad O'Shea and narrated by Jessie Buckley. The film about the late author, who died in July, received its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival last month.
Looking ahead to the festival, Cork International Film Festival Director and CEO Fiona Clark said: "Conclave is a star-studded adaptation of Robert Harris' bestselling novel of the same name, a compelling political drama, and visually cinematic treat, so fitting for our opening gala at the Everyman on 7 November.
"We are also thrilled to premiere as our Irish gala, Sinéad O'Shea's Blue Road: The Edna O'Brien Story on Sunday 10 November, a thoughtful documentary that is a testament to the literary force that was Edna O'Brien.
"These films are indicative of the exciting range of premieres that CIFF boasts, and the wealth of Irish and international filmmaking talent that our 69th year will be showcasing."
The festival runs from 7-17 November.
For more on this year's Cork International Film Festival, visit: corkfilmfest.org.
