PHOTOGRAPHY, EVENTS
IndieCork 2025 — A Festival Full of Heart
- Caption: “IndieCork 2025 — evening before the opening night at The Arc Cinema, Cork.”
Each October, IndieCork shows why independent cinema feels at home in Cork. Rebellious, creative, and powered by people who truly love film, it’s hard to believe this year marks its final edition after fourteen incredible years.
“Each October, IndieCork shows why independent cinema feels at home in Cork.”
Opening Night and Made in Cork
Opening night set the tone with Ange by Tony Gatlif — a beautiful start to a week of stories, laughter, and conversation.
The Made in Cork programmes — both fan favourites — packed The Arc Cinema to the last seat. From first-time directors to seasoned storytellers, they showcased local filmmaking at its most vibrant.
- Caption: “LEFT PHOTO: Sean Breathnach (film director), with Ruth Hayes the producer of "Call Me Isabel".RIGHT PHOTO: Lea Thalia, lead actress in Philip Connolly's "Emma"..”
“The Made in Cork programmes — both fan favourites — packed The Arc Cinema to the last seat.”
Panels, Masterclasses, and Conversations
Panels, masterclasses, and informal chats added another layer to the festival. Simon Ellis, Ronan O’Leary, and others shared insights that sparked ideas and connections, reminding everyone how collaboration fuels independent art.
- Caption: “Making Your First Low-Budget Feature “Tales from the trenches”, Panel discussion moderated by Ronan O’Leary.”
Festival Highlights
The week was full of memorable moments. Owen Warren’s Low demonstrated what years of passion and dedication can create. Liam O’Mochain’s Abode quietly captured hearts with its intertwined stories.
“A particularly moving highlight was the tribute to Tony Langlois, IndieCork’s musical soul.”
- Caption: “Celebrating Tony Langlois — the musical heartbeat of IndieCork. TOP: After screening at The Gate, BELOW: TANK at The PAV”
Capturing the Festival
Having photographed IndieCork since its very first edition fourteen years ago, and countless other festivals and events since, I’ve learned to read its rhythm — arrivals, guests, reunions, quick portraits before screenings.
This year I worked with two Fujifilm X-T4 bodies: one with a 33mm f/1.4, the other with a 50mm f/1.0, carried in my trusty Filson Magnum Messenger Bag. It was a setup built for speed and flexibility — ideal for capturing filmmakers, guests, and behind-the-scenes moments.
- Caption: “Full House at Screen 4”
“Fujifilm cameras are a setup built for speed and flexibility — ideal for capturing filmmakers, guests, and behind-the-scenes moments.”
- Caption: “Ronan Leonard hosting CineCeoil at The Pav”
Why Documenting Festivals Matters
Festivals like IndieCork deserve to be remembered — not just for the films, but for the people who make them happen. Documenting them ensures the spirit of the festival lives on long after the last screening fades to black.
Caption: “On the left: Donncha Crowley, lead actor in one of the five episodes. On the right: Liam O’Mochain, director of Abode, captured moments before premiere.”
Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing a more in-depth look at the photographs from the last fourteen years, including the story of how my images became posters, programme covers, and t-shirts for the festival. It’s been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to revisit it all.
Caption: “Image created for IndieCork 2025 and the same image in the window of The ARC Cinema”
“Festivals like IndieCork deserve to be remembered — not just for the films, but for the people who make them happen.”
- Caption: “Behind the scenes look into projectionists room.”
If you’re planning a festival and think I might be a good fit to help shape the visual side of it, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s start a conversation and see where it leads.
Marcin Lewandowski | soundofphotography.com
