CIACLA Presents: The Irish Film Festival Los Angeles 2026: A Celebration of Irish Cinematic Film

20-22nd March 2026 will mark the seventh year of CIACLA's celebration of Irish Film with now a three day festival held in Santa Monica, showcasing the best of Irish Film featuring some of Ireland's most exciting filmmakers!

The Irish Film Festival Los Angeles will be a three day curated selection of contemporary Irish cinematic brilliance, showcasing a series of films from riveting feature-length films to compelling shorts, experimental film, whimsical animations, and poignant Irish Language film.

We pride ourselves on bringing forth the finest works from some of Ireland's most visionary filmmakers. From heartfelt dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, every film stands as a testament to the sheer talent and passion emanating from the Irish film industry.

With Irish cinema continuously making waves on the international scene, CIACLA is both proud and excited to amplify these voices, championing new stories and the artists behind them.

Held just before the international day of Irish celebration on St Patrick Day, over the weekend of March 20-22nd 2026, The Irish Film Festival Los Angeles will be a centrepiece of activities celebrating Irish in Los Angeles, with various film screenings, music and networking events!

Location: Laemmle Monica Film Center, 1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Calling All Filmmakers! CIACLA extends a warm invitation to Irish filmmakers, regardless of their location. Whether you're in the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the serene landscapes of Ireland, or anywhere else in the world, we want your unique vision. We're eager to see a mix of genres — drama, comedy, experimental, Gaeilge, documentary, animation, sci-fi, and more. Share your story with us.

Best Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best Animation
Best Experimental Film
Best Gaeilge Film

What we are looking for

- Short Films - under 35 minutes approx

- Feature Films - under 120 minutes ideally

- All submissions must be produced since 2020

- All Films must have featured in at least 1 Film Festival or 1 Broadcast or 1 Streaming Network or similar [unless it is a new release]

- Submissions must have at least one of the following: Irish Cast Member / Irish Crew Member / Irish Production Company / Filmed in Ireland

- Submitter has full rights to submit the film for screening

- Multiple film entries are allowed, please just use this form again to submit any additional films and we kindly request a donation for each entry.

- We welcome Film across all genre including experimental and documentary.

- Some screening slots will be dedicated to Irish Filmmakers based in Los Angeles.

Questions email info@ciacla.com

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • It was an honour to be part of CIACLA’s Irish Film Festival Los Angeles, and I’m deeply grateful that One Last Show in Taghmon was welcomed into this year’s programme. It means a great deal to have our small Irish story embraced by a community that celebrates cinema with such heart, curiosity, and cultural openness.

    March 2026
  • A must attend Film Festival in L.A.

    April 2025
  • Marc Cleary

    One of my favorite festivals to attend and to screen at. CIACLA always has high quality films and insightful Q&As. A great place to network too.

    March 2025
  • Nathaniel McCullagh

    A fantastic festival, our Picture Editor was invited to speak on the 'Futures' panel. Fantastic communications throughout. Thoroughly recommend.

    March 2024
  • Sam Lucas Smith

    A fantastic event run by an equally fantastic and committed team. An incredible showcase of emerging talent in Irish film.

    April 2023
    Response from festival:

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