Galway Film Society has revealed its spring 2026 season, running over eight weeks from February 8, on Sunday and Monday evenings, at its new venue: the Galway Arts Centre in Nun’s Island Theatre.
Sunday night movies begin at 8pm, Monday's at 7.30pm.
With tiered seating for 90 viewers, and a long tradition of film exhibition, GFS organisers selected the Nun’s Island Theatre as an intimate space for art-house cinema because the purpose-built Pálás cinema is currently unavailable.
“Galway Film Society is very thankful to the wonderful team at Galway Arts Centre for welcoming us into this charming venue… following the unfortunate closure of Pálás,” said Louise Casey Conneally, GFS chairperson. “We can now continue to bring international arthouse cinema to Galway audiences.”
The spring 2026 programme reflects GFS’s ongoing commitment to award-winning international cinema, featuring films from a wide range of countries and cultures. All non-English language films will be fully subtitled, and the season offers a balanced mix of themes and genres, from warm and life-affirming stories, to more challenging and thought-provoking work.
A particular highlight of the season will be Galway Film Society’s tribute to Jessie Buckley, which will take place the weekend prior to the 98th Academy Awards, where Buckley is nominated for Best Actress.
The tribute will be marked by a screening of Wild Rose, one of Buckley’s earliest leading roles, and the film that first brought her widespread international attention. This story of a young woman driven by talent, resilience and ambition, Wild Rose resonates strongly with Buckley’s own journey, and her relentless pursuit of her dreams; a determination that has since led to an extraordinary career on stage and screen.
The full spring 2026 programme includes:
In the Nguyen Kitchen (France )
A warm and engaging French film celebrating family, food and cultural identity across generations within the Vietnamese diaspora.
Better Days (Des jours meilleurs ) (France )
A powerful French drama exploring resilience, compassion and human connection in the face of personal adversity.
Palestine 36 (Palestine /UK )
A compelling historical drama set during the 1936–39 Arab Revolt, offering an intimate perspective on a turbulent period that helps contextualise ongoing conflict in the region.
Wild Rose (UK ):
Jessie Buckley’s breakout performance, screening as part of Galway Film Society’s special tribute.
The Ballad of Wallis Island (UK )
A gently humorous and poignant British film blending music, memory and unexpected human connection.
Young Mothers (Jeunes mères ) (France ):
A sensitive and socially engaged French portrait of motherhood, solidarity and resilience.
My Favourite Cake (Iran )
A tender, life-affirming Iranian film about companionship and late-found joy, marked by warmth, wit and quiet resistance.
Sentimental Value (Norway )
Joachim Trier’s acclaimed family drama won the Grand Prix at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and has been selected as Norway’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. It is widely praised for its emotional depth, formal elegance and powerful performances.
Tickets €10/€8 on the door, or from www.GalwayFilmSociety.ie
