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The Irish Film Institute (IFI) was delighted to take part in a brilliant #ThinkLanguages Week 2025 which ran from 17-21 November.
Organised by Post-Primary Languages Ireland (PPLI) as part of the Languages Connect strategy, this eighth annual celebration evolved into a vibrant, student-led festival showcasing the power and possibilities of foreign language learning.
A key highlight of this year’s celebration was the exciting addition of cultural institutes, joining the festivities for the first time. Their involvement marks a significant expansion of the partner network, which now includes the Irish Film Institute, universities across Ireland, and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Together, these partners are helping to take languages beyond the classroom and into real-world experiences. The inclusion of cultural institutes adds a new dimension to the programme, reinforcing the importance of linguistic diversity and intercultural understanding in today’s world.
30 IFI Schools Programme screenings took place across the IFI and nationally at our regional partner arts venues, seeing students engage with foreign language films including Savages for Junior French, Jump! for Junior Spanish, The Marching Band for Senior French, Two to One for Senior German, Germany for Senior Spanish, as well as a Mystery Film for students to take a chance on. The IFI #ThinkLanguages Week 2025 screenings encouraged students to explore how foreign languages open doors to global opportunities, personal growth, and cultural connection.
The IFI’s online offering for schools included a #ThinkLanguages Week 2025 on IFI@Schools €20 for two MFL films to stream in classroom, with the free film Balloon available to stream on IFI@Schools for the week with a code from #ThinkLanguages Week.
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, speaking about: “#ThinkLanguages Week is a powerful reminder of the role languages play in shaping inclusive, connected, and opportunity-rich futures for our young people. I commend the students, teachers, and partners who make this celebration possible. Language learning is not just about communication—it’s about intercultural understanding, empathy, and global citizenship.”
Speaking ahead of the festival, Karen Ruddock, Director of PPLI, said:
“#ThinkLanguages Week is a celebration of the diversity and richness of languages in our lives. Whether spoken at home, in our communities, or learned in school, more languages connect us to more people and to more opportunities. We invite everyone—students, families, educators, and communities—to take a moment this week to consider the relevance of the languages that surround them and the ones that are offered in their schools”
BLUE MOON 13.40, 18.40
BUGONIA 20.45 (35mm)
DIE MY LOVE 16.10
NUREMBERG 13.10
PALESTINE 36 20.50
PILLION 16.00 (OC), 20.30
THE DOORS: WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE
THE MASTERMIND 15.50
The IFI is supported by The Arts Council
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