The Beara Film Festival, also known as BFF, is Co.Cork's premier boutique short film festival. Established on January 23, 2018, by Castletownbere native Gerard O'Leary, who has himself featured in many productions on both stage and screen. BFF is situated in the busy fishing port of Castletownbere on the southwest coast of Co.Cork, Ireland. It is officially not only unique to County Cork but also the only one of its kind in Ireland.

BFF is a proud supporter of gender equality balance within the film industry. The festival is free to submit for independent film directors from Cork or living in Cork that have shot their short film entirely in Cork, West Cork, or the Beara Peninsula to be considered for screening at this exclusive film festival.

The festival is a non-ticket event for the general public to attend, with just a donation at the door for the festival's chosen Cork-based charity that receives no funding other than the generosity of the people.

During the festival, a variety of short film screenings are held, and the festival also offers workshops and panel discussions with filmmakers and industry professionals. This boutique festival is a unique and exciting opportunity for filmmakers and film lovers to share their work, engage with others in the industry, and celebrate the magic of cinema.

Overall, the Beara Film Festival is a must-attend event for anyone interested in independent cinema, gender equality, or the arts. With its stunning location on the southwest coast of Ireland, this boutique festival is an opportunity not to be missed!