dublin, ireland
CILECT Congress 2026
27-31 October 2026
27-31 October 2026
Fáilte go Baile Átha Cliath
Welcome to Dublin
A city shaped by storytelling, Dublin has long been home to writers, filmmakers, artists, and innovators. Hosted by the Institute of Art, Design + Technology (IADT) in Dún Laoghaire — a historic coastal town just south of Dublin city centre, overlooking the bay that has long been a place of arrival, departure, and exchange — a fitting setting for a gathering of educators and filmmakers from around the world.
THE LIGHTHOUSE — standing at the mouth of the harbour reflects the enduring role of educators as guides and mentors. As filmmakers navigate an increasingly complex creative landscape, educators act as points of orientation.
CONGRESS THEME 2026
Film Education:
ReMastered
In a period of rapid technological change and institutional reinvention, the Congress explores how teaching practices, creative mentorship, and institutional models are being reshaped by new technologies, new audiences, and new cultural responsibilities.
KEY QUESTIONS:
How does the role of the mentor or master evolve in contemporary creative education?
What new pedagogies are emerging in hybrid and post-pandemic learning environments?
How should film schools respond to AI, authorship, and technological transformation?
How can institutions support wellbeing, resilience, and creative sustainability?
What defines excellence in film education today?
THE CONGRESS
The global forum for film and media educators — a unique international gathering to share knowledge, explore emerging practices, and strengthen connections across the global network of film schools.
In 2026, the Congress coincides with the FilmEU Industry Summit, creating new opportunities for dialogue between educators, filmmakers, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES:
Keynote presentations
Academic + practice-based panels
Workshops + case studies
Screenings + exhibitions
Opportunities for collaboration with educators + industry
THE SETTING
Dún Laoghaire,
Dublin Bay
A historic coastal town overlooking Dublin Bay, a 19th-century harbour that has long been a gateway between Ireland and the wider world. Seafront promenades, Victorian architecture, easily accessible from central Dublin via the DART.
The iconic East Pier lighthouse serves as the visual reference for the Congress — symbolising guidance, learning, and the role of educators in illuminating pathways for new generations of filmmakers.
Host institutions
62
Countries across 6 continents
11,000+
TEACHERS + STAFF
180
Film, TV + media schools
about cilect
CILECT (Centre International de Liaison des Écoles de Cinéma et de Télévision) is the global association of film and television schools. Founded in 1955, bringing together leading institutions dedicated to excellence in film, television, and media education.
With member schools in more than 60 countries, CILECT provides a platform for collaboration, research, and creative exchange — supporting new generations of filmmakers and promoting dialogue between educators, students, and the global screen industries.