The film premieres on Netflix globally on October 3rd.

But Cillian Murphy was in Cork City this weekend to introduce his latest film Steve to audiences in his hometown first as the movie received its European premiere as part of Sounds from a Safe Harbour (SFSH).

Max Porter, Alan Moloney (producer, Big Things Films), Cillian Murphy, Tim Mielants (director) and Sounds from a Safe Harbour Founder and Director Mary Hickson. Photographer: Bríd O’Donovan.

Based on Max Porter’s acclaimed novel Shy and directed by Tim Mielants (Small Things Like These), this powerful drama follows a headteacher battling the closure of his reform school alongside the inner turmoil of a young student (Jay Lycurgo).

Produced by Cillian Murphy and Alan Moloney (Big Things Films) and written by Porter, Steve celebrated its European premiere across six screens at the Arc Cinema, Cork, as part of SFSH, followed by a sold-out Q&A with Mielants, Murphy, and Porter at Cork Opera House.

John Kelly, Cillian Murphy, Tim Mielants, Jay Lycurgo and Max Porter. Photographer: Bríd O’Donovan.

“I am thrilled to be part of the inaugural film programme of SFSH 2025… there has always been such a natural crossover between cinema and music, and these delightfully diverse films very much speak to the philosophy and heart of what this festival is all about.” says co-curator Cillian Murphy.

“It is very meaningful for me to have the European premiere of Steve in my hometown of Cork city. Steve is a film that Max Porter wrote listening to 90’s Jungle and the film’s score is deeply influenced by the rhythms and patterns of drum and bass.”

“There was a lovely serendipity around the film programme and how it came together.” added Festival Director Mary Hickson.