More details have been revealed of the Dublin International Film Festival, which returns from 19 February to 1 March 2026, featuring a high-profile programme with stars such as Paul Rudd, Bill Nighy, Colin Farrell, Chris Colfer, Nick Jonas, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Bolger, Katie McGrath, Clare Dunne, Calam Lynch, Alice Krige, Aidan Gillenand and Éanna Hardwicke.
The event promises vibrant screenings, pop-up events, panels, masterclasses, and public interviews, aiming to immerse audiences in cinema culture across Dublin’s theatres, cafes, and cultural spaces. This major cultural festival is expected to boost tourism and hospitality in the capital during the late winter period.
Across eleven days, the festival will present 83 films, including 17 world premieres and 53 short films.
DIFF 2026 opens with the world premiere of David Gleeson’s Once Upon A Time In A Cinema, a joyous and heartfelt celebration of the enduring magic of cinema. The film, described by Humphreys “as an Irish counterpart to Cinema Paradiso.”
Opening night will see Colin Morgan (Merlin), Calam Lynch (Bridgerton) and director David Gleeson in attendance. Irish world premieres include:
- 500 Miles starring Bill Nighy, Clare Dunne and Maisie Williams
- The Three Urns (Stephen Warbeck, John-Paul Davidson) starring Ciarán Hinds
- One Last Deal (Brendan Muldowney) starring Danny Dyer
- Samanta Nobody (Ciaran Creagh) a compelling contemporary drama
Irish documentaries premiering with subjects like Guggi (Guggi), Jonah Lomu (Lomu), Eamon Ryan (Forever Is Now), Niall McDevitt (Every Moon is Atrocious), Colin Farrell (The Slightest Touch), and Charlie O’Leary (The Charlie O’Leary Story). Displace: The Battle for Dublin examines the current housing crisis in the capital while in An Irish Atlantic Rainforest they reverse ecological damage on the Beara Peninsula.
Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys shared: “Ireland is often referred to as a nation of cinema-goers, but we do not always see as much world cinema as we could or should. DIFF exists to support cultural cinema and to create opportunities to experience international art and artists. We are proud of the range and diversity of this year’s programme and look forward to welcoming new audiences while reconnecting with our loyal attendees. There are lots of firsts this year, with new venues, new partnerships, and a new way of presenting world-class cinema – with our friends in Bord Gais Energy Theatre.
