Dublin International Film Festival

Home
Ireland
Dublin
Dublin International Film Festival

Ireland's premier film festival, bringing world-class Irish and international film to Dublin. www.diff.ie
RCN: 20055592 CHY:15892
(342)

03/09/2026

⚡ The shortlist is in! ⚡

We’re delighted to announce the filmmakers shortlisted for the ESB Short Film Award 🎬

From a brilliant selection of submissions, these filmmakers have been chosen for their bold, original ideas inspired by the theme ‘Powering Possibility’.

The shortlisted filmmakers will now have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to an expert industry panel, with one winning project receiving the €18,000 award, alongside industry mentorship and the chance to World Premiere their finished film at DIFF 2027.

The pitch will be a public event with tickets on sale soon. Turn on post alerts so you don't miss out on any updates!

A huge congratulations to everyone who submitted - and to our shortlisted filmmakers, we can’t wait to hear more about your stories and ideas.🎉

27/08/2026

Looking for a film-filled weekend on the west coast?
Féile John Ford returns to An Spidéal this September.

We’re delighted to support the second edition of this festival celebrating the legacy of six-time Oscar-winning director John Ford and his enduring connection to the West of Ireland and Cois Fharraige.

Across the weekend, audiences can enjoy The Quiet Man, The Plough and the Stars, The Informer, Hangman’s House and My Darling Clementine, alongside a special educational screening of An Cailín Ciúin, panel conversations and workshops.

The festival is also proud to welcome acclaimed actor Aidan Quinn (Michael Collins, Legends of the Fall, This Is My Father) who will officially launch this year’s festival and share his own connection to John Ford’s work, making for a special opening to a weekend of screenings, conversations and workshops.

📍 An Spidéal, Co. Galway
📅 11–13 September

26/08/2026

With preparations for DIFF 2027 under way, meet part of the team curating the final festival programme ➡️

Penn Bálint is a Hungarian multimedia artist and curator based in Devon. A Cambridge Philosophy graduate specialising in Aesthetics, their work explores disability, q***rness and cultural hybridity through a surrealist lens. Their work spans theatre, illustration and film, with screenings at BFI Flare, Aesthetica and festivals across Europe. Penn developed their current musical comedy short through BFI New Voices as composer, writer and director. They’ve also judged and curated for Two Short Nights and Edinburgh Short Film Festival, and run The Yoko Situation, supporting q***r creatives in rural Devon and Hungarian LGBTQIA+ storytelling.

Aisha Bolaji is a Nigerian-Irish curator, screenwriter, director and co-founder of The GALPAL Collective. Their short Why the Sun & Moon Live in the Sky premiered at Galway Film Fleadh and screened at Cork, Kerry, Aesthetica and BlackStar. Their feature Welcome to the Plague Pit was selected for Stowe Story Labs and Storyhouse Labs, while Starlets is funded by Screen Ireland. Aisha has 7+ years’ experience in curation, programming and jurying, including four years programming shorts at DIFF. They are also The GALPAL Collective’s Directed by Her festival director.

Áine Cassidy works with the Programming Team on submissions and shorts, and will run DIFF 2027’s industry and events programme. She joined DIFF through the Irish Film Curators Programme in 2024, before working as Junior Programmer & Administrative Assistant and Venue Manager for the 2025 and 2026 festivals. She graduated from NCAD in 2024 with a BA in Visual Culture.
➡️

Abiodun (Abbey) Udom is a Nigerian filmmaker, theatre director, and writer based in Dublin. Beginning his career in theatre, he has since built a multidisciplinary practice across film, television, and live performance. His work explores gender, identity, and contemporary African life through character-driven storytelling. His award-winning short film On Our Skin received Best Director, Best Lead Actor, and Best Production Design at the Film Joint Awards and has screened at festivals across Afric

10/08/2026

The next submission deadline for the Dublin International Film Festival 2027 is just a few days away! 🎬

With this deadline comes a small submission fee increase, so now's the perfect time to get your film in.

Need a little more time? Don't worry! Our Late Deadline is 11th September, before submissions officially close on 2nd November.

You can find our FilmFreeway link in bio! 🔗

30/07/2026

Today we remember Glen Hansard, a singular artist whose influence on Irish culture reached far beyond music and into the heart of Irish cinema.

As Outspan Foster in The Commitments (1991) and through his unforgettable performance in Once (2007), Hansard helped create two of the defining works of modern Irish film. Once captured hearts around the world, with "Falling Slowly" earning the Academy Award for Best Original Song and cementing its place in cinema history. The film also holds a special place in DIFF's history as the recipient of our inaugural Audience Award.

Everyone at Dublin International Film Festival extends our heartfelt condolences to Glen's family, friends and collaborators, and to the countless fans whose lives were touched by his work.

© Collins

21/07/2026

⚡Deadline Extended - 31 July⚡

As part of the ESB x DIFF partnership, one filmmaker aged 18–28 will receive the support to turn an idea into a finished film inspired by the theme Powering Possibility.

The selected project will receive:
🎬 €18,000 in production funding
🤝 Industry mentorship
🎥 A World Premiere at DIFF 2027

You now have until 31 July to apply. Don't miss the chance to turn your idea into a finished film!

More information on our website🔗

15/07/2026

🎉 GIVEAWAY 🎉

GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival is almost here! As Ireland's leading celebration of LGBTQIA storytelling on screen, GAZE brings audiences an exciting programme of bold, thought-provoking and award-winning films from around the world.

⭐To celebrate, we're giving away a pair of tickets to each of these two standout films from this year's programme:

Ivan & Hadoum – Winner of the Teddy Award at Berlinale, this moving debut follows two lovers navigating identity, family and class while finding hope and connection in rural Spain.

The Trial of Hein – A beautifully shot German mystery-drama in which a man returns to his home island after 14 years, only to face a public trial to prove who he is. A compelling story of memory, truth and belonging.

To enter, like this post and make sure you follow our page, then comment with:
🌊 for Ivan & Hadoum
⚖️ for Trial of Hein
One emoji = one entry for that screening. Winners will be contacted via DM next week.
Good luck! 🍿

26/06/2026

Happy Pride to our audiences, colleagues, filmmakers and everyone celebrating who they are and who they love 💗

25/06/2026

What do festival programmers wish more industry professionals knew?

DIFF Circle gives filmmakers direct access to international festival programmers, industry insights, practical workshops, mentoring, and a network of peers navigating the same journey.

Learn how to strengthen your festival submissions, avoid common mistakes, and better understand the festival landscape from the people who help shape it.

Join DIFF Circle today.
🌟 Link in bio.

Address

Digital Hub Office 2. 3 157 Thomas Street
Dublin
D8

Telephone

+35316877974

Website

http://www.diff.ie/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dublin International Film Festival posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your establishment to be the top-listed Arts & Entertainment in Dublin?