Roll out the red carpet, big names are coming to Dublin!
Dublin will once again become a city energised by cinema as the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) returns from the 19th of February to the 1st of March 2026.
The event celebrates the very best of Irish and international filmmaking, across eleven exhilarating days, the festival will present 83 films, including 17 world premieres and 53 short films, welcoming filmmakers, screen legends and new voices to the capital.
This year’s festival will see an exceptional line-up of screen talent travel to Dublin, with 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 Gillen and Éanna Hardwicke, among those expected to walk the red carpet.
Many filmmakers and creatives will attend screenings and engage with audiences throughout the festival, including John Carney, Jan Komasa, Ellen Mirojnick, Alice Winocour, Piotr Sobociński, Enda Walsh, Lionel Baier and Nanouk Leopold.
This is a rare opportunity to see internationally acclaimed actors and directors up close, ask questions about their creative process, and witness the passion that drives these stories to the screen.
By boldly immersing audiences in cinema culture, DIFF 2026 will bring Dublin city to life with vibrant screenings, pop-up events, and a sense of anticipation that spreads across the city’s theatres, cafes and cultural spaces.
DIFF 2026 is also proud to present a record number of 26 Irish features and documentaries, 17 of which make their world premiere.
These films reflect the breadth, ambition and creativity of Irish filmmaking today, spanning comedy, drama, coming-of-age storiesand socially relevant documentaries.
A few of the Irish world premieres include:
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500 Miles starring Bill Nighy, Clare Dunne and Maisie Williams
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The Three Urns (Stephen Warbeck, John-Paul Davidson) starring Ciarán Hinds
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One Last Deal (Brendan Muldowney) starring Danny Dyer
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Samanta Nobody (Ciaran Creagh) a compelling contemporary drama
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Masterclasses with Polish acclaimed cinematographer Piotr Sobociński Jr. and visionary director Lionel Baier.
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First Frame programmes in Galway (17 February) and Dublin (18 February), providing workshops and mentorship for young filmmakers
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DIFF Media Hub an initiative dedicated to developing new voices in Irish film criticism through access, mentorship, and hands-on festival experience.
The Dublin International Film Festival runs 19 February – 1 March 2026. Tickets and full programme details are available at www.diff.ie.
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