“The Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) has unveiled the lineup for its 2026 edition, featuring 83 films, including 17 world premieres. Among the stars expected to travel to Dublin for the Feb. 19-March 1 fest are the likes of Paul Rudd, Bill Nighy, Colin Farrell, Chris Colfer, Nick Jonas, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Bolger, Katie”, — write: www.hollywoodreporter.com
This year’s edition will also present a record number of 26 Irish narrative features and documentaries, 17 of which will celebrate their world premiere.
Said Dublin festival director Gráinne Humphreys: “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 and look forward to welcoming new audiences while reconnecting with our loyal attendees.”
Dublin International Film Festival director Grainne Humphreys Courtesy of Dublin International Film Festival
DIFF will open with the world premiere of David Gleeson’s Once Upon a Time in a Cinemawhich it describes as “a joyful and heartfelt celebration of the enduring magic of cinema.” Humphreys called the movie, infused with personal memories of Gleeson’s late father’s cinema, “an Irish counterpart to Cinema Paradiso.” Opening night will see Gleeson in attendance, along with Colin Morgan (Merlin) and Calam Lynch (Bridgerton), organizers said.
They previously announced that John Carney’s musical-comedy Power Balladstarring Jonas and Rudd, would world premiere as the closing film of Dublin 2026.
Meanwhile, Irish documentaries premiering at Dublin feature the likes of Irish artist and musician Guggi (Guggi) and Colin Farrell (The Slightest Touch).
Special screenings at DIFF will showcase further big names, including Everybody Digs Bill Evans (Bill Pullman), The Lightkeeper (Cooper), Gorky Resort (Gillen), The Restoration at Grayson Manor (Colfer), and No Ordinary Heisst (Eddie Marsan, Hardwicke).
This year’s Country in Focus at Dublin is Switzerland, featuring a retrospective of filmmaker Lionel Baier (The Safe House). Noted DIFF organizers: “Baier’s films, often exploring themes of identity, society, and personal struggle with wit and insight, provide a rich cultural lens for Irish audiences and exemplify the diversity of modern European cinema.”