Dublin International Film Festival 2025: Notable screenings, special guests and more

The Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) is set to dazzle film lovers, promising an exciting line-up of screenings, special guests and industry events. This year’s festival will showcase an impressive 80 films, including 10 highly anticipated world premieres of Irish productions, alongside 55 short films that highlight both emerging and established talent.

Hollywood legends and beloved stars will grace the red carpet, including Ralph Fiennes, Jessica Lange, Ed Harris, Ben Foster, Fiona Shaw, Twiggy, Fionnula Flanagan, Ardal O’Hanlon, Amy Huberman and John Connors. In recognition of their outstanding contributions to cinema, Jessica Lange and Ed Harris will receive the prestigious Volta Awards, an honour that celebrates their enduring impact on film and storytelling.

The festival kicked off last night with the much-awaited The Return – a gripping cinematic experience directed by Uberto Pasolini and starring Ralph Fiennes. It will conclude with Four Mothers by Irish director Darren Thornton, a heartfelt drama that won the Audience Award at the BFI London Film Festival.

Other notable screenings include the world premieres of Fran The Man, a football comedy featuring Ardal O’Hanlon and Amy Huberman; Ready or Not, a compelling ’90s coming-of-age drama penned by politican and activist Lynn Ruane, and directed by Claire Frances Byrne; and Spilt Milk, an evocative depiction of Dublin’s inner city in the 1980s, directed by Brian Durnin.

For documentary enthusiasts, DIFF offers an array of thought-provoking films. Aoife Kelleher’s Testimony explores the Justice for Magdalenes group and its fight for recognition, while John Connors’ Where The Road Meets The Sky provides an intimate look at his personal and familial history.

Éamon Little’s Born That Way follows Patrick Lydon’s transition from rock journalist to advocate for the radically inclusive Camphill Movement. Other must-see documentaries include Ross Whitaker’s Beat The Lotto, a fascinating insight into a man who attempted to crack the lottery system, and Myrid Carten’s A Want In Her, fresh from its acclaimed premiere at IDFA.

This year, DIFF also pays special tribute to the 25th anniversary of Gilmore Girls, a beloved television series that continues to captivate audiences. Additionally, Morocco has been selected as the country in focus, offering festivalgoers a deep dive into the rich storytelling and cinematic heritage of the country’s filmmakers.

Among the major highlights, Jessica Lange and Ed Harris will attend the world premiere of Long Day’s Journey Into Night, a compelling adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s masterpiece directed by Jonathan Kent. Meanwhile, actor Ben Foster will present his latest thriller Sharp Corner, directed by Jason Buxton, and fashion icon Twiggy will participate in a Q&A session alongside director Sadie Frost, following the screening of her documentary Twiggy.

Beyond the screenings, DIFF 2025 offers invaluable industry opportunities, with Screen Ireland as the festival’s official industry partner. A series of engaging panels and networking events will be held, including an International Film Programmers panel, an International Sales Agents event, and an exclusive X-POLLINATOR/DIFF Producers Networking Event. These events provide crucial opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and gain insights into the evolving world of cinema.

Several short film programmes, supported by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, will also make their debut, spotlighting emerging talent in live-action and animation. These include the National Talent Academy Shorts programme, the First Credit Short Film Scheme, and the NTA Short Film Fund, as well as the latest films produced through the Virgin Media Discovers scheme.

Additionally, screenings of projects developed under the Focus Shorts and Frameworks schemes, co-funded with RTÉ, will further highlight the dynamic storytelling emerging from Ireland’s filmmaking community.

With its stellar line-up of films, star-studded red carpet events, and a host of enriching industry gatherings, DIFF 2025 is set to be an unmissable celebration of cinema in the heart of Dublin. Whether you’re a cinephile, filmmaker, or simply looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, this year’s festival promises something special for everyone!

DIFF is on now, runs until March 2.