Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas to appear at Dublin International Film Festival for World Premiere of Power Ballad

John Carney's new musical-comedy Power Ballad will receive its world premiere as the closing film of this year’s Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF). The screening will take place on March 1 at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, with actors Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas in attendance.

The story centers on an unlikely friendship between Rick (Paul Rudd), a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny (Nick Jonas), a fading boyband star. After a chance encounter and a late-night jam session, their lives change in unexpected ways when they return to their separate worlds.

Carney is known for his work in Once, Begin Again and Sing Street which served as the opening film for DIFF in 2016.

"I'm delighted to have our film, Power Ballad, close this year's festival," said Carney. "It's apt to go out, after so many great films, with a bang of music and fun. Who wouldn't want to watch Paul Rudd throw Nick Jonas off a balcony? (Seriously, that happens in our movie.)”

“It's the perfect closing film for the 2026 festival, which features a record number of Irish features - the future of Irish cinema has never looked so bright,” added the festival director, Grainne Humphreys.

Tickets will go on sale on 22 January for DIFF Members Club and Festival Pass holders. The general release will take place at 9 am on January 23.