Film royalty heading for Dublin as DIFF reveals 2026 programme

Across eleven packed days, the capital will play host to 83 feature films, including 17 world premieres and 53 short films, turning the city into a magnet for film fans, industry insiders, and curious culture lovers alike.

From red carpet moments to intimate Q&As, DIFF 2026 promises to bring global cinema right into the heart of Dublin.

Screenings will pop up across the city, alongside public events, masterclasses, and industry talks that invite audiences to get closer than ever to the people behind the stories.

With Irish filmmaking enjoying a particularly strong moment, this year’s festival also puts a major spotlight on homegrown talent, both established and emerging.

 Paul Rudd will be among the stars at the Dublin International Film Festival.

DIFF has also quietly assembled one of its most starry guest lists in years, with a mix of Hollywood favourites, acclaimed character actors and Irish screen icons all expected to make the trip.

Leading that line-up are Paul Rudd, Colin Farrell, Bill Nighy, Maisie Williams and Alice Krige, joined by the likes of Chris Colfer, Nick Jonas, Ciarán Hinds, Dominic Cooper, Sarah Bolger, Katie McGrath, Clare Dunne, Aidan Gillen and Éanna Hardwicke.

Many of the visiting actors and filmmakers will attend screenings and take part in audience discussions, offering rare opportunities to see international stars up close in a festival setting that prides itself on accessibility and warmth.

 Paul Rudd will be among the stars at the Dublin International Film Festival. (Maise_Williams / Instagram)

Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys said DIFF’s mission remains rooted in championing cultural cinema and expanding Irish audiences’ engagement with world film.

"We are proud of the range and diversity of this year’s programme," she said, noting new venues, partnerships and a fresh collaboration with Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.

Bill Nighy will also step out at the Dublin International Film Festival.

"There are lots of firsts this year, and we’re excited to welcome new audiences while reconnecting with loyal attendees."

DIFF 2026 opens with the world premiere of David Gleeson’s "Once Upon A Time In A Cinema", described as an Irish counterpart to "Cinema Paradiso", and closes with John Carney’s feel-good musical "Power Ballad", starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas.

In between, audiences can expect everything from international competition titles and classic cinema strands to a record-breaking slate of Irish features and documentaries.

The Dublin International Film Festival runs from 19 February to 1 March 2026, with tickets and full programme details available now at www.diff.ie.

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.