Discover Industry & Public Events at Dublin International Film Festival 2026
Posted: 10th February 2026
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland (Screen Ireland) is proud to be the official Industry Partner of the Dublin International Film Festival 2026 (DIFF) taking place from 19th February to 1st March 2026 and to support its line-up of industry and public events.
Filmmakers, creatives, and anyone working across film, television, and the wider screen industries can avail of the DIFF Industry Pass, offering access to every Industry Event at DIFF 2026, alongside a curated selection of public festival events. From talks, panels, and workshops to networking opportunities and in-depth conversations with international guests, the Industry Pass puts you at the centre of the ideas, conversations, and connections shaping contemporary cinema.
Learn more & book your Industry Pass
Industry Events
Sustainability: Green from Script to Screen Workshop
Friday, 20th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 9:30 - 11:00
Green from Script to Screen, an initiative founded by Elaine Walsh and Daragh Goan, present this workshop as part of DIFF’s commitment to showcasing sustainable practice in filmmaking all the way through from concept to the closing credits.
This dynamic world-building workshop aimed at writers in development – will be led by Elaine and Daragh on how to integrate climate conscious storytelling into your project, giving characters agency, and creating art that not only engages, but challenges perspectives and offers alternatives. This will also demonstrate how integrating sustainability principles at script development stage leads to greener filmmaking, using case studies from high end TV Drama and feature films made in Ireland. As this is a dynamic workshop, attendees are invited to apply learnings to their own Film/TV projects and to bring notebooks/ laptops along.
Register for Sustainability: Green from Script to Screen Workshop
Location, Location, Location!
Friday, 20th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 13:45 - 14:45
Our rugged and remote areas of natural beauty have long been favoured by international productions from Braveheart to Star Wars but also pose so many logistical challenges.
Some of Ireland’s leading location managers including Eoin Holohan will come together for a panel discussion on what the landscape is like both geographically and logistically for location filming on our beautiful island.
Register for Location, Location, Location!
From 30 Seconds to 90 Minutes
Friday, 20th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 17:00 - 18:00
How storytelling techniques shift between commercials, TV and features. From 30 Seconds to 90 Minutes explores how storytelling shifts across commercials, television, and feature films. Bringing together filmmakers working across these formats, this panel considers how creative ideas, visual approaches, workflows, and decision-making evolve with scale and scope. From the precision of short-form advertising to the demands of long-form screen storytelling, the conversation will examine the creative, technical, and collaborative adjustments required throughout production and post-production, and what working across formats can teach storytellers about craft, efficiency, and creative ambition.
CPI (Commercial Producers Ireland) is the voluntary organisation of independent Irish commercial production and post-production companies.
Register for From 30 Seconds to 90 Minutes
International Film Programmers Panel
Saturday, 21st February 2026 / Haymarket House / 10:00 - 11:30
Perfect your festival strategy with DIFF by engaging with top-tier festival programmers from around the globe.
This panel offers a comprehensive discussion on festival policies, submission criteria and crucial deadlines, providing essential insights for those preparing international festival strategies and aiming at success.
Guests include:
- Mihai Chirilov - Transylvania International Film Festival
- Ania Trzebiatowska – Sundance Film Festival
- Alen Munitic – Mediterranean Film Festival Split
- Julia Weigl - Munich International Film Festival
- Mimi Plauché - Chicago International Film Festival
- Outi Rehn – Helsinki International Film Festival
- Jason Ryle - Toronto International Film Festival
- Annina Wettstein - DOK Leipzig/International Film Festival Rotterdam
- Sharon Badal - Tribeca Film Festival
- Dominique Green - Dinard Film Festival
- Karel Och - Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
The International Film Programmers Panel is supported by Culture Ireland.
Register for the International Film Programmers Panel
NTA Networking Event at DIFF 2026
Saturday, 21st February 2026 / Light House / 19:00 - 21:00
The National Talent Academies are delighted to host a networking event at DIFF 2026, creating a space for filmmakers and crew to come together, network, and explore opportunities for future collaborations.
The NTAs’ focus is on fostering inclusivity and supporting the diverse spectrum of talent within Ireland's screen sector. In addition to networking, attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from the NTAs about upcoming training, opportunities, and events for 2025.
Register for the NTA Networking Event at DIFF 2026
Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Panel
Sunday, 22nd February 2026 / Haymarket House / 11:00 - 12:00
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) established the Human Rights Film Award in 2008 to recognise the role of film in raising awareness of human rights issues around the world. In 2019, the ICCL Human Rights Film Award was relaunched as an integral part of the DIFF programme.
The award celebrates films that enable audiences to explore human rights stories of all kinds and honours filmmakers whose work argues passionately for a better world. This recognition extends to work that courageously tackles a spectrum of human rights issues, showcasing the power of cinema as a medium to foster understanding, empathy and dialogue.
There are six films nominated for the ICCL award this year.
- Landmarks
- Everybody to Kenmure Street
- Displace: The Battle for Dublin
- Gays Against Guns
- Maspalomas
- Samanta Nobody
DIFF is excited to welcome a number of these filmmakers to a panel discussion on the themes of their work and the continuous challenges they face making this important work.
Register for the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Panel
International Distribution Event
Sunday, 22nd February 2026 / Haymarket House / 14:00 - 15:00
In a time when Irish films struggle to find international distribution, we hear from the success stories and learn from their experiences.
Come along for panel discussions and to meet with international distributors, sales agents and festival programmers including Mihai Chirilov from Transylvania International Film Festival and Alen Munitic from Mediterranean Film Festival Split.
For the full list of sales agents and distributors in attendance please contact programme@diff.ie.
Register for the International Distribution Event
Swiss Cinema Day
Monday, 23rd February 2026 / Haymarket House / 10:30 - 13:00
As part of our Country in Focus: A Celebration of Swiss Cinema, this dedicated day will highlight case studies of collaboration between Ireland and Switzerland as well as showcasing new opportunities. The programme this year features four new Swiss films and a retrospective of four films from acclaimed Swiss director Lionel Baier.
Hello Betty, Love Roulette, Don’t Let the Sun, Wolves, Safe House (2025), First Name: Matthew (2018), Another Man (2008), The Parade: Our History (2002)
Emilie Bujès, Artistic Director of Visions Du Reel, which takes place in Nyon Switzerland each year, will outline what appeals to her in a film when programming an internationally renowned documentary film festival, and will showcase a recent example of a Swiss-Irish co-production in action.
Peter Reichenbach is the acclaimed producer of some of the most successful Swiss films of all time including Needle Park Baby, The Foster Boy, Night Train to Lisbon and Little Mountain Boy to name but a few. He will introduce the landscape of contemporary Swiss cinema as well as his impressive body of work. His most recent film, Hello Betty, receives its Irish Premiere at DIFF ‘26.
Swiss Cinema Day is sponsored by the Swiss Embassy and Swiss Films.
Register for the Swiss Cinema Day
State of the Nation: Irish Distribution Event
Monday, 23rd February 2026 / Haymarket House / 13:30 - 15:00
Twenty-two new Irish features and documentaries will premiere at DIFF this year but where can you see these films in Ireland after the festival. With the Warner Bros sale looming, rural cinemas closing and theatrical distribution growing more and more conservative, cinema exhibition in Ireland is facing into its most difficult year so far.
We have gathered a group of industry professionals to debate what we can do to save our cinemas and our audiences. The panel will include Ben Luxford Director of UK Wide audiences, BFI and DIFF '25 success story Swingbout's director and producer Maurice O'Carroll and Sinéad O'Riordan. They will give us an insight into their distribution journey and what's next for the film and their impending worldwide deal.
Register for State of the Nation: Irish Distribution Event
aemi in conversation with Annina Wettstein
Monday, 23rd February 2026 / Haymarket House / 15:30 - 16:30
For this edition of DIFF, aemi co-director Alice Butler will lead a conversation with Annina Wettstein - Programmer, curator and consultant on festival and world sales strategies.
Annina Wettstein is based in Zurich Switzerland and Since 2018 has been on the selection committee for DOK Leipzig. She has worked with European festivals in various roles for almost 20 years. She was a programmer for Rotterdam, a San Sebastián delegate, and the main programmer for SCANORAMA (Lithuania). She regularly participates in juries and funding committees. She is head of program Distribution and Cinema at FOCAL Foundation for Professional Training in Cinema and Audiovisual Media, a Member of the Fantoche Animation FF executive board, and of both European and Swiss Film Academies.
aemi is an Arts Council-funded organisation that supports and regularly exhibits moving image work by artists and experimental filmmakers. Since 2016, aemi has presented screenings in partnership with festivals and venues across Ireland and toured programmes of Irish and international work across the UK and Europe.
Register for aemi in conversation with Annina Wettstein
Directing Masterclass with Lionel Baier
Tuesday, 24th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 11:00 - 12:00
Lionel Baier is a Swiss film director known for his unique visual style and exploration of themes such as identity, sexuality and Europe’s changing borders. In this very special masterclass Lionel will talk about his work on numerous feature films and documentaries. Baier co- founded the production company Bande à Part Films in 2009 and has been teaching film at the École cantonale d’art de Lausanne since 2002.
Register for the Directing Masterclass with Lionel Baier
Documentary Futures: Building Audiences In Ireland
Tuesday, 24th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 14:00 - 15:00
Presented by Screen Producers Ireland, this event will present a critical, forward-looking analysis of documentary performance in Ireland, exploring how the sector can more effectively cultivate and sustain audiences.
Through data-driven insights, case studies and contributions from filmmakers, exhibitors and distributors, the session will examine current challenges in reach, visibility and engagement, particularly in an increasingly crowded media landscape.
With a panel including Daniel Hegarty (Marmalade Films), Chair of the SPI Factual & Creative Documentary Committee of Screen Producers Ireland and award-winning producer Christine Le Goff, this discussion will highlight emerging opportunities for audience development, including innovative distribution pathways and demonstrate the value of DIFF. By bringing industry stakeholders together, the event aims to spark practical solutions and collaborative approaches that can strengthen the future of Irish documentary and expand its cultural impact.
Register for Documentary Futures: Building Audiences In Ireland
International Sales Agents Event
Wednesday, 25th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 10:00 - 13:00
Following our hugely successful Sales Agents events over the last few years, we have invited the top sales agents and film distributors from around the world to meet with Irish filmmakers at DIFF 2026, with an introduction by Orla Clancy from Creative Europe. Join us to learn more about current trends in sales and acquisition.
Please check website for panellists and contributors.
Register for the International Sales Agents Event
Focus On The Composer
Wednesday, 25th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 14:00 - 15:00
Screen Composers Panel and Networking Event
Presented by the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland, join us for an exclusive chat with Phil Kieran, Anna Rice and Stephen Rennicks, whose work is being shown at DIFF 2026. This panel will discuss every aspect of what it takes to write music for the big screen and the important role music plays in filmmaking. Make sure to keep an ear out for the new scores debuting in this year’s festival line-up and come along to meet the minds behind the music.
Panel:
- Phil Kieran – Crazy Love
- Stephen Rennicks – Whitetail
- Anna Rice – An Irish Atlantic Rainforest
Register for Focus On The Composer
Changing the Lens: Diverse Voices on Screen
Thursday, 26th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 10:00 - 11:00
This panel brings together accomplished filmmakers from around the world to explore film as a conduit for marginalised voices and navigating the international film industry as a minority filmmaker.
Together they will explore the challenges of sharing diverse cultures with a global audience.
Discussion will centre around different approaches to navigating language, context and storytelling whilst maintaining a strong cultural authenticity. With panellists to be announced, this discussion will explore how cinema helps shape, celebrate and appreciate storytelling from multiple cultures and perspectives on the global stage.
Register for Changing the Lens: Diverse Voices On Screen
Sustainability: Green From Script to Screen
Thursday, 26th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 14:00 - 16:00
Green from Script to Screen, an initiative founded by Elaine Walsh and Daragh Goan, presents two events as part of DIFF’s commitment to showcasing sustainable practice in filmmaking all the way through from concept to the closing credits.
The first – a dynamic world-building workshop aimed at writers in development – will be led by Elaine and Daragh on how to integrate climate conscious storytelling into your project, giving characters agency, and creating art that
not only engages, but challenges perspectives and offers alternatives. This will also demonstrate how integrating sustainability principles at script development stage leads to greener filmmaking, using case studies from high end
TV Drama and feature films made in Ireland. As this is a dynamic workshop, attendees are invited to apply learnings to their own Film/TV projects and to bring notebooks/ laptops along.
The panel discussion is designed to explore the practice of integrating eco-consciousness into screenwriting and storytelling from the beginning of the filmmaking journey, continuing this ethos all the way through production.
Hear from climate storytelling leaders like Climate Spring founder and producer Lucy Stone, writer/director/actor Elham Ehsas, Professor Quentin Crowley and novelist Caoillinn Hughes who will be speaking about what the future of the planet and the green turn within the industry might hold.
This event will also include a screening of Elham Ehsas’ short film, There Will Come Soft Rains.
Register for Sustainability: Green From Script to Screen
Director in Focus: Nanouk Leopold
Friday, 27th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 11:00 - 12:00
DIFF, in association with X-Pollinator, is delighted to present this discussion with acclaimed director Nanouk Leopold following the Irish premiere of her film Whitetail at DIFF ‘26.
Nanouk Leopold, one of the Netherlands most acclaimed directors, graduated from Rotterdam’s Academy of Fine Arts and from the Dutch Film and Television Academy. Her features include Îles flottantes, Guernsey, It’s All So Quiet, Cobain, Wolfsbergen and Brownian Movement, starring Sandra Hüller
Whitetail, a Dutch/Irish/Belgian co-production which shot in Kerry and Cork, had its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival ’25, and stars Natasha O’Keeffe, Andrew Bennett and Aaron McCusker.
X-Pollinator is a cross-disciplinary professional development and networking initiative for female, trans and non-binary talent, setting out to address gender diversity in the Irish screen industry
Register for Director in Focus: Nanouk Leopold
Sustainability Case Study: The Restoration at Grayson Manor
Friday, 27th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 17:00 - 18:00
DIFF is pleased to welcome the filmmakers to speak about the monumental work behind the scenes on their film, The Restoration at Grayson Manor, to ensure the production was as sustainable as possible, with ground- breaking new ideas about how to run a set with one eye on being ‘green’ at all times.
Dr. Ciarán O’ Carroll will be joined by Sustainability advisor and DIFF Board member Stan Nangle and the film’s producer John McDonnell to talk about how they approached every single aspect of the production to make it a greener and more sustainable experience. From the catering, transport and accommodation to the hydroelectric generator powering the site - every detail was accounted for.
The Restoration At Grayson Manor will be screened on Saturday, 28th February at 18.30 in Lighthouse 1.
Register for Sustainability Case Study: The Restoration at Grayson Manor
Cinematography Masterclass with Pior Sobociński Jr
Saturday, 28th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 17:30 - 18:30
DIFF is delighted to welcome Piotr Sobociński Jr, one of Poland’s most acclaimed cinematographers, with a career marked by numerous national and international awards. He is a four-time winner of the Golden Eagle Award for Best Cinematography (seven nominations), a two- time winner of the Polish Society of Cinematographers Award (seven nominations) and a two-time winner at the Camerimage International Film Festival (seven nominations). His work has also been recognised at prestigious festivals worldwide. He is attending the festival this year with his film Gorky Resort and DIFF is honoured to have him discuss his craft in detail in this very special masterclass.
Register for the Cinematography Masterclass with Pior Sobociński Jr
Public Events
Meet the Cast: Once Upon A Time In A Cinema
Friday, 20th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 12:00
This panel takes a sneak peek behind the scenes of the casting process! We will be joined by several cast members including Colin Morgan and Calam Lynch as well as their casting director Áine O’Sullivan.
The cast will tell us about their experiences of breaking onto the acting scene for the first time and shine some light on the realities of being an actor on set.
Be sure to catch Once Upon A Time In A Cinema in the Light House before you come and meet the stars on Thursday February 19th.
Register for Meet the Cast: Once Upon A Time In A Cinema
Your Home on the Big Screen: A Case Study
Friday, 20th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 15:15 - 16:15
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see a Hollywood star in your home? Can your bricks and mortar bring in the big bucks when the production crews roll into town? Now’s the time to find out.
Our panel of experts will tell you what productions are looking for and what it’s really like in practice. Panellists will include location managers, filmmakers and a homeowner who can tell you what it’s really like to see your home on the big screen.
Register for Your Home on the Big Screen: A Case Study
Next Generation Programme Roadshow (15–19)
Saturday, 21st February 2026 / Haymarket House / 13:30 - 15:00
Hosted by the IFI’s Next Generation (15–19) Programme, this special event is designed for young filmmakers aged 15–19 to meet and network with other young filmmakers, watch some short films, and hear from a panel featuring two Leinster-based young filmmaking groups, an award-winning young Dublin filmmaker and a special guest. Meet like-minded young filmmakers, learn about what is happening locally and how you can take your first steps towards working in film. The panel will include a Q&A. Spaces limited, tickets are free, and booking is essential.
The IFI Next Generation (15 – 19) Programme is supported by Screen Ireland.
Register for the Next Generation Programme Roadshow (15–19)
Storytelling on Screens - Adapting Videogames to Film
Sunday, 22nd February 2026 / Haymarket House / 17:00 - 18:00
The art of adaptation has long been a part of filmmaking. Our screening of the Japanese film The Exit 8, based on the 2023 bestselling video game, begs the question: how does the craft of storytelling in videogames translate from the small to the very big screen?
This panel discussion brings together video game developers and enthusiasts as well as filmmakers to explore the nuances and challenges of adapting videogame storytelling for cinema audiences.
The Exit 8 will screen on Friday, 20th February in Light House 1 at 22.15.
Register for Storytelling on Screens - Adapting Videogames to Film
IFCO Lecture Series
Monday, 23rd February 2026 / Haymarket House / 17:00 - 18:00
Following the success of DIFF’s IFCO Centenary lecture series, the festival is once again partnering with the Irish Film Classification Office to give a public platform to three emerging film and media students and early career researchers.
In 2025, the remaining IFCO records from the censorship period were deposited in the National Archives. These records represent a fascinating insight into cinema exhibition in Ireland and the central role which censorship played in shaping Irish film culture.
For 2026, our participants will give vibrant and exciting presentations. The IFCO Collection in the National Archives is a rich information source in this regard. Contributors will present their findings on the research of their choice.
Register for the IFCO Lecture Series
Masterpieces in a Minute: Film Craft in the World of Advertising
Tuesday, 24th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 15:30
This event will explore why advertising should not be a dirty word and should instead be celebrated as a playground for film craft and creativity. After watching a curated programme of advertising films, there will be discussion around the craft and process of filmmaking in advertising and an exciting post-presentation panel with industry experts.
This 90-minute event is presented and curated by the team behind Banjoman, one of Ireland’s leading commercial production companies. Dermot Malone and Matt D’Arcy are also the team behind the IFTA-nominated King Frankie and last year launched BMAN Entertainment, the Film + TV arm of Banjoman, dedicated to creating original IP in the genre space.
Register for Masterpieces In a Minute: Film Craft in the World of Advertising
Fresh Film Hothouse
Friday, 27th February 2026 / Light House 1 / 10:50
Fresh Film is an Irish organisation (now in its 30th year) dedicated to nurturing and promoting the next generation of filmmakers. By offering resources, mentorship and unique opportunities, Fresh Film empowers young creators to succeed and share their voices on a global stage. The Hothouse Programme, in collaboration with Screen Ireland, RTÉ and the Arts Council, is tailored to support advanced and award-winning young filmmakers. Through mentorship and guidance, young filmmakers are invited to pitch for micro- grants and participate in a structured programme that helps them bring their short films to life. This year, Fresh Film is proud to support eight talented young filmmakers as they take step on their creative journeys.
Register for Fresh Film Hothouse
Silent Cinema: Out of the Past
Friday, 27th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 13:00
DIFF is thrilled to be presenting this discussion on silent cinema with musicians Stephen Horne and Frank Bockius as part of our expanded programme on silent cinema.
Stephen Horne has long been internationally considered one of the leading silent film accompanists. Although principally a pianist, he often incorporates other instruments into his performances, sometimes simultaneously. Stephen has been a house pianist at London’s BFI Southbank for thirty-five years.
Versatile percussionist Frank Bockius specialises in jazz and is versed in medieval, flamenco and Latin music styles. He has performed for dance and theatre companies as well as in his own bands, including the jazz quintet Whisper Hot and the percussion ensemble Timpanicks. He joined Guenter Buchwald’s Silent Movie Music Company twenty years ago and has since performed for silent films at festivals in Kyoto, Pordenone, and Sodankylä, Finland.
Don’t miss this exhilarating panel or the beautiful silent films with live accompaniment as part of DIFF 2026.
Register for Silent Cinema: Out of the Past
The Irish Times Presents the DIFF Film Club with Ellen Mirojnick
Saturday, 28th February 2026 / Haymarket House / 14:30 - 15:30
DIFF's Film Club partner, The Irish Times, is no stranger to big conversations. The news media publisher has always championed arts, culture, and creative life in Ireland, shaping national discourse and critical debate.
That relationship runs deep. Former Irish Times film critic and journalist Michael Dwyer was a co-founder of the festival, alongside film producer David McLoughlin, helping establish what would become one of Ireland’s most significant cultural events.
Since then, DIFF has welcomed thousands of filmmakers to Dublin, fostering dialogue between artists, audiences, and industry. The DIFF Film Club presented by The Irish Times continues this tradition by bringing audiences closer to some of the most talked-about guests of the festival.
Ellen Mirojnick is an Oscar-nominated American costume designer responsible for some of the most eye-catching and ostentatiously dressed characters ever to grace the screen. As costume designer for Fatal Attraction, Wall Street, Basic Instinct, A Perfect Murder, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and Behind the Candelabra. She has created some of actor Michael Douglas’ most iconic looks. Her memorable work with director Paul Verhoeven on Basic Instinct, Showgirls, Starship Troopers and Hollow Man has had a lasting impact on pop culture.
She won an Emmy and a Costume Designers Guild Award in 2013 for her work on the Liberace biopic Behind the Candelabra and received further acclaim for her work on The Greatest Showman starring Hugh Jackman and more recently Christopher Nolan’s Oscar winning epic biographical thriller film Oppenheimer for which Mirojnick received a BAFTA for Best Costume Design.
Register for The Irish Times Presents the DIFF Film Club With Ellen Mirojnick
A Celebration Of The Work Of Jimmy Murakami
Sunday, 1st March 2026 / Haymarket House / 15:00 - 16:00
Jimmy T. Murakami, a foundational figure in the evolution of animation in Ireland and director of When the Wind Blows will be celebrated with a 40th anniversary screening of this classic at the Light House Cinema.
Following the screening, the panel will discuss the film’s continued significance and Murakami’s role in the development of Irish animation. This is part of series of events throughout 2026 organised by IADT celebrating Murakami’s work.
Audiences can attend this event using their When the Wind Blows – 40th Anniversary Screening ticket. The screening will be held directly before this event at Light House cinema, Sun 1 March.
Register for A Celebration of the Work of Jimmy Murakami
Runtime with DIFF at Dublin Port
Sunday, 1st March 2026 / Dublin Port / 10:00
Join DIFF for a unique morning run along the Dublin Port Greenway, where cinema, conversation and the city come into motion.
This guided, conversational run brings filmmakers and audiences together to experience one of Dublin’s most visually dramatic routes at ground level. Moving along the waterfront through the working edges of the port, the event creates space for informal conversation, shared pace and fresh perspective.
The Dublin Port Greenway runs along the boundary between city and sea, offering a rare view of Dublin that is expansive, industrial and quietly beautiful. Long used as a backdrop in Irish and international film, it is a space shaped by arrival, departure and constant movement - making it the perfect setting for a morning run.
No running experience required: this is about connection, curiosity and seeing the city differently.
This event is free and no ticket is required.