DIFF AWARDS 2025

Take a look at the DIFF Awards 2025 where we celebrated some of the incredible talent featured during out 2025 festival. As part of the celebration, some of Ireland's most exciting emerging filmmakers engaged in a live discussion about their work.

This Meet the Discovery Award Nominees event was part of the Tanqueray 0.0% Film Club series.

We proudly unveiled the winners of its 2025 Awards at The Complex on March 1st, celebrating the outstanding talent showcased throughout this year’s festival.

The Audience Award for Best Feature Film went to Myrid Carten’s A Want in Her, which also won Best Documentary, while the Audience Award for Best Short Film was presented to Jeda de Brí’s Naked Lights.

The Discovery Awards, highlighting Ireland’s most promising emerging talents, were awarded to Cara Loftus (Spilt Milk), Clare Monnelly (Cat & Mouse), and Albert Hooi (Bunker Baby, Nay Day). These nominees also took part in a special conversation as part of our Tanqueray 0.0% Film Club, hosted by Shorts Programmer Aisha Bolaji, providing insight into their creative journeys.

Short Film Awards

Recognising outstanding storytelling and technical excellence across both Irish and international short form cinema, this year’s winners are: The Man Who Would Not Remain Silent for Best International Short Film; Inside, The Valley Sings for Best Animated Short Film and the Sue Bruce Smith Best Irish Short Film was awarded to Trasna na Lína, one of the Virgin Media Discovers short films

ICCL Human Rights Film Award

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Human Rights Film Award honours films that highlight pressing human rights issues. This year’s winner, Testimony, is a powerful exploration of the resilience of Magdalene Laundries survivors and the tireless campaign of Justice for Magdalenes. With gripping storytelling and unwavering advocacy, the film sheds light on one of Ireland’s most profound civil rights struggles.

Avolon World Cinema Award

As a key highlight of this year’s festival, the Avolon World Cinema Award recognises outstanding global storytelling and cinematic excellence. Sponsored by DIFF’s new Global Partner Avolon, this award underscores the festival’s commitment to promoting international talent and fostering accessibility in global filmmaking.

This year’s recipient, Santosh, directed by Sandhya Suri, captivated audiences with its powerful narrative and masterful direction.