The DIFF 2026 Programme is now live!
- DIFF Team
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
The DIFF 2026 programme launch took place on Tuesday 27 January, and the energy could not have been higher.
With heavy rain, flooding, and travel disruption across the city, we weren’t sure what to expect. What we got instead was an unbelievable turnout, a buzzing room, and a reminder of just how much audiences, filmmakers, and industry partners love coming together to celebrate cinema.
Thank you to everyone who braved the weather to join us. The vibe
in the room said it all: DIFF 2026 is going to be something special.
And with the full programme now live, we’re delighted to share just some of what’s in store this year. This year’s festival is our most ambitious yet, bringing together world premieres, major international guests, in-depth conversations, and bold new strands across film, music, and ideas.
Here are a few highlights to look out for in the programme:
Honouring Paul Rudd: Volta Award 2026
We’re thrilled to announce that Paul Rudd will receive the Volta Award, DIFF’s prestigious lifetime achievement honour, recognising his outstanding contribution to cinema.
From I Love You, Man and Friendship to Avengers: Endgame, Rudd’s career spans comedy, drama, and blockbuster filmmaking — and we’re delighted to welcome him to Dublin to celebrate his work.
The DIFF Film Club, Presented by The Irish Times
Our popular DIFF Film Club returns with a standout series of in-depth conversations.
This year’s guests include Academy Award–winning costume designer Ellen Mirojnick (Oppenheimer, Bridgerton) and director Alice Winocour, whose latest film Couture, starring Angelina Jolie, will screen as part of the Renault Gala.
These events offer audiences a rare chance to hear directly from leading creative voices working at the highest level of international cinema.
Avolon World Cinema Award: Stories Without Borders
The Avolon World Cinema Award celebrates filmmakers whose work transcends borders and brings global stories to life.
This year’s shortlist features standout films from Germany, Kenya, Nigeria, China, Switzerland, Chile, and the UK, showcasing the richness and diversity of contemporary world cinema.
A New Festival Hub at Haymarket House
This year, DIFF takes over Haymarket House, transforming Smithfield into a vibrant hub for cinema beyond the screen.
Hosting our most ambitious industry and public programme to date, Haymarket House will be home to talks, panels, workshops, and events that bring filmmakers, audiences, and ideas together throughout the festival.
Music, Culture, and Creative Collisions
From screen to sound, DIFF 2026 celebrates creativity in all its forms.
Our Irish Music Videos programme brings together new work from directors including Hugh O’Conor and Myles O’Reilly, featuring artists from CMAT to HousePlants — and even Michael D. Higgins.
Join Us at the Cinema!
If the launch night was anything to go by, this year’s festival is going to be full of energy, conversation, and unforgettable cinema — rain or shine.
Explore the full programme, start planning your festival, and join us from 19 February to 1 March for DIFF 2026.