Dublin International Film Festival 2025: A show of talent in the Lighthouse 

The 2025 Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF), which ran around town in late February and early March, brought a strong energy and buzz to the city.  

DIFF is increasingly important in helping Irish film to flourish and providing a venue for foreign filmmakers to establish themselves. It presents some of the finest global cinema talent in the heart of Dublin. 

A breakdown of this year’s festival shows why it continues to be a key landmark in the annual calendar of the Irish film industry. 

The Irish film business has seen genuine international popularity over recent years, as films such as Wolfwalkers and The Banshees of Inisherin get universal praise.  

Meanwhile Irish actors including Barry Keoghan and Paul Mescal are becoming worldwide household names to go alongside Saoirse Ronan and Cillian Murphy.  

The festival director at DIFF, Gráinne Humphreys, told The Liberty how she sees the event contributing to this healthy trend.

“At DIFF, we are fervently committed to developing Irish talent at every level, from our enthusiastic student volunteers to filmmakers who finally create waves internationally,” she said.  

“We honour directors who have developed from shorts to full-length films over numerous years. It’s about encouraging development, originality, and greatness all around,” she added.

Curating a festival like this is about more than finding ‘the next big thing’.

DIFF has a large selection of films, with a broad range of interesting narratives and innovative viewpoints.

Every year, the festival draws a diverse spectrum of entries. This year’s record-breaking 25% rise in entries reflecting the creative explosion in the film business, here and abroad, as well as the appreciation of this festival as a showcase for new work.  

“Of course, not every film gets selected, but every film does get watched! When it comes down to choosing the films,” Humphreys said, “I focus on originality, compelling storytelling, and a fresh, distinctive perspective.

“Each film we select adds another vibrant thread to the rich tapestry of Irish and International cinema.” 

The festival honours those already making waves and provides a forum to develop fresh perspectives by featuring established and new filmmakers.  

This year’s edition produced memorable moments. Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes debuted The Return on opening night at the Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield, where the film was met by enthusiasm and energy from attendees. 

Another film that brought attention was Ready or Not, a local Irish film produced by Ruth Coady, written by TCD independent senator Lynn Ruane, and directed by Claire Frances Byrne. Ireland’s First Lady, Sabina Higgins, was present to offer her support, and the movie received a tremendous standing ovation.

Another highlight was Aontas, an Irish-language film having its European debut to a sold-out audience. 

While DIFF provides a worldwide platform for foreign talent, the festival is a landmark for the expansion of Irish cinema year after year.  

To learn more about the festival, visit diff.ie and support screenings all year round at local cinemas such as The Lighthouse in Smithfield.