While many people see February and March as rainy months to push through on the way to summer, Dublin’s film lovers know better. For them, this time of year means only one thing: the return of the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF). With a lineup of unmissable films, special guests, and cinematic celebrations, DIFF 2025 transforms these months into something extraordinary. Running from February 20 to March 2, the festival is spread across multiple venues in the city, including the Light House Cinema, the Irish Film Institute and The Complex. Each year there is an exciting lineup of both Irish and international films, premieres, Q&As and retrospectives, and this year is no different. The festival is highly anticipated by film fanatics, but if you’re unsure where to begin, consider this your guide and starting point to navigating the must-see films and events at DIFF 2025.
The Opening Night Gala is not one to miss this year. Kicking off the festival with The Return from Uberto Pasolini. Known for The Full Monty and Still Life, this accoladed director strikes again with an adaptation of the last sections of the Odyssey. Focusing more on the emotional and psychological repercussions of Homer’s epic, while still remaining true to the textual origins, this movie is sure to be a hit with both classics fans and modern movie goers. Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche command attention, playing their roles with poignant sobriety and captivating depth. Fiennes himself will be present at the Opening Night Gala, giving viewers the opportunity to hear firsthand about his portrayal of the iconic Odysseus. It will be screening on Thursday February 20 at 6pm, 6.15pm and 9pm.
Thought-provoking films continue with another drama coming to the festival starring the legendary British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) winning Irish actor Fiona Shaw. Park Avenue, directed by British filmmaker Gaby Dellal tells the story of Charlotte, a rancher who runs away from her domineering husband and returns to her mother’s apartment, where the two must face their past, reckoning with both their shared history and uncertain futures. Described as Dellal’s love letter to New York, this is a beautiful film in every way, from set to script. The screening will be followed by a Q&A, featuring Shaw herself, to discuss her role and the film’s creative process. It will be screening on Friday February 21 at 7.30pm.
”If light-hearted movies are more your style, DIFF still has plenty to offer”
However, if light-hearted movies are more your style, DIFF still has plenty to offer. Meet the Barbarians is a wry comedy about a French town in Brittany, waiting to host Ukrainian refugees, only to find out the family assigned to them is Syrian. The director, Julie Delpy, perfectly walks the line between political and comedic in a film that highlights the double standards and sanctimoniousness of Western attitudes towards immigration. Sharp and witty with a strong message, this movie will stay with you long after you finish it. An important and enjoyable film, it is a must watch. It is screening on Saturday March 1 at 1.30pm.
Peacock, another comedy – although of a darker variety – was written and directed by Bernhard Wenger. Existentialist and awkward, it tells the story of Matthais, whose job is to impersonate roles, from boyfriends and sons to business partners and companions, but he’s come to realise that he’s far better at playing pretend than being himself. This tragicomedy explores themes of identity and what it really means to be ourselves. Nominated for the World Cinema Award, it should definitely be high on your list of movies to watch this DIFF. It is screening on Friday February 28 at 6pm, followed by a 20-minute Q&A.
There’s more to DIFF 2025 than just screenings, and the awards, panels and masterclasses are what make this festival so exceptional. The awards ceremony, especially, is charming, and open to the public! There are awards for every aspect of filmmaking, for all stages of careers. Some notable awards include the Discovery Awards, for Irish filmmakers, actors and producers, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Human Rights Film Award, for the important role film often plays in spreading awareness for human rights issues, and for the first time this year, the World Cinema Award, which highlights global filmmaking and international talent. There are also audience awards where filmgoers have the option to vote for best short and feature length film, another reason to attend DIFF and have a direct impact on the festival! Also worth attending is the Irish Film Classification Office (IFCO) Lecture Series, a fascinating insight into the last of the released records from Ireland’s censorship era. Delivered by early career researchers, the topics of the lectures range from queer and female representation to the censorship of comedy.
”Film is the beating heart of modern culture and festivals like DIFF help keep it alive”
As DIFF 2025 draws near, it’s clear that this year’s festival will offer something for every film lover, from gripping dramas and thought-provoking comedies to engaging panels and inspiring awards. With a diverse lineup of films, exciting guest appearances, and unique opportunities for audience involvement, it’s the perfect way to experience the heart of cinema and explore its many dimensions. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a newcomer eager to discover new voices in film, DIFF is an event you won’t want to miss. Film is the beating heart of modern culture and festivals like DIFF help keep it alive. You can buy tickets to all events online at diff.ie, where there is also an online brochure to fill you in on everything this article couldn’t.
