The Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) returns from February 20th to March 2nd, 2025, and they’re promising eleven days of cinematic excellence, global stories, and unforgettable experiences. The biggest festival in the fair city of film plans next year to continue celebrating world-class filmmaking, amplify diverse voices, and attract new audiences, and they’ve made some advance announcements to entice attendees.
With the full programme announced in January 2025, the festival has shared some early highlights, and released a range of Festival Passes, Christmas Gift Vouchers, and ticket bundles that offer early bird savings until Christmas. One of Ireland’s most acclaimed actors will be showing some of her new work, while DIFF recognises critics, directors and more as part of its celebration of cinema.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Critic Justin Chang Joins Tanqueray 0.0 % Film Club
The Tanqueray 0.0 Film Club will welcome Justin Chang, one of the most respected voices in contemporary film criticism. Chang, a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic for the Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker, and a regular contributor to NPR’s Fresh Air, brings his sharp insights and deep passion for cinema to DIFF, offering audiences a unique perspective on screen and cinema and their extraordinary cultural impact. The Tanqueray 0.0 Film Club with Justin Chang takes place on Saturday 22nd Febuary, 2pm.
BAFTA Award Winner Fiona Shaw Premieres Gaby Dellal’s Park Avenue
Fiona Shaw, one of Ireland’s most accomplished actors, will present her latest film, Park Avenue. Directed by Gaby Dellal, the drama explores themes of love, loss, secrecy and old wounds.
Best known for her extraordinary work in film, television, and theatre, Shaw has captivated audiences with her roles in Killing Eve, the Harry Potter series, and Andor. Festival audiences will have the opportunity to join Shaw for a post-screening Q&A, where she’ll discuss her role in Park Avenue and the creative process behind the film.
On attending the festival, Fiona Shaw said “I’m excited to bring Park Avenue to DIFF audiences next year – coming to Dublin with this film about mothers and daughters feels right. Gaby Dellal came to me with this script which she wrote in part about her own mother, and inspired by an extraordinary encounter with a woman on a bench in Central Park. These fused into ‘Kit’, an acerbic, witty, ill person who lives in a timeless cocoon in Park Avenue and is mired in the secrets of loves and loyalties. Kit is a hopeless mother to her daughter Charlotte but it was interesting to play how she navigates her old wounds, humiliations, contradictions and deals with love and loss. All the stuff we all have … but more heightened. ”
Park Avenue screens at DIFF on Friday 21st Febuary, 7.30pm.
Retrospective: The Films of Elia Suleiman
DIFF will honour the remarkable work of Palestinian filmmaker and actor Elia Suleiman, presenting a retrospective of his films. From the award-winning Divine Intervention to the critically acclaimed It Must Be Heaven, Suleiman’s work offers a masterful blend of humour, poignancy, and insight into identity and exile. Audiences will have the rare opportunity to engage with the filmmaker himself during the festival. Both films will be part of the DIFF programme, with Divine Intervention on Saturday 1st March, 2pm followed by a public interview with Suleiman, and It Must Be Heaven showing on Saturday 1st March, 4.45pm.
“These early highlights are just a glimpse of what DIFF 2025 has to offer. The announcement of acclaimed actor Fiona Shaw, international critic Justin Chang, and the Palestinian director Elia Suleiman sets the stage for an extraordinary festival. We’re excited to share a programme filled with world-class filmmaking, thought-provoking stories, and as always – unforgettable experiences! We can’t wait to release the full lineup in January!”
DIFF Executive Festival Director, Gráinne Humphreys
Discounts and Early-Bird Offers
DIFF Festival Passes are available now, which unlocks access to all screenings, including glamorous red-carpet galas, and offers priority booking for exclusive events. With early bird passes offering an additional 10% discount until Christmas, it’s a good time to get your DIFF plans kicked off early.
All three of of these early highlights are now on sale and can be purchased through www.diff.ie, where you can get more information and purchase your passes to #DIFF25.