IRISH FILM BERLIN

The festival presents a curated selection of Irish feature films, documentaries, animated films and short films from the 1980s to the present day.

The 2026 edition combines two thematic focuses – Dublin and music – into a varied programme.

The St. Patrick's Festival presented by Irish Film Berlin is not only a showcase of Irish cinema, but also a cultural event that brings people together on St. Patrick's weekend. Come for the films and stay for the craic (fun in green) – in addition to the film screenings, there will also be a live music session!

Dublin on screen

Following previous regional focuses on the Midwest, the Midlands and Belfast, this year's theme, ‘Dublin on screen’, focuses on the Irish capital. From the soul energy of the early 1990s in ‘The Commitments’ to contemporary stories set in today's Dublin, the programme highlights the social, cultural and musical identity of the cityover the decades.


Opening night & special guests

The festival kicks off with the UK premiere of the independent film ‘Girls and Boys’. Filmmakers Gearoid and Donncha Gilmore will be in attendance and will take part in a Q&A session about the making of the film. Among other newly released Irish feature films, the festival will also present Spilt Milk, set in 1980s Dublin, which paints a vivid portrait of life in the city centre. Sanatorium by director Gar O'Rourke, set in Ukraine and Ireland's entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards, will also be screened. Terry McMahon's Patrick's Day will be screened on St Patrick's Day (17 March).


Cillian Murphy Retrospective

This year, a special retrospective honours the work of Oscar-winning Irish actor Cillian Murphy with screenings ranging from his earliest roles to his latest films. Films include ‘Intermission,’ ‘Breakfast on Pluto,’ ‘The Wind That Shakes the Barley’ and ‘Small Things Like These.’


Short films in the spotlight

This year, there is a special focus on the short film programme, which showcases Irish filmmakers from Ireland and Berlin. Sean Gormley's Snot Rocket celebrates its world premiere. Set in Berlin, the film follows two Irish protagonists as they navigate life while grappling with the ironic burdens of their privileged backgrounds. Conor Kilkelly presents ‘Tabby Daly’, a film that deals with unexpected twists in the narrative of the
Irish famine. Marion Bergins' ‘Swim IRL’ is a portrait of swimmers and swimming culture in Dublin. John Kelly's award-winning film ‘Retirement Plan’ represents Irish animation art at the festival.


Music on screen

Once again this year, music is at the heart of the programme. A special highlight is the gala screening of the 35th anniversary of Alan Parker's film ‘The Commitments’. The portrayal of a working-class soul band from Dublin in this film remains one of the most popular films ever made about the city.

Two of our short films are set in modern-day Dublin and celebrate music on the streets. In addition to ‘Buskers’, the festival will also feature the German premiere of the short film ‘Robin in the Hood’ by Norwegian filmmaker and musician Kristin Vollset. Set in modern-day Dublin, the film combines documentary, drama and music elements to create a contemporary interpretation of the old ballad of Robin Hood.

The documentary film by Berlin-based Irish filmmaker Greg Clifford about the Irish punk band Paranoid Visions will also celebrate its German premiere. The Donal Lunny documentary ‘In Time’ and ‘Farewell to Hughes’ with Brendan Gleeson round off the balanced programme of ‘Music on Screen’.


Irish Film Berlin will also continue its tradition of combining cinema with live performances. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the Babylon will transform from a cinema into a celebration of Irish music, with an informal sing-along (Friday) and the best Irish musicians living in Berlin on Saturday. All singers and musicians are welcome to join in!


International collaboration

Irish Film Berlin is delighted to be part of a global network of Irish film festivals. As a partner of IFI International (Irish Film Institute International), the festival acknowledges the invaluable support in securing screening rights and technical coordination," said Denis Madden.


About Irish Film Berlin

Now in its fourth year, Irish Film Berlin continues to build a vibrant cultural bridge between Ireland and Germany by presenting historical and contemporary Irish stories to Berlin audiences. With its expanded six-day format and dynamic focus on ‘Dublin on Screen,’ the 2026 festival promises to be its most ambitious and celebratory edition yet.