From gripping dramas and powerful documentaries to fresh new voices shaping Irish cinema, the Irish Film Festival Australia (IFF26) returns in 2026 from October 8 to November 15, with its biggest program in 12 years.
The festival showcase a record 18 films and documentaries, including 13 Australian premieres, alongside a vibrant program of Irish and Irish/Australian short films.
Screening across five Australian cities and online nationwide, this year's festival offers audiences an unmissable window into contemporary Ireland, celebrating the stories, people and places that continue to shape the country's distinctive and beloved cinematic voice.
"Our Irish storytellers are conquering the film world and I'm delighted to bring a slice of that to Australia," said festival director Dr Enda Murray.
"There's a new generation of Irish musicians smashing out tunes in Trad while Declan O'Rourke's sublime music forms the basis of Almost With You."
For the first time in the Festival's history, an official Irish/Australian feature co-production will open IFF26 with its Australian Premiere on opening night.
The darkly funny, fast-moving comedy caper, new feature film, Chasing Millions, throws a specifically Australian spotlight on the infamous 2004 Northern Bank heist in Belfast.
The film's lead character, Diana, an Australian police woman with Aboriginal / Irish heritage, becomes mixed up in the investigation into the audacious bank heist while trying to track down her Irish family in Belfast.
The film's Australian star, Madeleine Madden (grand-daughter of civil rights activist Charlie Perkins) is of Aboriginal and Irish heritage, and the soundtrack was written by Australian rock and folk legend, Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil).
The Irish Embassy in Canberra will also mark the 80th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Ireland and Australia by presenting CHASING MILLIONS at the Opening Night of the Canberra season on Friday, November 6.
IFF26 will present a dedicated session of Irish-Australian short films, screening in cinemas in Sydney and Naarm / Melbourne as well as online.
This collection showcases stories shaped by the interweaving of Irish and Australian culture, through their producers, directors, actors, or themes. Spanning comedy, LGBTQ documentary, and music, the program highlights a new generation of Irish-Australian filmmakers expressing their heritage in cinematic terms.
Spanning powerful drama, thought provoking documentary, dark comedy and edge-of-your seat horror, the IFF26 program delves into the stories that have shaped Ireland and the contemporary voices redefining it today.
Audiences can also look forward to Gala Opening Nights in each city, complete with live Irish music and complimentary drinks, plus exclusive behind-the-scenes access through Q&As with Festival Director, Dr Enda Murray and select filmmakers and cast.
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