This year’s program offers a vibrant line-up of award-winning dramas and documentaries, showcasing the richness and diversity of contemporary Irish cinema. Among the 2025 highlights are Christy — winner of Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh and Grand Prix of the International Jury for the Best Film in Generation 14plus, Berlinale 2025 and Christopher Andrews’ Bring Them Down, which earned him Best Debut Director at the 2024 BIFAs. “We’re proud to present one of our strongest and most diverse programs yet, with stories ranging from laugh-out-loud comedies and gripping psychological thrillers to intimate portraits of musicians, artists and changemakers. The Irish Film Festival continues to grow its audiences in five Australian cities and nationally via our online festival, ensuring Irish cinema connects with people across this vast country.” Festival Director Dr Enda Murray commented. The 2025 Festival will showcase 16 films and documentaries from Ireland, including 14 Australian premieres. Screenings will take place in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth, alongside a nationwide online program from 9 October – 9 November.
“From the rugged cliffs of West Cork in ‘Chasing the Light’ to the streets of New York in ‘Never Stop the Action’, Irish filmmakers are telling stories that are both connected to their heritage and universal in their appeal. That spirit of imagination and authenticity is what makes Irish cinema so special, and we’re delighted to bring these voices to Australian audiences once again.” Dr Murray commented.
The Opening Night features the Australian Premiere of Fran the Man, a hilarious Irish mockumentary about a small football club caught up in an international match-fixing scandal. Documentaries play a central role this year, led by Mrs Robinson, a powerful portrait of Ireland’s first female president and global human rights advocate. In her exclusive Q&A with the Irish Film Festival, she says, “I really hope that people will enjoy the film and take something away about making a difference themselves. Everybody matters and everybody can make a difference. You can bring a bit of light into the world, do your best.”
Other documentary standouts include Housewife of the Year, exposing systemic misogyny behind a surreal TV spectacle, and Gerry Adams – A Ballymurphy Man, tracing the journey of one of Northern Ireland’s most polarising political figures, winner of Best International Documentary at Galway 2025. Music lovers will be drawn to In Time, Dónal Lunny and David Keenan – Focla ar Chanbhás (Words on Canvas), offering intimate portraits of two iconic Irish musicians. For families, Fidil Ghorm (The Blue Fiddle) delivers a heartwarming Irish-language drama about the healing power of music. For the first time in its history, the Irish Film Festival will present a dedicated session of Irish-Australian short films, screening in cinemas in Sydney and 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, experimental work, dance, and history, the program highlights a new generation of Irish-Australian filmmakers expressing their heritage in cinematic terms.
From revenge thrillers to heartfelt family dramas, and from powerful political portraits to the soccer-fuelled comedy of Fran the Man, the 2025 program captures the extraordinary breadth and boldness of Irish storytelling 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.
