Irish Film Festival Australia unveils diverse line-up
Iconic leaders, brilliant musicians, resilient women, urban voices and more… 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. And once again, in 2025, Queensland Irish Association is proud to be a sponsor of the festival.
Festival Director Dr Enda Murray said: “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.”
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.
Dr Murray continues, “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.” 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 soccerfuelled 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.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
In Palace cinemas 9 October – 9 November:
Sydney – 9-12 Oct – Chauvel Cinema, Opening Night party 9 Oct
Brisbane – 16-19 Oct – Palace Barracks, Opening Night party 16 Oct
Melbourne – 23 – 26 Oct – The Kino, Opening Night party 23 Oct
Canberra – 31 Oct – 3 Nov – Palace Electric, Opening Night party 31 Oct
Perth – 7-10 Nov – Palace Raine, Opening Night party 7 Nov
Online across Australia 9 October – 9 November via our partner, ACMI.
Tickets: Tickets on sale Thursday 18 September: www.irishfilmfestival.com.au Cinema tickets from $16 Online tickets from $10
FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Fran the Man
A laugh-out-loud, soccer-fuelled mockumentary about a small Irish football club that stumbles into an international match-fixing scandal. Set in Dublin, the story follows Fran, the club’s beleaguered assistant manager, as pressure mounts when they’re drawn against Shamrock Rovers in the FAI Cup. Fran the Man is packed with one-liners and a stellar comedic cast including Ardal O’Hanlon, Amy Huberman, Deirdre O’Kane, Risteárd Cooper and a cameo from Eddie Marsan.
Fidil Ghorm (The Blue Fiddle)
A heartwarming Irish-language drama set against the stunning backdrop of Donegal. The film follows 10- year-old Molly, whose world is upended when her father falls into a coma. Convinced that mastering the magic of Irish music and learning to play the fiddle just like him will bring him back, Molly embarks on a moving journey of hope, resilience and tradition. Featuring irresistible toe-tapping tunes and breathtaking scenery, this is a celebration of music’s power to heal. Rated G, this film is for the whole family! Winner, Best Irish Feature at the Galway Film Fleadh 2024 and Audience Award for Best Irish Feature, Newport Beach Film Festival 2024
Mrs Robinson
This powerful documentary tells Mary’s story, in her own words, for the very first time. From her early career as a constitutional lawyer and senator, where she campaigned for the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the legalisation of contraception and divorce in Ireland, to her historic election as the country’s first female president in 1990. Later, as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she built a legacy, fearlessly challenging perpetrators of abuses worldwide. Today, she continues to shape global conversations as Chair of The Elders, the independent group of leaders founded by Nelson Mandela to advance peace, justice and human rights. As Barack Obama once said, she is “a crusader for women and those without a voice.”
Froggie
A bilingual comedy caper about two brothers who shot to fame on national TV on Ireland’s Late Late Toy show at age seven with their beloved puppet, Froggie. Twenty-five years later, they’re still performing the same act until the show is abruptly cancelled, and their world begins to unravel. Things go from bad to worse when Froggie is stolen, and a ransom video emerges: Froggie will only be returned once he gains one million followers online. The brothers must team up to rescue their childhood sidekick, by making Froggie famous all over again.
Dead Man’s Money
A modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. When Young Henry suspects that his wealthy uncle’s new companion, the Widow Tweed, will cut him out of Old Henry’s will, paranoia takes hold. Together with his ambitious wife Pauline and Gerry “the Wheels,” a chauffeur with a murky past, Henry hatches a ruthless plan to ensure the Widow never sees a penny of the inheritance he believes is his. But as Pauline’s guilt begins to surface, suspicion and fear start to poison the trio’s bond. With trust crumbling, their scheme spirals into a chain of events from which none of them can return. Starring Kathy Kiera Clarke (Derry Girls, Bloodlands), Pat Shortt (The Banshees of Inisherin, The Guard), Judith Roddy (Darklands, Derry Girls), and Gerard Jordan (Blue Lights, Game of Thrones).
In Time, Dónal Lunny
In In Time, Nuala O’Connor presents the first film portrait of Dónal Lunny, one of Ireland’s most influential musicians and cultural figures. A founding member of Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts, Lunny revitalised Irish traditional and folk music during the 1970s, bringing it to global audiences and shaping its modern sound. Renowned for his phrasing, arrangements and collaborations, he has worked with artists from U2, Sinéad O’Connor and Van Morrison to Kate Bush and Baaba Maal, earning Bono’s description of him as “Ireland’s answer to Quincy Jones.” Featuring rare performances and a powerful reunion with Christy Moore, this documentary celebrates Lunny’s extraordinary legacy in transforming and sustaining Irish music through decades of cultural change.
Bring Them Down
A dark and uncompromising revenge thriller, this debut feature from Christopher Andrews is as gripping as it is unsettling. Centred on two neighbouring sheep-farming families bound by a bitter and tangled past, the film charts the extreme and violent lengths they go to in pursuit of retribution. With its unflinching themes of toxic masculinity, generational trauma and brutality, towards both people and animals, it makes for harrowing, at times difficult viewing. Yet the performances are exceptional, with Oscar-nominee Barry Keoghan, Christopher Abbott, Nora-Jane Noone and Colm Meaney delivering powerful turns that drive the film’s relentless tension. Winner, 2024 BIFA for Best Debut Director.
Housewife of the Year
The documentary lays bare Ireland’s systemic misogyny through the bizarre spectacle of a live televised competition where women were paraded before an audience to vie for the title of Housewife of the Year. Behind the pageantry, former contestants reveal the stark realities they endured: marriage bars, denial of contraception, Magdalene laundries, financial dependence, domestic drudgery, and the everpresent burden of shame. The women hail from a variety of backgrounds and places, such as Galway, Cork, Kildare, Donegal, Dublin and Limerick. At its heart, it is the story of a resilient generation of women who, against the odds, reshaped a nation. Winner, Best Irish Feature Documentary, Galway Film Fleadh 2024.
Gerry Adams – A Ballymurphy Man
Both vilified and vital to peace, Gerry Adams reflects on six decades of political struggle and transformation in Northern Ireland in this documentary. From teenage activist to imprisoned “freedom fighter,” from censored and demonised republican leader to key architect of the Good Friday Agreement, Adams’ journey mirrors the region’s own turbulent history. Shot, imprisoned, and long accused of subversion, he nonetheless became the critical voice that helped steer the IRA toward laying down arms after a quarter-century of conflict. Winner, Best International Documentary, Galway Film Fleadh 2025.
Kathleen is Here
A gripping psychological thriller set in Dublin, the film follows 18-year-old Kathleen, newly out of foster care, as she returns to her hometown to claim her late mother’s house. She finds a job, even a friend, but nothing can alleviate her loneliness and her desire for a mother figure. Fixated and desperate, Kathleen embarks on a dark and destructive quest for belonging. Kathleen is Here is the feature debut of actor-turned-writer/director Eva Birthistle (Ae Fond Kiss, Bad Sisters) and stars rising talent Hazel Doupe (Say Nothing, You Are Not My Mother) alongside Clare Dunne and Peter Coonan (King of the Travellers, Love/Hate, Bad Sisters, Peaky Blinders).
A Want in Her
A Want in Her is a deeply moving debut from artist-filmmaker Myrid Carten, who turns the camera on her mother Nuala, a once-successful social worker whose life was derailed by grief, alcoholism, and mental illness. When Nuala goes missing in Ireland, Carten returns from London to search for her, confronting family feuds, a contested home, and the painful cycle of care, rage, and love that defines their relationship. Blending intimate conversations, childhood home videos, and her own artistic work, Carten crafts a raw, inventive portrait of addiction’s grip on families asking the universal question: how do we stay connected to those we love without losing ourselves?
Christy (Cinema only)
Christy is a moving family drama about two estranged brothers forced to confront their pasts while forging a brighter future in Cork. In Brendan Canty’s feature debut, we follow 17-year-old Christy, who finds himself at a crossroads after being kicked out of his suburban foster home and moving in with his older brother on Cork’s Northside. Warm-hearted and humorous, the film celebrates the power of community and belonging, offering an inclusive snapshot of contemporary Irish youth through universal themes of identity, family, and resilience. Many of the cast and crew, including lead actor Danny Power, come from The Kabin Studio, a grassroots arts collective in Cork dedicated to hip hop, songwriting, and creative expression. Winner, Best Irish Film at Galway Film Fleadh and Grand Prix of the International Jury for the Best Film in Generation 14plus, Berlinale 2025
Never Stop the Action (Online only)
Never Stop the Action is set aboard a New York City subway carriage at dawn. After an all-night dance party, friends Teshi and Casey board the 5am D train from the Bronx, their screwball banter carrying us from hilarity to heartbreak as they share stories that spiral out into vivid universes, from mountain romances in Spain to ’80s Berlin music studios, Nicaragua, Ireland, and Japan. The film blends science fiction, travelogue, comedy, essay, and documentary, using an experimental New Wave style to weave together a series of stories, each a unique moment that changes everything. By the end of the ride, both the journey and its storytellers are transformed forever.
The Spin (Online only)
The Spin is an Irish musical buddy road trip about two down-on-their-luck friends who run a failing record store in Omagh in Northern Ireland. Facing eviction, they set off on a journey to County Cork in search of a rare collection of vinyl that could save their business and transform their lives. Inspired by the experiences of musician Mark McCausland, who also composed the film’s score, this semiautobiographical tale blends humour, heart, and the healing power of music.
Chasing the Light (Online only)
This documentary from Maurice O’Brien traces the extraordinary story of Dzogchen Beara, Ireland’s most renowned Buddhist retreat centre perched on the cliffs of West Cork. Founded in 1973 by Peter and Harriet Cornish, English hippies captivated by the rugged beauty of Allihies, the retreat grew from 150 acres of farmland into a spiritual community that drew seekers from across the globe. Blending history, personal testimony, and striking landscapes, the film explores both the transformative promise of Dzogchen Beara and the scandal that later cast a shadow over its reputation, offering a nuanced portrait of enlightenment, vulnerability, and the complexities of faith.
David Keenan – Focla ar Chanbhás (Words on Canvas) (Online only)
This is an intimate and poetic documentary from director Paddy Hayes that follows Dundalk singersongwriter David Keenan over 500 days as he creates new music four years after the breakthrough success of his debut album Beginner’s Guide to Bravery. Known for his evocative lyricism and compelling live performances, Keenan reflects on the joys and struggles of artistry, the challenge of staying authentic in a music industry driven by “algorithm and blues,” and the emotional depth at the heart of his work, “anger is easy to portray, it’s the hurt that’s hard.” Combining candid footage, powerful performances, and moments of raw vulnerability, the film is both a portrait of one musician and a meditation on creativity itself.
Winner, BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY AWARD at Docs Ireland Festival in Belfast.