Irish Film Festival returns to Brisbane with Chasing Millions
Irish film is coming back to Brisbane this October, with the Irish Film Festival Australia returning to Palace Barracks Cinema, Petrie Terrace, from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026.
The Queensland Irish Association is once again proud to support the festival, having been a steadfast supporter for several years. QIA members will be encouraged to get along, support the festival and enjoy some of the best new Irish and Irish-Australian cinema on offer.
And the first film announcement has arrived – and it is a big one.
Chasing Millions
Opening the 2026 festival is Chasing Millions, described by the festival as the biggest Irish-Australian feature film in years.
The dark comedy takes inspiration from the infamous 2004 Northern Bank robbery in Belfast, when £26.5 million was stolen in what remains one of the largest bank robberies in British history. But this version brings an Australian perspective to the story.
The film stars Australian actor Madeleine Madden, alongside Christopher Eccleston, with a host of Irish talent.
Brisbane audiences will have the chance to see the film as part of an Opening Night Extravaganza, and join the film’s cast and crew for a fabulous premiere event featuring live music, Irish food and drinks and plenty of atmosphere.
Irish Film Festival Australia shared: “Our Opening Night Extravaganza, CHASING MILLIONS, the biggest Irish-Australian feature film in years! Starring our own Madeleine Madden, Christopher Eccleston, and a host of fantastic Irish talent, this dark comedy tells the tale of 2004’s massive Belfast bank heist through a distinctly Australian lens. Join the film’s cast and crew for a fabulous premiere event at Palace Cinemas in each of our five cities, with live music, Irish food and drinks, and craic at 91%!”
And there is plenty more to come.
The festival is currently revealing one film each evening, building towards the full programme and ticket launch on 10 September. Organisers say IFF26 will be their biggest programme yet, featuring numerous premieres – including a first for Irish-Australian film.
The Irish Film Festival was established in 2015 by Drogheda-born Enda Murray and has grown into a national event spanning five cities, with an online audience as well. It showcases everything from new Irish features and documentaries to Irish-language cinema, comedy, drama and films exploring the Irish experience around the world.
For Brisbane’s Irish community, the festival has become a regular fixture on the cultural calendar – and the QIA is delighted to continue its support.
Tickets go on sale Thursday 10 September. The full programme and booking information will be released through the festival website as films are announced.
Irish Film Festival Australia – programme and tickets
Irish Film Festival Australia – Brisbane
Friday 16 – Monday 19 October 2026
Palace Barracks, 61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane
Opening Night: Chasing Millions
Tickets on sale 10 September
Keep an eye on the QIA social media for further film announcements – and, when the tickets go on sale, round up your fellow QIA members and make a night of it!