DIRECTOR’S INTRO

Welcome to our 21st festival and our first as the Dublin International Film Festival. Despite the enormous changes in cinema exhibition, the 2023 festival faces into its third decade with a sense of optimism and excitement for both cinema and cinema audiences. Our programme is a testament to the strength of contemporary Irish filmmakers and we are delighted to present their new work alongside their European and world counterparts.

This year, we are celebrating our commitment to the film culture of Dublin through our DIFF and Beyond initiative, bringing our film programme and series of public events to five partners' venues across the city.

Among many highlights, I would select our curated selection of cinematic essays as part of a wide-ranging programme of documentaries. Music maestro Neil Brand returns to DIFF with a celebration of Buster Keaton, an extremely rare opportunity to see the work of visionary filmmaker Artavazd Peleshyan and a fantastic line-up of new Spanish films are just some of our must-see screenings

Across the busy 2023 programme we will present the premieres of 16 new Irish features and documentaries, five programmes of short films and host a series of workshops and industry events both in person and online.

We received record levels of film submissions this year and the catalogue you hold is a result of the combined effort of the large festival team, including our industrious screening committee. I would like to acknowledge the entire DIFF team but reserve a very special thanks to our incredible Festival Administrator Karen English.

Thanks also to the board of the festival led by our superb Chair Trish Long and Deputy Chair Elaine Gill. I would like to join with Trish in thanking our key funders for their ongoing commitment to our event and welcome our new patrons and sponsors who join us this year for the first time.

DIFF aspires to bring the best of world cinema to Dublin, to bring the best cinema to the best audiences in the world. I hope you can join us.

Gráinne Humphreys Festival Director