Press Release 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival (DISFMF)
Celebrates Milestone 15th Anniversary Edition This October
DUBLIN, IE, September 20, 2026
The Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival (DISFMF) is thrilled to announce the official schedule and programming blocks for its landmark 15th anniversary edition, running from October 9th to October 11th, 2026.
Spanning two of Dublin’s most iconic cultural hubs—Cinema Room Generator and The Sugar Club—this year’s festival offers an expansive, boundary-pushing line up that bridges the gap between independent cinema and global music communities.
DISFMF 2026 will present a staggering 78 films representing 18 countries and regions. Over the course of three action-packed days, audiences will experience 961 minutes of cinematic excellence across seven meticulously curated programming blocks, including the Oscar nominated short A Friend of Dorothy, Directed by Lee Knight.
A Global Cinematic Tapestry
While the festival remains proudly anchored in its roots—boasting a powerful lineup of 49 Irish short films, the 2026 selection stretches across the globe. Audiences can expect world-class cinema from the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, France, Austria, Iceland, Belgium, Slovakia, the Netherlands, and an exceptional South American showcase from Argentina.
Notably, this year highlights a unique international bridge through a direct collaboration with the Lanzarote International Film Festival. In an exclusive award-winner exchange program, DISFMF will host a special screening of the acclaimed Spanish short Habitation during Saturday’s lineup.
Genre Innovation: From Classics to Artificial Intelligence
True to its dual identity, the festival masterfully intertwines narrative storytelling with sonic art. The 34 dramas and social satires in the lineup are perfectly counterbalanced by 11 music videos and musicals.
Real-world global perspectives take center stage in a dedicated slate of 7 documentaries, while late-night thriller fans will find their thrill in 5 horror and dark fantasy shorts.
In a bold look toward the future of the medium, the 2026 festival shines a spotlight on technological innovation.
A hand-picked selection of 8 animation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) films will test the limits of modern digital storytelling, proving why DISFMF remains a champion of underground and avant-garde creators.
Festival Layout & Ticket Information
- October 9th & 10th (Programmes 1–4): Screenings will take place in the state-of-the-art Cinema Room @ Generator.
- October 11th (Programmes 5–7 & Awards): The festival moves to The Sugar Club, culminating in the highly anticipated live Awards Ceremony at 9:30 PM, where winners will be presented with signature, custom-painted trophies crafted by European artists.
Tickets, weekend passes, and the complete daily schedule with film descriptions are now available on the official festival website at www.disfmf.ie. Early booking is highly recommended as seating for individual blocks is strictly limited.
About DISFMF
Established in 2012, the Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival is an independent festival dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers and musicians from around the world. By prioritizing independent vision, tight editing, and the crucial relationship between sound and image, DISFMF has grown into one of Ireland’s premier platforms for short-form media.
Media Contact:
Press & Communications Office
Dublin International Short Film and Music Festival
Email: info@disfmf.ie
Website: www.disfmf.ie
