This year’s Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival (VMDIFF) opened tonight with the Irish premiere of moving drama Supernova starring Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth.

 

For the next 12 days the fully online festival presents a jam packed programme of features, documentaries, shorts and special events, bringing the joy of cinema directly to audiences all over Ireland in the comfort of their own homes.

 

In the Virgin Media Opening Gala screening Tucci and Firth dazzle as a loving gay couple revisiting England’s Lake District after a devastating diagnosis. Both actors and director Harry Macqueen joined Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys for an engaging post-show discussion. Firth and Tucci talked about their great friendship with Tucci admitting to having slipped the script to Firth before recommending him to Macqueen for the role “which was a really naughty thing to do.”

 

The Festival’s prestigious career achievement award, the Volta, was presented to Firth by Tucci, a previous recipient himself of the award in 2014. Firth in accepting the award said it was “the highlight of my year,” adding: “Dublin is a scene of some of my greatest memories and the habitat of some of my greatest friends. I cannot wait to get back there.”

Presenting the best in Irish and international film, the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival runs until 14^th March, presenting 55 features and 66 shorts representing 19 countries and a host of wide ranging events that are sure to delight, challenge and entertain audiences.

Don’t miss post screening Q&As with Rachel Carey (Deadly Cuts), Ben Sharrock (Limbo), Nina Hoss (My Little Sister) and Francis Lee (Ammonite), as well as talks with Steve McQueen and Colin Farrell.

 

Check out the Festival retrospective on Black Women Filmmakers, and Playback x VMDIFF, a specially curated season highlighting the best in Irish hip-hip and R&B music videos.

 

Buckle up for a spectacular 12 days of fantastic world and Irish cinema available nationwide at diff.ie!

 

With thousands of tickets sold across all counties in the country, close the curtains, dim the lights, grab the popcorn and settle back in great company for some wonderful nights out at the movies!

 

Gráinne Humphreys, Festival Director said: “I’m so honoured to open the festival with the beautiful, heart-breaking Supernova and our very special guests Harry Macqueen, Stanley Tucci and Volta recipient Colin Firth. Its been a greater challenge this year but I must acknowledge the support of our festival friends from around the world who have helped us to bring the programme together. I have a thousand people to thank but on opening night I will focus on just three key groups,  the wonderful festival team, the incredible filmmakers whose work we celebrate and the audiences who have already signed up in great numbers to share this year’s event.”

 

Niamh O’Driscoll, Head of Brand & Marketing, Virgin Media Ireland said: “We’re working hard at Virgin Media to make sure we keep people entertained and help make life a little easier for everyone at the moment.  Virgin Media has embarked on an ambitious programme of activity to support and champion the world of film and cinema.  So whether you’re a film fanatic, newbie or regular moviegoer, The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival aims to be the most inclusive and welcoming film festival this year. The festival offers a host of virtual movies, international features and shorts, along with celebrity and director Q&As and special events which will be streamed by the Festival and viewable from the safety and comfort of your home. Catch up on interviews with talent, festival highlights, reviews and more with Box Office programme across Virgin Media platforms on Virgin Media Television, On Demand and Virgin Media Player.”

 

The full festival programme may be downloaded on: www.diff.ie

 

The 2021 Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival box office is open at www.diff.ie

 

The Festival would like to acknowledge the continuing support of the Arts Council and Screen Ireland.

 

Join the conversation online #VMDIFF21

Visit www.diff.ie

Twitter: @DublinFilmFest 

Instagram: @dublinfilmfestival

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dublinfilmfestival