- Eight films shortlisted as 500 films enter in 2026
- Avolon Access initiative repeated for second year to encourage diverse attendance
Dublin | 13 February 2026:The Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) has announced the judging panel and shortlist of films for the Avolon World Cinema Award category at the 2026 festival.
Launched last year to champion excellence in global filmmaking and widen access to world cinema, the Avolon World Cinema Award has already established itself as a vital platform for international storytelling. Following a strong inaugural year, won by the acclaimed Indian crime drama Santosh, the award returns in 2026 and has attracted 500 entries from a diverse range of global filmmakers.
The shortlist of 8 films includes entries from Kenya, Australia and Chile, and the films will be shown at the festival which runs from 19th February to 1st March 2026.
As part of their collaboration, DIFF and Avolon will continue Avolon Access tickets initiative, aimed at increasing accessibility to the festival’s World Cinema programme. Avolon Access is designed to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent individuals or community groups from experiencing the vibrant and diverse stories showcased at DIFF 2026. Organisations interested in registering for the programme should visit https://www.diff.ie/avolonaccess.
Aidan Gillen commented: "I am honoured to serve on the judging panel for the 2026 Avolon World Cinema Award - a task I take very seriously but also with great excitement as a cinema lover in getting to see these films early. The standard is expectedly very high, so it won’t be a particularly easy task, but we’ll get to it!"
Ciara Ruane, Chief People Officer, Avolon commented: “Now in its second year, the Avolon World Cinema Award is attracting interest from a wide array of filmmakers. As a global business we are excited to be supporting talent from all over the world, but also to celebrate Dublin as a hub of excellence both for our sector and the creative arts. Through the Avolon Access ticket initiative we will continue to seek to ensure that a diverse audience gets the opportunity to see the amazing range of films that have been shortlisted.”
Gráinne Humphreys, Executive Director, Dublin Film Festival commented: “The Avolon World Cinema Award has very quickly become a vital part of DIFF’s international programme, and we are thrilled to see it return for a second year with such momentum. The breadth, ambition and emotional range of the shortlisted films speak to the power of cinema being made by filmmakers at a crucial moment in their careers - artists who are shaping the future of world cinema. With an expanded shortlist in 2026 and an exceptional judging panel, the award reflects DIFF’s commitment to championing global storytelling while ensuring audiences in Dublin can experience these films on the big screen. We are especially proud to continue the Avolon Access initiative, which aligns so closely with our belief that world cinema should be open, welcoming and accessible to all.”
Michael Doherty, Movie Editor of the RTE Guide commented: “I’m delighted to have been invited to be part of the jury for the Avolon World Cinema Award at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival. The shortlisted films for 2026 offer an array of diverse stories, covering the spectrum of international filmmaking from Chile to Australia, via Nigeria and Switzerland. Featuring an impressive mix of new voices and more experienced filmmakers, this year’s selection highlights the power of global storytelling, while providing DIFF audiences the welcome opportunity to experience an eclectic mix of remarkable screen dramas, each with its own singular perspective on the world”
The shortlisted films this year include Cannes Film Festival winning films The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo and Sound of Falling. Sound of Falling was also Academy Award Oscar© shortlisted. Ish premiered at BFI London Film Festival and won the Audience Award at Venice Critics’ Week, with producer Samm Haillay noted as a BIFA Breakthrough Producer winner. California Schemin’ marks actor James McAvoy's directorial debut.
ENDS
Note to editors:
The shortlisted films for DIFF’s 2026 World Cinema Award are:
· The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo – Chile/France/Germany/Spain/Belgium
· Ish – UK
· Sound of Falling – Germany(Oscar © shortlisted)
· Funeral Casino Blues – Germany
· One Woman One Bra – Kenya/Nigeria
· Love Roulette – Switzerland/Austria
· Birthright – Australia
· California Schemin’ – Scotland
About Avolon
Avolon is a leading global aviation finance company connecting capital with customers to drive the transformation of aviation and the economic and social benefits of global travel. With its headquarters in Dublin, Avolon operates in over 60 countries, connecting people and businesses through aviation. As DIFF’s new Global Partner, Avolon aims promote global filmmaking talent by awarding and celebrating success and enabling greater access to diverse voices in cinema. www.avolon.aero
About Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF)
Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) is Ireland's premier film event, dedicated to presenting the best in contemporary and classic world cinema. It brings the world to Ireland and showcases Ireland to the world. With a rich history spanning several decades, DIFF showcases a diverse selection of films, hosts industry events, and fosters a vibrant film culture in Dublin. Over the past 24 years, it has screened more than 2,000 international films from over 52 countries. The festival has hosted over 600 high profile guests, including Al Pacino, Angela Lansbury, Brendan Gleeson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Danny DeVito, Ennio Morricone, Joss Whedon, Julie Andrews, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stanley Tucci, and Stellan Skarsgård. www.diff.ie