On February 27th, 2026, the spotlight of the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) will shine on eight visionary young filmmakers. The HotHouse showcase returns, unveiling a collection of bold, raw, and deeply personal short films that represent the future of Irish cinema.
HotHouse has earned its reputation as a vital launchpad for emerging talent. It is more than just a screening; it is a professional milestone where months of collaboration, technical precision, and creative storytelling culminate on the big screen. From psychological thrillers to mythical encounters and intimate dramas, this year’s selection captures the breadth of a new generation’s imagination.
The 2026 HotHouse Selection
1. TRANSIT – Adam Flannelly
Back from a short trip abroad, Ciarán finds himself battling a growing discomfort — one that leads him down a path of torment, faded memories, and an unsettling truth he is unable to remember.
Key Crew: Written, Directed, and Produced by Adam Flannelly.
2. Taylor Fay – Cian Conachy
After a failed fairytale romance, Taylor Fay struggles to get over her ex-boyfriend and embarks on an introspective odyssey, re-evaluating their relationship, her attempts to move on, and her understanding of true love.
Key Crew: Produced by Mia Donnelly & Cian Conachy; Starring Cath Cannon and Leanne Monaghan.
3. Another Perfect Day – Devlin Murphy
Prompted by a series of mysterious warning notes, a confused young woman struggles against her coercive companion to free herself from her self-inflicted purgatory.
Key Crew: Written, Directed, and Produced by Devlin Murphy; Starring Lunna Correa de Carvalho and Benjamin May.
4. Watching the Washing Machine – Ellen McSweeney
A young woman traverses her memory and time itself through the entrancing lull of her washing machine.
Key Crew: Directed by Ellen McSweeney; Cinematography by Vega Antonini.
5. TRANSLATION – Emma Whelan
When a young Gaeilgeoir moves from the remote West to the bustling East, her desperate attempts to restore what she once had hinders what could potentially be.
Key Crew: A poignant exploration of language and identity by Emma Whelan.
6. Fog Tooth – Hugo Fearon
An aloof librarian chooses to reflect on the consequences of her lifelong curse of perpetual luck – a coin with seemingly more than two sides.
Key Crew: Directed by Hugo Fearon; Starring Romav Ali, Emily McCallum, and Ruairi McClean.
7. A Blanket Made of Stone – Liam Raymond
At her Grandmother’s house, Charlotte uncovers a hidden Grogoch working on the old farm. Who is he and where does he come from?
Key Crew: Written and Directed by Liam Raymond; Starring Faye Beggs, Liz Rolland & Tom Fanthom.
8. What Still Glows – Myah Sullivan
Two estranged sisters return to sell their childhood home. Finding the lights still burning, they encounter buried memories and a path to reconciliation.
Key Crew: Directed by Myah Sullivan; AD Caoimhe Higgins; DOP William Mulligan.
HotHouse at DIFF 2026: Don’t Miss These!
Join Us at the Premiere
The HotHouse 2026 screening is a unique opportunity to see the work of these incredible crews—directors, gaffers, sound designers, and actors—before they become the household names of tomorrow.
Event Details:
Date: February 27th, 2026
Location: Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF)
Tickets: Book your tickets here
Don’t miss the chance to support the next wave of Irish storytelling.
