Friday morning, February 27th, 2025, the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin was buzzing with a different kind of energy. The lobby was packed as the HotHouse / DIFF 2026 premiere took over the big screen. The atmosphere was electric, with the red carpet seeing a constant stream of young directors, their families, friends, and film industry experts.
With a full house, the event was a celebration of months of hard work. For these filmmakers, seeing their work in the official selection of the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) is a massive milestone—and the quality of the films on screen proved exactly why they were chosen.
Eight Films, Eight Stories
This year, the filmmakers were challenged to create a short film around the theme of “Home.” From supernatural tales to raw, personal dramas, the variety in the selection was incredible.
Here are the eight directors and the films that premiered this Friday:
Cian Conachy presented Taylor Fay: A sensitive exploration of post-breakup emotions.
Ellen McSweeney with Watching the Washing Machine: A hypnotic, sensory short film that turned a daily chore into art.
Liam Raymond with A Blanket Made of Stone: A clever mix of Irish farm life and mythological folklore.
Myah Sullivan with What Still Glows: A magical realism story about the bittersweet moment of leaving a childhood home.
Hugo Fearon with Fog Tooth: A creative project blending live-action with animation.
Devlin Murphy with Another Perfect Day: A surreal character study exploring the weight of psychological influence.
Adam Flannelly with Transit: A film capturing that strange feeling of being a stranger in your own house after traveling.
Emma Whelan with Translation: A powerful story about the identity and journey of a young Gaeilgeoir moving east.
After the screening, the morning continued with photos on the red carpet, where the filmmakers celebrated the moment with their cast, crew, and families.
What is the HotHouse Programme?
If you’re new to the initiative, HotHouse is a specialized talent development programme run by Fresh Film and supported by Screen Ireland, RTÉ, and the Arts Council. The concept is built to bridge the gap between young independent creators and the professional industry.
Potential participants are identified through their submissions to the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year competition. Once selected, each filmmaker receives:
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Financial Micro-support: A €1,000 budget to fund their production.
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Industry Mentorship: Access to professional mentors and a scriptwriting masterclass to refine their vision.
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Professional Platform: Films must meet high industry standards and undergo IFCO classification before premiering at DIFF and going live on the RTÉ Player under the “FRESH Screens” rail.
Want to check out the evolution of the programme or get ready for the next round?
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Take a look at the full HotHouse 2025-2026 Program details.
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See how it compares to last year’s DIFF 2025 Retrospective.
