The Irish Film Institute 

announces details of the 2025 

IFI French Film Festival

19-30 November

Tickets on now via

ifi.ie/frenchfest/

Images free to use across all media can be downloaded HERE

Click image to explore programme.

The 2025 line-up includes

34 titles across 12 days

22 Irish premieres

the work of 12 female directors

a focus on the Hitchcockian thrillers of Claude Chabrol

a chance to see the Lumière Brothers’ beautifully restored films on the big screen
to celebrate 130 years of their filmmaking

and performances by some of the world’s leading actors including
Oscar winners Jodie Foster and Marion Cotillard,
and festival favourites Daniel Auteuil and Virginie Efira

Friday 10th October 2025: Now in its 26th year, the Irish Film Institute’s IFI French Film Festival, Ireland’s largest French cultural event, once again shines a light on the wonderful world of French-language cinema, presenting an exciting programme of films and documentaries from some of the world’s greatest filmmakers. This year’s festival will include 22 Irish premieres, a collection of brilliant comedies and dramas, thought-provoking documentaries, and a beautifully animated film for all the family. As always, the IFI French Film Festival will be the only opportunity for audiences to experience many of the films on the big screen. 

The festival will open on Wednesday 19th with SUMMER BEATS (MA FRÈRE) from directors Lisa Aoka and Romane Gueret, a coming-of-age story that centres on a pair of Parisian teenagers who travel to a summer camp in the French countryside. The line-up also includes the acclaimed closing film at the recent Venice Film Festival DOG 51 (CHIEN 51) from director Cédric Jimenez; A PRIVATE LIFE (VIE PRIVÉE) features acting legend Jodie Foster in her first major French-speaking role; while Boyhood and Before Sunrise director Richard Linklater makes his French-language debut with NOUVELLE VAGUE, a dramatised look at the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. 

This year’s IFI French Film Festival opens with Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret’s Summer Beats

Former festival guest Robin Campillo (120 Beats Per Minute) returns with the heartfelt teen drama ENZO; LOVE ME TENDER sees Phantom Thread star Vicky Krieps locked in a custody battle with her ex-husband (Antoine Reinartz, Anatomy of a Fall); while COLOURS OF TIME (LA VENUE DE L’AVENIR) from director and festival regular Cédric Klapisch will screen on Monday 24th, which played out of competition at Cannes 2025; and LOVE LETTERS (DES PREUVES D’AMOUR) from Alice Douard, another Cannes 2025 selection. For families, the beautiful ARCO follows a young girl and her encounter with a time traveller from the future.

The IFI will also welcome a number of guests for post-screening  conversations during the festival.  They will include Lucile Hadžihalilović whose film THE ICE TOWER / LA TOUR DE GLACE premiered at this year’s Berlin Film Festival and features among its cast Oscar winner Marion Cotillard; Hadžihalilović will also conduct a Masterclass on Friday 21st. Filmmaker-photographer Jean-Baptiste Bonnet will take part in a Q&A following a screening of his documentary SAVE OUR SOULS for which he spent two months documenting the work of the NGO SOS Méditerranée who have rescued almost 40,000 refugees attempting to cross from Libya to Europe. Actor Samuel Kircher will attend the final weekend of the festival with Valery Carnoy’s WILD FOXES / LA DANSE DES RENARDS.

Jodie Foster stars in Rebecca Zlotowski’s A Private Life

The IFI is also delighted to present two feature-length films from Thierry Frémaux, director of the Cannes Film Festival, based on the cinematographic films shot by Louis Lumière and his operators. Exactly 130 years after Lumière first hand-cranked the camera, this material has been collated and immaculately restored, allowing the original cinematographic ‘views’ to reveal their full significance on the big screen while offering a deeper exploration of the invention of cinema. The screenings will include screenings of short films, made in Dublin in 1897, by Alexander Promio, and agent of the Lumière Brothers; they are among the oldest moving images made in Ireland and are preserved in the IFI Irish Film Archive.

With a prolific career spanning 52 years, Claude Chabrol is best known for his bourgeois dramas and psychological thrillers, that rightly earned him the title ‘the French Hitchcock’. This year’s festival will see four beautifully restored films from his golden era return to the big screen: THE UNFAITHFUL WIFE, THE BUTCHER, JUST BEFORE NIGHTFALL and THE BREACH.

The IFI is especially delighted that seven of the festival films will also be available to watch at home via the IFI’s streaming platform, IFI@Home: RIDE AWAY / Á BICYCLETTE !, THAT SUMMER IN PARIS / LE RENDEZ-VOUS DE L’ÉTÉ, WE BELIEVE YOU / ON VOUS CROIT, THE MUSICIANS / LES MUSICIENS, LA JETÉE, THE FIFTH SHOT / LE CINQUIÈME PLAN DE LA JETÉE, L’AVENTURA and SAVE OUR SOULS will be available to rent for a strictly limited time. See ifihome.ie for more.

Dive in and discover the programme for yourself at ifi.ie/frenchfest.  

Speaking about this year’s programme Festival Director Marie-Pierre Richard commented: “This year’s programme reaffirms cinema’s vitality in contemporary culture. Through an entertaining mix of comedy, drama and documentary, the festival films explore current social, moral, and political conversations. We have 22 Irish premieres and a number of exciting one-off special events, showcasing both established and fresh new talents. Our wonderful guests include acclaimed director Lucile Hadžihalilović, documentarian Jean-Baptiste Bonnet, and actor Samuel Kircher. There’s also a chance to see the Lumière brothers’ beautifully restored films on the big screen, alongside Claude Chabrol’s finest films from the late 60s and early 70s.”

Ross Keane, Director of the IFI, added: 

“As the biggest celebration of French culture in Ireland, the 2025 edition of IFI French Film Festival will continue to celebrate the richness, diversity and vitality of French cinema. Each year, this festival brings Irish audiences remarkable stories that cross borders and perspectives, showcasing both acclaimed filmmakers and bold new voices. We are proud to continue strengthening cultural connections between Ireland and France, and to offer a space where audiences can discover, discuss, and be inspired by the very best of French filmmaking.”

Céline Place, French Ambassador to Ireland, commented: 

“The French Embassy is proud to partner once again with the IFI French Film Festival, the biggest celebration of French cinema in Ireland and a true highlight of the deep cultural ties between our two countries.This year is particularly special as we mark 130 years since the invention of cinema by the Lumière brothers, a legacy that continues to connect and inspire us around the world.

The festival’s exceptional line-up, from restored classics to bold new voices in French filmmaking, reflects the creativity and vitality of French cinema with films that engage and spark conversations. Come and join us on this rendez-vous with French culture and language!”

 

Tickets on sale now from ifi.ie. 

Tickets priced €15 each are now on sale. Tickets for the opening film cost €18, which includes a post-screening reception. Great value packages are available for IFI Members: 5 films for €65 and 10 films for €110. Membership is required for all in-cinema screenings. Daily membership costs €1.50, with an annual IFI membership costing €40 (€25 concession).

The IFI is principally funded by the Arts Council.

The IFI would like to pay special thanks to Peugeot who are partnering with the Festival for the first time. We would also like to thank the French Embassy in Ireland for their continued support and involvement. Film is an integral part of cooperation and our cultural relationship.

The IFI French Film Festival is supported by The Irish Times, RTÉ Supporting the Arts, Alliance Française Dublin, Europa Cinemas, UniFrance, Institut Français, and The Dean.

 

Day by Day Listings: 

FEATURE FILMS: 

Wed 19th / Sat 29th: SUMMER BEATS (MA FRÉRE) Director: Lise Akoka, Romane Gueret. 112 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Thurs 20th: THE LITTLE SISTER (LA PETITE DERNIÉRE) Director: Hafsia Herzi. 106 mins • France-Germany • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Thurs 20th: THE ICE TOWER (LA TOUR DE GLACE) Director: Lucile Hadžihalilović. 117 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Fri 21st / Fri 28th: THE GREAT ARCH (L’INCONNU DE LA GRANDE ARCHE) Director: Stéphane Demoustier. Film info: 104 mins • France–Denmark • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Fri 21st / Sat 29th: ENZO Director: Robin Campillo. 102 mins • France-Italy-Belgium • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Fri 21st: DOG 51 (CHIEN 51) Director: Cédric Jimenez. Film info: 100 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Sat 22nd / Wed 26th: LOVE ME TENDER Director: Anna Cazenave Cambet. Film info: 134 mins • France–Luxembourg • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Sat 22nd / Wed 26th: THE MUSICIANS (LES MUSICIENS) Director: Grégory Magne. 102 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Sat 22nd / Sat 29th: NOUVELLE VAGUE Director: Richard Linklater. 106 mins • France-USA • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Sat 22nd / Thurs 27th: THE STRANGER (L’ÉTRANGER) Director: François Ozon 120 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Sun 23rd / Tues 25th: THAT SUMMER IN PARIS (LE RENDEZ-VOUS DE L’ÉTÉ) Director: Valentine Cadic. 77 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Sun 23rd: A MAGNIFICENT LIFE (MARCEL ET MONSIEUR PAGNOL) Director: Sylvain Chomet. Film info: 90 mins • France-Luxembourg-Belgium • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Sun 23rd: WE BELIEVE YOU (ON VOUS CROIT) Director: Charlotte Deville, Arnaud Dufeys. 78 mins • Belgium • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Sun 23rd / Fri 28th: A PRIVATE LIFE (VIE PRIVÉE) Director: Rebecca Zlotowski. 103 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Sun 23rd / Thurs 27th: THE PARTY’S OVER (CLASSE MOYENNE) Director: Antony Cordier. 95 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Mon 24th: RIDE AWAY (À BICYCLETTE!) Director: Mathias Mlekuz. 89 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Mon 24th: COLOURS OF TIME (LA VENUE DE L’AVENIR) Director: Cédric Klapisch Film info: 124 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Tues 25th: LOVE LETTERS (DES PREUVES D’AMOUR) Director: Alice Douard. 97 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Tues 25th / Fri 28th: ADAM’S SAKE (L’INTÉRÊT D’ADAM) Director: Laura Wandel. 78 mins • Belgium-France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Tues 25th / Sun 30th: CONNEMARA Director: Alex Lutz. 112 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Wed 26th / Sun 30th: CASE 137 (DOSSIER 137) Director: Dominik Moll. 115 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Thurs 27th: SILENT REBELLION (À BRAS-LE-CORPS) Director: Marie-Elsa Sgualdo. Film info: 98 mins • France–Belgium • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

Fri 28th: SAVE OUR SOULS. Director: Jean-Baptiste Bonnet. 91 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Sat 29th: STAGES OF LOVE (LE BEAU RÔLE) Director: Victor Rodenbach. 84 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Sun 30th: ARCO Director: Ugo Bienvenu 82 mins • France-USA • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled. English Subtitles will be read aloud.

Sun 30th: L’AVENTURA Director: Sophie Letourneur 100 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Sun 30th: LA JETÉE, THE FIFTH SHOT (LE CINQUIÈME PLAN DE LA JETÉE) Director: Dominique Cabrera. 97 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled 

Sun 30th: WILD FOXES (LA DANSE DES RENARDS) Director: Valery Carnoy. 92 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled

 

CLAUDE CHABROL programme

Sat 22nd: THE UNFAITHFUL WIFE (LA FEMME INFIDÈLE) Director: Claude Chabrol. 98 mins • France • 1969 • 2K Digital • Subtitled 

Sun 23rd: THE BUTCHER (LE BOUCHER) Director: Claude Chabrol. 93 mins • France-Italy • 1970 • 2K Digital • Subtitled 

Sat 29th: JUST BEFORE NIGHTFALL (JUSTE AVANT LE NUIT) Director: Claude Chabrol. 103 mins • France • 1971 • 2K Digital • Subtitled 

Sun 30th: THE BREACH (LA RUPTURE) Director: Claude Chabrol. 124 mins • France-Belgium-Italy • 1971 • 2K Digital • Subtitled 

 

LUMIÈRE focus

Sat 22nd: LUMIÈRE! THE ADVENTURE BEGINS (LUMIÈRE ! L’AVENTURE COMMENCE). Director: Thierry Frémaux 90 mins • France • 2016 • Digital • Subtitled • Black & White

Sat 29th: LUMIÈRE! THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES (LUMIÈRE ! L’AVENTURE CONTINUE). Director: Thierry Frémaux 104 mins • France • 2025 • Digital • Subtitled • Black & White

 

About the Irish Film Institute – Exhibit / Preserve / Educate 

The IFI is Ireland’s national cultural institution for film. It provides audiences throughout Ireland with access to the finest independent, Irish and international cinema; it preserves and promotes Ireland’s moving image heritage through the IFI Irish Film Archive and provides opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to learn and critically engage with film.   

As well as presenting new Irish and International work all year around, the exciting programme of festivals which take place across the year give audiences a unique opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in a vibrant programme of French or Polish or East Asian film, to delve into a world of intriguing documentaries, discover the depths of genre film and much more.   

The home of the IFI in Eustace Street, Dublin includes the popular Café Bar and Film Shop, the perfect place for film lovers to meet, eat and browse.  

The IFI@Home online streaming library encourages audiences to engage from right across the country. Additional content is added throughout the year to discover.

 

Festival Support 

The IFI acknowledges the support of our primary funder the Arts Council.

IFI Principal Funder

Festival Partners

Cultural Partners

The IFI would like to thank the French Embassy in Ireland for their continued support and involvement. Film is an integral part of cooperation and our cultural relationship.

The IFI would like to pay special thanks to Peugeot for partnering with the festival.

The IFI French Film Festival is supported by The Irish Times, The RTÉ Supporting the Arts, The Dean, Alliance Française Dublin, Institut Français, Europa Cinemas, and UniFrance.

IFI is principally funded by the Arts Council.

 

Press information: Sinead O’Doherty, O’Doherty Communications  +353 86 259 1070

sinead@odohertycommunications.com