Actors Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas will be among the guests at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) in March when they join Irish director John Carney (Sing Street, Once) for the world premiere of their new musical-comedy Power Ballad at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Power Ballad will be the festival's closing film on Sunday, 1 March. Tickets, priced from €38, go on general sale on Friday, 23 January at 9am. A presale for DIFF Members' Club, Festival Pass holders, and BGE Rewards customers is under way.
Filmed in Ireland, Power Ballad "follows Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, who crosses paths with Danny (Nick Jonas), a fading boyband star, during a gig".
"Bonding over music and a late-night jam session, the two strike up an unlikely friendship," the synopsis continues.
"However, when Rick and Danny return to their respective worlds, they discover that this chance encounter will upend both their lives in very different ways."
The film was written by director Carney and actor Peter McDonald, who is also part of the cast of Power Ballad alongside fellow Irish actors Rory Keenan, Keith McErlean, Marcella Plunkett, Jack Reynor, Sophie Vavasseur, and Naoimh Whelton.
Dublin company Treasure Entertainment is among the producers of Power Ballad, which is supported by Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland.
"I'm delighted to have our film, Power Ballad, close this year's festival," said writer-director Carney.
"It's apt to go out, after so many great films, with a bang of music and fun. Who wouldn't want to watch Paul Rudd throw Nick Jonas off a balcony? (Seriously, that happens in our movie.)"
Dublin International Film Festival Director Grainne Humphreys added: "A big thank you to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for being a part of a DIFF first, showcasing our closing-night film in their beautiful theatre, and to Lionsgate UK and the wonderful team at Treasure Entertainment and director John Carney in entrusting us to make it all happen.
"It's the perfect closing film for the 2026 festival, which features a record number of Irish features - the future of Irish cinema has never looked so bright."
The Dublin International Film Festival runs from 19 February to 1 March. For more, see: diff.ie.
Power Ballad is due for release on Friday, 29 May.
