The 2026 Dublin International Film Festival has come to a close after 11 days of screenings, discussions and workshops, with the world premiere of John Carney's new film Power Ballad at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas were on the red carpet in Dublin ahead of the closing-night screening of the comedy-drama, which was shot in Ireland last summer and centres on a conflict between a rock star and a wedding singer, and the impact it has on both their lives.
Rudd said he was delighted to work with Carney, saying that "with John’s films, they’re all love letters and they make you feel good".
Describing his time spent filming here, he added: "This is a special city, and I love it every time I come here, and it was a joy to get to spend a few months here too."
Jonas also spoke about returning to Ireland, saying: "I have come here a few times over the years, and we always enjoyed playing here when I came here with my brothers to perform, so being here for John’s movie was a really great time."
Power Ballad was co-written by Carney and Peter McDonald, and directed by Carney, whose previous films include Once and Sing Street.
Carney said it was meaningful to have the film selected as the festival’s closing-night title. "I’ve had a couple of films in the film festival over the years, and it’s always been a blast, and it’s always great fun, so we’re honoured," he said.
As part of the festival, Rudd was also being presented with a Volta Award, which honours significant contributions to film. Reacting to the recognition, he said: "It’s all part of the kind of overwhelming nature of all of this experience. They showed me the list of the other people who’ve received the Volta award! People like Daniel Day Lewis, Ennio Morriconne, Al Pacino."
Pointing at himself, he added: "One of those things doesn’t quite belong to that, but I’ll take it."
Power Ballad is due for release in Ireland at the end of May.
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