6 Things We're Looking Forward to at the JDIFF

Tickets went on sale for the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival (February 18th-28th) at midnight on Thursday. We will be at the top of the queue for...

1. The Secret Film
The purists may scoff, but we love this one. The Surprise Film was the late Michael Dwyer's baby – he often wouldn't tell his team what the movie was until the day before. And even the projectionist doesn't know! Suffice to say, it's always something a broad range of viewers will enjoy (previous ones include 300, The Escapist and Starsky and Hutch), you get to see it way before its general release, there's a prize if you guess right and it sells out really quickly.
Cineworld, 28th February, 5pm. €10

2. The Michael Dwyer Tribute

Some of the festival founder's favourite films will be screened, including the brilliant My Beautiful Laundrette (Screen 1, Thursday 25th February, 2pm); The Best of Youth, an epic (aka 358 minutes) film by Marco Tullio Giordana that follows the Carati family through years of turbulent change in Italy (Screen 1, Tuesday 23rd February, 1pm); and Salvador, Oliver Stone's 1986 classic starring James Woods and Jim Belushi (Screen 1, Friday 19th February, 2pm). Good taste.

3. Irish Cinema
In her launch-night speech, director Grainne Humphreys mentioned how it's getting increasingly difficult for Irish filmmakers to get their work on screen; undeniably the festival plays an important role for them. This year we can watch a host of Irish short films – some played before feature films, others at special screenings – and the Irish Talent Spotlight will profile director Conor Horgan (The Beholder, One Hundred Mornings); IFTA nominated actor Darren Healy (Savage) and cinematographer Kate McCullough (His & Hers). Between the Canals, The Fading Light, Foxes and Nothing Personal will also be shown.

4. Celebs
Kristin Scott Thomas is coming over – three of her films will be shown, with Partir getting its Irish premiere. Believe us: Kristin + speaking French = sexy. Mr Colin Farrrreeeettl will be at the opening film, Ondine, with his director, Neil Jordan. The brilliant Tilda Swinton is in the closing film, I Am Love, and will be at the gala screening. Brendan Gleeson gave a lovely speech at the launch, paying tribute to Michael Dwyer. Many other screenings and events will have people from the industry speaking at them, and we hope – nay, expect – to see Fassbender, Douglas etc al (in town filming Knockout) at a few late-night parties.

5. Foreign language seasons
This year, the focus is on Russian and Korean cinema. We've seen a few Korean films in our time, but our knowledge of the Ruskis is limited – that's why it's nice to have it chosen, vetted and laid on for us by the JDIFF experts. We will be quoting Standartenführer Stirlitz this time next month, promise.

6. Taking a chance
The JDIFF does offer some popcorn numbers, but two-thirds of the programme is arthouse – films you're not likely to see at the Cineplex anytime soon. Some may never even be screened again. So stick a pin in the brochure, pick a name that appeals to you, plan an afternoon off work at the end of February and take a chance on something unusual.

Booking open now at jdiff.com