Dublin Animation Film Festival 2026

Dublin Animation Film Festival, affectionately known as “DAFF” is an annual film festival that is dedicated to showcasing the very best of Irish animation. The first screening was held in Blackrock Village in County Dublin in 2011, and a further two festivals were held in Blackrock before moving to the Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire. From 2014-2019, DAFF introduced a special guest Q & A and screening of animated short films. 

Dublin Animation Film Festival (DAFF) Call for Entries

Eligibility criteria

Each film submitted for entry ("Entry") must:

• be predominantly a work of animation.
• have been completed/released on or after 1 January 2024;
• be single short films. Episodes from a television series and/or television commercials will not be accepted. (As a point of clarification, if a short film inspires a further; separate television series or deal, it will be considered);
• not have been fully submitted to Dublin Animation Film Festival previously and assessed by judging panellists, otherwise It will not be considered;
• not exceed 15 minutes running time (including opening and closing credits).
• Films must be entirely original works and no element can be created using any form of artificial intelligence (AI) or generative AI technologies.

Categories and Awards

1. Irish Short Film Award.
2. International Short Film Award.
3. Irish Student or Graduate Short Film Award.
4. International Student or Graduate Short Film Award.
5. Best Original Screenplay or Storytelling.
6. Best Stop Motion Short Film.

The Festival's judging panel may at its discretion also present an award for any of the following categories:

• Social Recognition (awarded for a short film that delivers a social or charitable message).
• Best Co-Production (produced by an Irish and overseas production company);
• Best Film in the Irish Language;
• Best Soundtrack (films from all categories eligible);
• Best Comedy or Musical Short Film;
• Best 2D Animation.

At the Festival, balloting will take place for an 'Audience Choice Award', which will be presented to the short animated film that has been shown and that receives the highest number of audience votes.

The Festival may be held online.

Important information

• Final deadline 20 July 2026, 5 pm Irish Summer Time
• Festival Regulations
• Submission form

Browse the Festival Coverage Archive

NB: 2026 Festival Dates are tentative