Based in the picturesque town of Dunboyne, Co. Meath, The Dunboyne Film Festival is a two day event for film fans and makers. DFF aims to celebrate original and innovative fimmaking from Ireland and around the globe.

Unlike many other film festivals, we pledge to remain egalitarian. Films will be considered for selection not based on budget or star power but on the quality of the final product. We strongly believe that filmmakers should not be locked out of participating in film festivals because of financial limitations. For this reason we promise to keep our submission fees low.

We love films that push boundaries and break the rules. We want to showcase films that recognise the hard truths – and tell them anyway.

DFF is also passionate about showcasing and celebrating the work of student filmmakers. We guarantee that at least 50% of the selected films selected for the 2027 edition of the festival will be made by students.

Awards & Prizes

Best IRISH Narrative Short
Best IRISH Documentary Short
Best INTERNATIONAL Narrative Short
Best INTERNATIONAL Documentary Short
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Production Design
Best Sound Recording

Best Narrative Short (Student)
Best Documentary Short (Student)
Best Director (Student)
Best Cinematography (Student)
Best Editing (Student)
Best Production Design (Student)
Best Sound Recording (Student)

Rules & Terms

DFF Film Submission Terms & Conditions.

1. We only accept short films (maximum 20 minutes)

2. Films of any genre will be considered.

3. Films in any language are accepted. Submissions of non-English language films must contain English subtitles.

4. DFF is open to selecting films about anything. The only exception to this is that we do not accept pornography or any other exploitative films in which real people or animals have been physically harmed or unwillingly exposed to materials or situations that could cause distress.

5. If selected the entrant must accept that DFF may use materials such as excerpts, posters and still images of your film for promotional use.

6. As we believe strongly in celebrating original art, no film that contains AI generated work will be accepted. This rule extends to AI generated posters and other supporting materials.

7. All films must have been completed after January 1st 2025.

8. Full submission fee waivers will be granted to films from Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan and Rojava. Films from any other country or region in which people are being affected by persecution or war will also by granted a full submission fee waiver. Please get in contact with us if your film fits the above statement.