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. We have been fortunate to have welcomed Tomm Moore “Song of the Sea”, (Cartoon Saloon) Michael Dudok De Wit, “The Red Turtle” (Studio Ghibli), Fabian Erlinghauser “The Breadwinner”, (Cartoon Saloon) Richard Phelan and Paul Kewley, “A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon” (Aardman Animations).
During the years 2020-2021, DAFF was forced to go on-line to screen the shortlisted Irish and international films. We were fortunate to meet the team behind Eventive – a streaming platform which supports small independent festivals. Going ahead and continuing the festival during the pandemic years ensured that DAFF was able to fulfill its mission to support Irish animation.
When restrictions were lifted in 2022, the team at DAFF was delighted to screen the films that had been shortlisted and had won prizes in 2020 and 2021 and to welcome the animation students and animators – as well as presenting their long awaited trophies!
We are delighted to be coming back to the Pavilion Theatre for DAFF 2024 and we already have great plans for DAFF 2025!