OPW-commissioned films to premiere at Dublin International Film Festival 2026
New films explore the social value of publicly funded architecture and infrastructure
28 January 2026 | 📧 editor@ipropertyradio.com
Two newly commissioned films celebrating Ireland’s publicly funded architecture and infrastructure will premiere at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF), the Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed.
The films, Circle and Threshold, directed by Patrick Voigt of 9 Sekunden, will be screened as part of the festival’s official programme under the theme Value for Many. Both works focus on the role of design in delivering major infrastructure projects and reflect the principles of Ireland’s National Policy on Architecture.
According to the OPW, the films aim to bring architecture and infrastructure into a wider public conversation by focusing on lived experience, community impact and the long-term value of public investment. Through documentary storytelling and visual narrative, they explore how design contributes to social, environmental and civic outcomes.
Speaking about the premieres, State Architect and OPW Principal Architect Conor Sreenan said the partnership with DIFF reflects national policy objectives in practice. He said the success of large infrastructure projects is ultimately determined by how they are experienced by the communities closest to them, adding that the films are intended to broaden public understanding of the role and value of design in delivering the National Development Plan.
Circle documents the completion of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant, a project delivered after a 35-year wait. The film captures local reaction to the long-promised infrastructure and highlights the role of Clancy Moore Architects, whose work has been recognised by both existing and emerging communities in Arklow. The film was co-funded by the OPW and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Threshold focuses on the large-scale redevelopment of a 20-hectare port, led by Architectural Services within the OPW. Told through local perspectives and community stories, the film examines infrastructure delivery as a matter of public priority and positions architecture as a key civic tool. The film was funded through the Percent for Art scheme.
Both films will be screened on 20 February 2026 at the Light House Cinema, Dublin, followed by a Q&A discussion. The panel will feature director Patrick Voigt, Olwyn James of Uisce Éireann and Maureen Dalton of Revenue, with the discussion led by Emmett Scanlon, Director of the Irish Architecture Foundation, which is partnering on the event.
The Dublin International Film Festival runs from 19 February to 1 March 2026. Tickets and booking details are available through the festival.
Ireland’s National Policy on Architecture, Places for People, was approved by Government in 2022 and is overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Event details
Dublin International Film Festival, Light House Cinema, Dublin
20 February 2026, 12.00pm
Bookings: https://diff.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873681934
