IAF to lead public discussion at OPW film premiere at Dublin International Film Festival 2026
IAF will lead a public discussion at the Irish premiere on 20 February of two newly commissioned films celebrating publicly funded architectural projects.
The Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) will lead a public discussion at the Irish premiere of two newly commissioned films celebrating publicly funded architectural projects, screening as part of the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) from 19 February to 1 March.
Commissioned by the Office of Public Works (OPW), the films Circle and Threshold, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Patrick Voigt (9 Sekunden), explore the role of architecture and design in delivering major public infrastructure, foregrounding lived experience, community impact and long-term public value for many.
The premiere will take place at the Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin, on 20 February, 12:00 (46 mins).
The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion chaired by IAF Director Emmett Scanlon.
Speaking about IAF’s involvement, IAF Director Emmett Scanlon said: “Architecture shapes everyday life, yet its value is often least visible when it works best. Through our work at IAF, we build knowledge and foster public understanding of how design can serve communities and the common good. Bringing these conversations into a public cultural setting like DIFF creates an important space to reflect on how publicly funded architecture can serve communities, now and into the future. I very much look forward to hosting this important discussion.”
The films align closely with IAF’s strategic commitment to building public understanding of architecture, supporting dialogue between communities, policymakers and practitioners, and advancing the ambitions of Ireland’s National Policy on Architecture: Places for People.
Circle documents the completion of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant after a 35-year wait, reflecting on the social and environmental impact of essential infrastructure. Threshold explores the redevelopment of the 20-hectare port, told through local perspectives. These film commissions are framed through Ireland’s National Policy on Architecture: Places for People.
The post-screening discussion will feature filmmaker Patrick Voigt, Olwyn James (Senior Planner, Uisce Éireann) and Maureen Dalton (Principle Officer, Revenue) and will examine how architecture, infrastructure and public investment can deliver meaningful value for the existing and emerging communities they serve.
The Dublin International Film Festival runs from 19 February to 1 March 2026.
Tickets and booking information are available via the DIFF programme.
Image: Film still of the Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant from Circle.
