The Irish Festival of Oulu: Irish Short Film Collection 2026

Dublin Animation Film Festival is delighted to be collaborating with the Irish Festival of Oulu to showcase a selection of Irish films that have been created by Ireland's talented animators and storytellers. This programme of films touches on various stages of Ireland's history, from the 1916 Rising, (Angel of 1916) the 1946 rural electrification scheme (The Wiremen) and emigration (Éire Job). More recent changes in Ireland's society which included the divorce law reform (Every Other Weekend) and recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights (Introducing Bovina Creamcracker Buttermilk). We are proud to screen the thought-provoking Academy Award nominated short film 'Retirement Plan' directed by John Kelly as our closing film. Dublin Animation Film Festival would like to acknowledge the support from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and Creative Ireland since its inception in 2010. We look forward to welcoming you to this screening. Films are screened in English and some are without any language. Duration: 80 minutes Age limit: 18+ Boglach (2025) This charming opener 'Boglach' tells the whimsical story of a weather obsessed community of characters and the beautiful place they call home. Written and directed by Sarah Benson for Eat the Danger Films. After You (2012) After you is the story of a doorman and his sixty years as a doorman for an exclusive hotel who faces the potential loss of his job due to so-called progress. Written and directed by the award-winning director, Damien O'Connor. Angel of 1916 (2015) Angel of 1916 is an award-winning animated short film developed and directed by Patrick O'Callaghan at the Dublin-based studio Treehouse Republic. The poignant, understated 2D film follows the true story of Liam "Willie" McNeive, an Irish nationalist and freedom fighter who fought at the General Post Office (GPO) during the 1916 Easter Rising. Directed by Patrick O'Callaghan at the Dublin-based studio Treehouse Republic. Angel of 1916 won the 'Spirit of 1916 Award at Dublin Animation Film Festival in 2016. The Wiremen (2018) At a time when electricity is first brought to rural Ireland, a young girl believes this new power is in fact a faerie who has entered her home with 'the Light'. However as she tries to capture this magical visitor she ultimately summons the sinister creatures who haunt the surrounding countryside; the Wiremen. Directed by Jessica Patterson for Jam Media. The film won the James Horgan Award at Galway Film Fleadh and the Best Irish Short at the Dublin Animation Film Festival. Éire Job (2002) An Irishman who tries to settle in Britain is scrutinised by the locals. When his lips hit the mouth organ, his heart is back home. This film was made using material from the BBC Archives as part of the BBC Make Film History project to celebrate the BBC's 100th year. Created by Conor McNally and Jack McHugh. City of Roses (2015) Inspired by the story of a suitcase retrieved from a bonfire which revealed a hidden treasure of letters written by an Irish emigrant in the US, this film is a tear-jerker directed by Andrew Kavanagh for Kavaleer Productions. Agricultural Report (2004) Created a few years after the Foot and Mouth crisis that shook the Irish farming community in 2001, Agricultural Report pinpoints the power of the media to cause panic, when a cow listens to a radio news discussion. Directed by Sydney Padua for Barley Films. Every Other Weekend (2024) Desperate to escape from a routine of biweekly visits, a recently divorced father drags his two children camping to the west of Ireland. This award-winning short film was created by James Naughton and Niamh Asple, who graduated from the National Film School, IADT. Every Other Weekend won the Best Student and Best 2D Awards at the Animation Dingle Awards in 2024. Envelope (2024) Envelope is the story of love, family and home, from a grandson writing to his grandparents while searching for a place to call home. Directed by Kayvon Darabi-Fard for Distillery Films. Dembaya (2024) Forced to flee their village in Africa due to war, a young girl and her family seek refuge and make their new home in Ireland. Directed by Borja Espana Guillot, This short animated film won an Irish Film and Television Award in 2025. Introducing Bovina Creamcracker Buttermilk (2024) A tale of a lonely farmer as he goes about his daily chores who disappears into moments of fantasy and transforms into Bovina, a fabulous drag queen! Created by Joe Coveney and John O'Connell of Studio 9, this uplifting stop-motion short film was a co-winner of the Audience Choice Award at Dublin Animation Film Festival in 2024. Stan by Me (2023) A lovely film about retirement and friendship. Grumpy Mervyn is plagued by his jolly neighbour, Stan, who encourages him to have an active retirement, much to his dismay. This comedy directed by Rachel Dixon for Italic Pig won the Best Comedy Award at Dublin Animation Film Festival in 2024. Not to be missed! Retirement Plan (2025) In the throes of his overstimulated, energy poor midlife, Ray fantasises about everything he'd love to do in retirement once he finally has the "time." Narrated by Domhnall Gleeson and directed by John Kelly, for Antidote, Retirement Plan was nominated for an Academy Award in 2026. Venue: Studio, Kulttuuritalo Valve. Artist: Kulttuuritalo Valve.