Actors Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas will appear at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) this March to present the world premiere of the musical-comedy Power Ballad. The event takes place at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, with Irish director John Carney, known for Sing Street and Once, also attending the festival’s closing night.
Details of the Power Ballad Screening and Tickets
Power Ballad is set to close the festival on Sunday, 1 March. Tickets will be available to the general public from 9 a.m. on Friday, 23 January, starting at €38. Early access to tickets is currently offered to DIFF Members’ Club members, Festival Pass holders, and Bord Gáis Energy Rewards customers.
Plot and Cast of Power Ballad
Filmed entirely in Ireland, Power Ballad tells the story of Rick, portrayed by Paul Rudd, a former wedding singer whose career has faded, and Danny, a declining boyband star played by Nick Jonas. The film
“follows Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, who crosses paths with Danny (Nick Jonas), a fading boyband star, during a gig.”
The two connect through music, as
“bonding over music and a late-night jam session, the two strike up an unlikely friendship.”
However, as their paths diverge,
“when Rick and Danny return to their respective worlds, they discover that this chance encounter will upend both their lives in very different ways.”
Alongside Rudd and Jonas, the film features Irish actors Rory Keenan, Keith McErlean, Marcella Plunkett, Jack Reynor, Sophie Vavasseur, and Naoimh Whelton. The screenplay was co-written by John Carney and actor Peter McDonald, who also plays a role in the movie.
Production and Support for the Film
Produced in part by Dublin company Treasure Entertainment, Power Ballad benefits from support by Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. The backing highlights Ireland’s growing film industry and investment in homegrown cinematic projects.
Director and Festival Team Share Their Enthusiasm
John Carney expressed his excitement about the film’s role in the festival:
“I’m delighted to have our film, Power Ballad, close this year’s festival.”
He further remarked on the film’s playful tone:
“It’s apt to go out, after so many great films, with a bang of music and fun. Who wouldn’t want to watch Paul Rudd throw Nick Jonas off a balcony? (Seriously, that happens in our movie.)”
Grainne Humphreys, Director of the Dublin International Film Festival, thanked partners and praised the film’s selection:
“A big thank you to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for being a part of a DIFF first, showcasing our closing-night film in their beautiful theatre, and to Lionsgate UK and the wonderful team at Treasure Entertainment and director John Carney in entrusting us to make it all happen.”
She added,
“It’s the perfect closing film for the 2026 festival, which features a record number of Irish features – the future of Irish cinema has never looked so bright.”
Festival Dates and Film Release Schedule
The Dublin International Film Festival will run from 19 February to 1 March. Following its premiere, Power Ballad is scheduled for general release on Friday, 29 May, offering wider audiences a chance to experience the film.
