The 79th annual Cannes Film Festival kicked off on Tuesday, May 12.
We’ve already seen Irish representation in the form of Ruth Negga on the jury, and Maura Higgins’ dazzling old Hollywood glam look on the red carpet at the opening ceremony.
But we’re delighted to confirm a whole host of Irish stars will likely descend on the red carpet over the next two weeks, as not one, but five Irish-led films are set to premiere at the event on the French Riviera.
Butterfly Jam
Butterfly Jam was selected to open the Directors’ Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13.
It stars our very own Barry Keoghan opposite Monica Bellucci and Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough.
Its official synopsis reads: ‘A Circassian-American teen in New Jersey balances working at his family’s struggling ethnic diner with his wrestling aspirations, until his father’s risky decision forces him to face harsh realities and grow up quickly.’
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning
I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, an upcoming drama film, will have its world premiere at the Directors’ Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20.
It’s adapted by Irish playwright Enda Walsh from the namesake novel by Keiran Goddard. It stars hunky Irish actors Anthony Boyle and Daryl McCormack, and Trespasses star Lola Petticrew.
The film’s official synopsis reads: ‘Five childhood friends face adult struggles: Patrick and Shiv’s relationship strains over a secret, Oli parties destructively, Conor awaits fatherhood with business dreams, and wealthy Rian can’t escape his past despite moving away.’
Hope
Michael Fassbender stars opposite his wife, Alicia Vikander, in the upcoming film, Hope.
The film will have its world premiere at the main competition of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on May 17, where it will compete for the Palme d’Or.
‘A mysterious discovery is made on the outskirts of the remote harbor town. The residents find themselves in a desperate fight for survival against something they have never encountered before,’ its synopsis reads.
Ancestors
Ancestors, written and directed by Irish filmmaker David Turpin, is Éanna Hardwicke’s next big project on the back of Saipan.
He’s listed in a star-studded cast alongside fellow Irish actor Jessica Reynolds, as well as Rupert Everett, Tony Flynn, and Christina Hendricks.
Its short and sweet synopsis reads: ‘1988. Dreams, memories and history collide as a young man searches for his missing friend.’
Ancestors will premiere during the ‘Great 8’ showcase at the 76th Cannes Film Festival.
Daughter of Eden
Daughter of Eden will also premiere during the ‘Great 8’ showcase at Cannes Film Festival. It’s a UK-Ireland psychological thriller, backed by the BFI, BBC Film, and Screen Ireland.
Though the psychological thriller was filmed in Dublin, the movie is set in London in 2006.
The film follows a British-Iraqi nurse whose need for answers draws her deep into another family’s life, after a chance encounter with an older woman she suspects is connected to her parents’ fate in Iraq.
