OPW Commissioned Films to Premiere at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival

(19 February – 1 March 2026)

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is delighted to announce the premiere of two newly commissioned films, ‘Circle’ and ‘Threshold’ at the 2026 Dublin International Film Festival. These films, created and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Patrick Voigt of 9 Sekunden, celebrate Ireland’s publicly-funded architectural projects and highlight OPW’s vital role in delivering major infrastructure projects.

Through powerful storytelling and striking visuals, both films explore the transformative power of design in addressing Ireland’s pressing infrastructure challenges. They also highlight the importance of architecture in our society and its potential to provide value for many

Speaking about the films, State Architect and Principal Architect for the OPW, Conor Sreenan, said:

"We are delighted to bring these films to a general public audience by partnering with the Dublin International Film Festival; this is Ireland’s National Policy on Architecture, in action. With both films, it is the lived experiences of the existing and emerging communities nearest these huge infrastructure projects that confer their success. We hope they broaden public interest in the role and value of design in the delivery of our National Development Plan."

The film, ‘Circle’ showcases the successfully completed Arklow Wastewater Treatment plant. After a 35-year wait, the town of Arklow finally got their long-promised wastewater treatment plant and amid the joy and international attention, Clancy Moore, an architectural practice, are celebrated by the existing and emerging communities for their role in its making. ‘Circle’ was co funded between OPW and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The film, ‘Threshold’ explores the ambitious overhaul of the 20-hectare port by Architectural Services within the Office of Public Works. Through local eyes and listening to community stories, this film explores the role of design in the delivery of infrastructure and architecture as a matter of general public priority. This is Ireland’s National Policy on Architecture, in action.

The film, directed by Patrick Voigt of 9 Sekunden, was funded through the Percent for Art scheme.

Both films will be screened as part of the festival’s official programme under the theme of ‘Value for Many’, with a Q&A discussion to follow the initial screening on 20 February 2026 at the Lighthouse Cinema, featuring Patrick Voigt of 9 Sekunden, Olywn James of Uisce Eireann and Maureen Dalton of Revenue. This discussion will be held in partnership with the Irish Architecture Foundation, led by IAF Director, Emmett Scanlon.

The Dublin International Film Festival runs from 19 February to 1 March, with tickets available at www.diff.ie.

Ireland’s National Policy on Architecture; Places for People – which was published by the National Built Heritage Services at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage – was approved by Government in 2022.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact pressoffice@opw.ie

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NOTES

Event: Dublin International Film Festival

Title: Value for Money

Venue: Light House Cinema, Dublin

Date: 20 February 2026

Time: 12.00 (46mins)

Cost: Free

Booking: link