With only two short weeks to the start of a jam-packed schedule of screenings and events Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival is delighted to announce a raft of additional guests and truly unmissable events to the 2020 programme.

In a major coup, the Festival is thrilled to host the big screen world premiere of Citizens of Boomtown, the true personal story of the inimitable Boomtown Rats immortalised on screen, produced and directed by long-time friend Billy McGrath for BMG Films (London).

With exclusive access to personal archives and interviews with the re-grouped Boomtown Rats, the documentary digs deep into the private world of one of the best rock bands of all time who not only changed themselves, they also played a huge role in changing Ireland, smashed through the UK’s punk scene and, with Bob Geldof’s vision, revolutionised the world. Bob and the ‘Rats’ will rock the red carpet at Cineworld on 3rd March for what is sure to be one of the most talked about nights in the festival.

Further celebrating the power of music and film, the Festival is delighted to host Richie Egan’s, aka Jape’s Sentinel Video Project in the National Concert Hall on March 4th. One of Ireland's most exciting and energetic live acts blending meticulously crafted lyrics with upbeat electronic rhythms Jape will live score eight short films to accompany his new album Sentinel. Directors involved include TJ O'Grady Peyton, Gar O'Rourke, Brendan Canty, Rosie Barrett, Ais Ais Brady and Jamie Delaney, as well as the Aer Lingus Discovery Award Nominees Allyn Quigley and Laragh McCann.

The Festival is elated to announce an exclusive Behind the Scenes event with Oscar nominated director Lenny Abrahamson on creating the highly anticipated TV adaptation of Sally Rooney’s international literary phenomenon Normal People. With exclusive clips and personal insights from Abrahamson the 12 part drama stars rising talents Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal in this exquisite and compulsive modern love story about how two people can profoundly impact each other’s lives. Produced by award-winning Element Pictures (The Favourite, Room, The Lobster, Dublin Murders) for BBC Three in partnership with Hulu, it’s a ‘not to be missed event’ at The Light House Cinema on 28th February.

Additional mega talented guests confirmed for the Festival include: lead actors Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (Avengers: Infinity War) and Tom Glynn-Carney (Dunkirk) who join Mark O’Halloran at the Irish premiere of Rialto, based on O’Halloran’s award winning play Trade; George MacKay (Captain Fantastic) fresh from the Oscars for Sam Mendes’ epic award-winning war film 1917 whilst visionary Irish director Lee Cronin (Hole in the Ground) will inspire and excite the upcoming generation of industry talent at the inaugural First Frame student film-maker event.

The countdown is on for the 2020 Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival!