After sponsoring the Dublin Film Festival since 2013, Jameson have relinquished the position of title sponsor, and have been replaced by Audi.

Richard Molloy, Head of Product and Marketing at Audi Ireland, said: “The new partnership between Audi and the Dublin International Film Festival is an exciting coming together of brands that both share a deep appreciation for the craft of film-making. For us in particular, this is a natural extension of our own passion for innovation and creativity. We’re truly delighted to sponsor this internationally renowned film festival and join with the city in celebrating some of the world’s greatest actors and filmmakers.”

Audi have previously been sponsors for the BAFTAs, the Emmys and the Berlin Film Festival.

Meanwhile, the opening movie for the ADIFF has been announced as John Carney's (Once, Begin Again) latest movie, Sing Street. Carney stated that: "I’m excited to have Sing Street premiere at the Festival. The film loosely charts my own experiences as a skinny kid in a pretty rough and tumble school in the mid 80s in Dublin. I invite any of the school bullies from back then (teachers included), to the screening, where I will publicly fight them."

ADIFF Festival Director Gráinne Humphreys adds that “Sing Street is possibly the most perfect film with which to open a Dublin festival. A beautiful valentine to Dublin, John Carney’s nostalgic celebration of '80s music will cause a sensation. John wowed festival-goers in 2007, with Once winning the Audience Award, and we’re delighted to welcome him back to open the 2016 Audi Dublin International Film Festival.”

The Audi Dublin International Film Festival will be running city-wide from February 18th to 28th, 2016.