Aidan O’Sullivan Talks Comedy, Craft and the Growing Spirit of the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival
Aidan O’Sullivan has built a varied career across stand-up, short films, acting, and producing, and he’s now a core member of the Dublin International Comedy Film Festival (DICFF). He says performance excites him because it blends expression, trepidation, and collaboration, and comedy gives him room to show range while still digging into themes like sadness, loss, and storytelling.
He shares that while he’s currently more focused on performing, he has recently been joining writing workshops and writers’ rooms, opening the door to exploring both crafts. He enjoys eccentric comedy roles as much as villain roles, noting that playing darker characters can be even more creatively satisfying.
DICFF, which he openly admits he is “biased” toward, is built by a close-knit group of volunteers who all work in film or comedy as actors, writers, producers, directors, and comedians. The festival showcases comedy films, stand-up, and live script performances, and because it’s still young, its behind-the-scenes work depends heavily on collaboration and friendship.
Aidan explains that audiences at DICFF include filmmakers, comedians, friends, tourists, and curious passers-by, with regular feedback highlighting how friendly and interesting the festival experience is. The international reach is a point of pride for the team, as visiting filmmakers and comedians bring global flavor to the event.
His own role began simply as an audience member, but he soon joined the team to help wherever he could. Today, he promotes the festival online and offline, hosts Q&As, helps coordinate volunteers, photographers, and videographers, and also hosts heats for the festival’s Stand-Up Comedian Competition, whose finale is scheduled for Saturday, 29 November.
He highlights that DICFF is different from many other festivals because it’s dedicated entirely to comedy films and integrates a stand-up competition as a core strand. Instead of a standard script contest, DICFF runs a live script reading competition, where writers assemble actors to rehearse and perform scripts in front of a live audience.
A major highlight this year is that DICFF will take place exclusively in the historic Tailors’ Hall in Dublin 8, located between Christchurch and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Aidan notes the building’s rich history, including associations with Theobald Wolfe Tone and Ireland’s revolutionary past, and praises its grand hall, large windows, fireplaces, networking room, and cosy downstairs bar.
He believes comedy remains culturally important because laughter improves mood, productivity, and creativity, and Ireland’s legacy of storytelling naturally extends to making funny films for worldwide audiences. His all-time favorite comedic moment comes from Fawlty Towers, and he praises Bill Murray for his understated, charming performances across his entire body of work.
Aidan’s dramatic work includes Galar, filmed in Donegal, a project that required sensitivity due to its serious subject matter. He approaches serious and comedic roles the same way—by preparing thoroughly and staying committed to the performance.
He recalls acting in The Astronaut, sharing scenes with Laurence Fishburne and Kate Mara during a filming day in Co. Wicklow. He describes the set as energetic and village-like, praising both actors for their relaxed professionalism between takes.
Co-producing Tiolacadh (Divine Gift) was his first major step into producing, supporting writer-director Sadhbh Larkin Coyle alongside S.J. M’Rad on pre-production, filming, and festival promotion. He credits his comedy background for helping him think quickly, stay adaptable, and enjoy the challenge.
To explore festival details or the 2025 lineup, you can visit the DICFF official website at
DublinInternationalComedyFilmFest.com.
More on Aidan’s work can be found at
AidanOSullivanActor.com.
