Director: John Carney I 2026 I Ireland, United States I 15 I 1h 38m

Join Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, Ania Trzebiatowska, Sands Festival Director, and Composer Craig Armstrong as they welcome us to the festival ahead of the opening screening.

When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves – even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.

Contains: Strong language.

Presented by Lionsgate, in association with 30WEST + Fís Éireann / Screen Ireland, a Likely Story / Distressed Films production, in association with Treasure Entertainment.

Followed by a Q&A with Composer, Gary Clark and Ania Trzebiatowska, Sands Festival Director.