(The original Dublin Film Festival was founded in 1985 by Dwyer and journalist and broadcaster Myles Dungan.)

The festival was established to present an opportunity for Dublin's cinema-going audiences to experience the best in Irish and international cinema.

"[2] In the first year, the festival secured €25,000 in funding from the Arts Council of Ireland for planning purposes.

The festival was also supported by partners such as The Irish Times, FM104, Conrad Hotel, Cineworld, McConnells, MSL Mercedes-Benz, Windmill Lane and Cine Electric.

In the same year, the festival introduced the Audience Award recipients, which include Once and a surfing documentary, Waveriders.

2008 saw a significant change to the festival's executive roles: Gráinne Humphreys replaced Michael Dwyer as festival director, and Joanne O'Hagan assumed the role, formerly held by Rory Concannon, of chief executive officer.

Dwyer assumed the position of chairman of the Dublin International Film Festival Board, and David McLoughlin stepped down.

In 2016, the original sponsors, Jameson Irish Whiskey, were replaced by Audi after thirteen years of sponsorship.

The award is named after Dublin's first cinema, the Volta Picture Theatre, established by author James Joyce in 1905.

The Michael Dwyer Discovery Award' was created in 2010 after his death to honour Irish people working in film.

[34] Dublin Film Critics' Circle Awards: The 2022 festival took place from 23 February to 6 March.