Romantic drama 'Supernova', starring Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci, will be the opening movie at this year's Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival.

Both Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci's have previously visited Ireland's capital for the film festival.

When asked their thoughts on the city, Colin Firth told us: “Well, we’re both in love with it. Dublin is one of the few places we haven’t been together until now, I suppose, in some form.

"I’ve great memories. The time I spent most intensively in Dublin was a long, long time ago. I’ve made a few visits in recent years which has made me realise that I have to fix that, I can’t leave that amount of time go by [without coming back].

"I’ve great friends there and some wonderful memories of working there with the crews, with the festival, being to the theatre in Dublin, and just being in the place. It’s just always really put a spring in my step."

Firth is even hoping to find an ancestral connection to the place, as he told us: "I fell in love with it completely that I really hoped I had Irish roots.

"I did a bit of a family tree investigation, thinking surely there must be some Irish in me. It’s still a work in progress, I haven't found it, but it gives you that feeling. I would love to belong here."

Tucci added: "Well I know I have no Irish roots, and I’m sad about it.

"I’ve been there a few times, obviously for the festival, which was so much fun, but too short. I was there for too short a time. The other times I’ve been there, never for very long, unfortunately, but I’ve always had the best time, and as Colin said before, in another interview, it’s very frustrating that we can’t just pop over and be there now.

"But hopefully next year. So you’ll have to give us another award next year, a combined award."

Tucci and Firth will attend a post-show discussion after the festival's Opening Gala presentation of 'Supernova', joined by director Harry Macqueen.

The Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival (VMDIFF) runs from 3-14 March 2021.

Read more about this year's programme here or visit www.diff.ie