Celtic Utopia tells the story of a new Ireland and its vibrant music scene, but also that of a post-colonial society wrestling with its heritage. A society where folk music carries both the oppression of the past and the dream of a bright future. The Irish folk music renaissance sees artists coming from punk, hip-hop, and beyond, rediscovering an ancient tradition and taking it in unexpected directions. A ballad tour around the island, telling stories and singing songs to try to understand their past and to heal their colonial wounds. Archive footage ties the present moment to Ireland’s troubled past, creating a rich portrait of an island coming to terms with its first 100 years of partial independence.

Featuring music from: The Mary Wallopers, Negro Impacto, The Deadlians, Jinx Lennon, Poor Creature, Branwen, Lankum, Naoise Mac Cathmhaoil, Rising Damp, Young Spencer, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Róis, Post Punk Podge, Susan Hughes, Tadhg Mulligan, Alfie Mulligan, Múlú, Niamh Moriarty, Cathail O’Mhaoil, Summer Newman, Eimear Níc Ionnrachtaigh, Eoghan Ó Garmaile.

Awards:
+ Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature, Leeds International Film Festival, 2025
+ Grand Prix, Critics’ Week, Locarno Film Festival, 2025