Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory – Film Listing

Gealtra

    • Director

      Brendan Canty

    • Credits

      Producer:
      Máire Dineen

      Writers:
      Brendan Canty,
      Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin.

      Cinematographers:
      Roman Bugovskiy,
      Colm Hogan.

    • Principal Cast

      Rosaleen Brady,
      Aaron Hennessy,
      Ellen Martin,
      Garry McCarthy,
      Sophie McNamara,
      Darren Stewart,
      Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin,
      Heidi White.

  • Category

    Documentary
    Irish Language
    Music
    Family & Teen

Set in the dynamic heart of Knocknaheeny on Cork City’s Northside, this compelling documentary illuminates the creative energy within The Kabin Studio – a youth-led cultural hub where music, poetry, and the Irish language converge. Under the guidance of rapper and spoken-word artist Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin, a group of teenagers transform personal histories and cultural pride into original works that explore themes of identity, belonging, and resilience. Far more than a recording studio housed within a metal container, The Kabin stands as a sanctuary for self-expression and solidarity, demonstrating the transformative power of creativity in shaping how young people perceive themselves, their language, and their world.

Following the 2025 release of his acclaimed debut feature film Christy, Brendan Canty makes an impressive transition into documentary filmmaking. His curiosity and authentic engagement with people and place yield results akin to his fiction work: striking depictions of Cork’s urban landscapes – at once familiar and intriguing – and vivid portraits drawn through both conversation and observation. These young voices command attention, shining brightly as individuals and collectively as a group, placing Cork firmly on the cultural map.

Awards:
+ Best Irish Feature Film, Cork International Film Festival 2025

70 minutes, Ireland, 2025, Colour


The IFI is supported
by The Arts Council

Arts Council of Ireland