Menu
Director
Cathal Ó Cuaig
Credits
Producer: Cathal Ó Cuaig
Cinematography: Seamus Deasy
Principal Cast
Tony MacMahon
Category
DocumentaryIrish LanguageMusic
A lyrical portrait of a brilliant yet tormented artist, Slán leis an gCeol (Farewell to Music) explores the complexities of a talented and philosophical man. Tony MacMahon, one of Ireland’s most remarkable traditional musicians, was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s and is rapidly losing his ability to play. His former skill is revealed through lively archival sequences which demonstrate his immense talent and the great pleasure he derived from performance. Now the loss of his creative voice is slowly killing his spirit and has led him to prepare for his own death through assisted suicide. Cathal Ó Cuaig’s at times harrowing film follows MacMahon to India where has spent recent winters working on his memoirs. Delving deeply into MacMahon’s mental anguish, the film reveals a difficult story of euphoric highs and devastating lows through a long battle with bipolar disorder wherein he tried to use his passion and creativity to turn his darkness into light. Notes by Sunniva O'Flynn
52 minutes, Ireland, 2019, Colour
ANORA 15:20, 20:20
ARCHIVE AT LUNCHTIME: FRENCH CONNECTIONS (PROGRAMME 1) 13.00
BIRD 13:50
FROM THE VAULTS: EXPOSURE 18.30
HOUSEWIFE OF THE YEAR 13:40, 16:20, 18:10
SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE 13:10, 18:20, 20:30
SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D’ETAT 15:30, 20:10
WILD STRAWBERRIES: THE BIG HEAT 11.00
The IFI is supported by The Arts Council