Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory

Piano Dreams

Gary Lennon, 95 minutes, 2022

When Gary Lennon (I Dream in Photos) lived next door to a Music Conservatory in Shanghai he became acutely aware of the piano-mania sweeping the country. With over 40 million piano students in China, the competition to secure places in…

Ryan McMullan: Debut

Brendan Byrne, 80 minutes, 2021

Ryan McMullan and his musical team gather on Cruit Island, Co Donegal for an intense 4-day recording and listening session as they work on Ryan’s debut album, a pivotal moment in his career. Against the majestic landscape, we meet singer/songwriter…

The Science of Ghosts

Niall McCann, 80 minutes, 2017

Director Niall McCann’s observational drama centres on well-known Irish musician Adrian Crowley. While being interviewed by a film crew for his latest album, an interruption causes Adrian to ponder – what would a film about his life be like? Could…

Shellshock Rock

John T. Davis, 48 minutes, 1979

Exploring Northern Ireland’s 1970s punk scene, Shellshock Rock begins with teenagers explaining how punks’ non-conformist attitude offers, in the context of the Troubles, an anti-sectarian identity for those without a mainstream political agenda. Inviting both punks and public to speak…

Sing Street

John Carney, 106 minutes, 2016

This film was released 18th March 2016, and is no longer screening. With money tight in a boozy, middle-class 1980s Dublin household, youngest son Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) is forced to transfer from his private school to the Brothers in Synge…

Slán Leis an gCeol

Cathal Ó Cuaig, 52 minutes, 2019

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…

Song of Granite

Pat Collins, 104 minutes, 2017

This film was released on Friday 8th December 2017 and is no longer screening. Acclaimed filmmaker Pat Collins (Silence) presents the life story of legendary sean nós singer Joe Heaney (Seosamh Ó hÉanaí). The film celebrates the genius of the musician while painting…

Starboard Home

Rob Davis, Elton Mullally, Moira Sweeney, 65 minutes, 2016

Featuring the highly successful Starboard Home album and showcase gigs at the National Concert Hall, Dublin this documentary celebrates the formative bond between Dublin’s port, city and river through music, song and spoken word. The film illustrates the songs, airs…

Steps of Freedom: The Story of Irish Dance

Ruán Magan, 80 minutes, 2022

Steps of Freedom, a spectacular performance-based documentary, follows the evolution of Irish dance from humble origins to present-day global phenomenon which sees weekly Irish dance classes held in more than 60 countries around the globe, millions attending theatre shows and…

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