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…

Samanta Nobody

Ciarán Creagh, 2025

Samanta, is sixteen, homeless, and a master of living on the streets. Wise and organised, she lives in a derelict prefab, washes her clothes in a local launderette, eats in a Mission kitchen and is well known in the homeless…

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…

The Song Cycle

85 minutes, 2024

Veteran musician and filmmaker Nick Kelly sets off to cycle from his home in Dublin to Glastonbury, carrying all his gear on his bike and playing in pubs and clubs along the way. He’s accompanied by his easy-going musical partner…

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…

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