Irish Film Institute -International Film Directory

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…

The Spin

Michael Head, 92 minutes, 2025

Based on the semi-autobiographical experiences of local Omagh musician Mark McCausland, The Spin follows two unlikely friends who are down on their luck in all aspects of their lives and are about to be evicted from their small record store,…

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…

The Swell Season

Nick August-Perna, Chris Dapkins, Carlo Mirabella-Davis, 92 minutes, 2011

A simple, heartfelt love story about two musicians meeting on the streets of Dublin and falling in love while they write songs together, Once is one of the most celebrated and treasured Irish features of recent times. Glen Hansard and…

Trad

Lance Daly, 90 minutes, 2025

Donegal teenager Shóna McAnally feels conflicted about her prodigious talent as a traditional Irish fiddle player. She takes to the road with her little brother Mickey and a troupe of wandering musicians, on a cross-country journey of adventure, romance and…

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