Gael force: Irish-language films are having a moment... here's why 

Foscadh, Arracht and An Cailín Ciúin are just three of the Irish-language films that have made an impact recently. It's a success story that's down to a combination of home-grown talent and a far-sighted funding scheme, writes Esther McCarthy

Irish-language films and drama shows include An Cailín Ciúin, Róise & Frank, and The Queen v Patrick O’Donnell.

At the 2022 IFTA Awards, one film stood out over high-profile movies like Belfast as it virtually swept the boards. An Cailín Ciúin, the story of a young girl’s memorable summer in 1980s Ireland, took an impressive eight awards including Best Film and Best Actress for its 12-year-old lead, Catherine Clinch. 

Just hours earlier, the forthcoming Róise & Frank had beguiled audiences at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in the US, where it took the prestigious Audience Award. Another Irish-language feature, Foscadh, opened in cinemas this week to strong reviews, as the equally praised documentary The Queen vs Patrick O’Donnell makes its debut on TG4.