The village of Kilcar has enjoyed plenty of big screen action in recent years.
From In The Land Of Saints And Sinners to God’s Creatures, the stars have aligned in the south west for major film shoots.
Local creators have long-recognised the dramatic beauty of the area and there is no shortage of impactful Irish productions.
Building on the momentum, Kilcar will soon host its first-ever international film festival with eleven carefully selected films to be screened in the Aislann Cultural Centre between February 1st-3rd.
Kneecap, North Circular and two films by Bob Quinn are in the rich line-up.
The event is being organised by acclaimed filmmaker and Kilcar resident M.A. Littler, in collaboration with Áislann Chill Chartha.
Littler’s own films The Folkslinger and Beyond the White Rains, shot entirely in Port, will also feature.
Kilcar is well-known for its rich musical traditions and this festival is mindful of that heritage.
This festival will explore the rich intersections of film, music, language, and maritime heritage, showcasing a curated selection of films that reflect the vibrant spirit of Kilcar. The newly upgraded cinema at the Aislann Cultural Centre — with its state-of-the-art Christie projector, comfortable cinema seating, and immersive surround sound system — provides the perfect venue for an unforgettable cinematic experience.
M.A. Littler, born Marc Alexander Littler, is a renowned German-South African filmmaker, author and founder of Slowboat Films.
Marc Alexander Littler
Litter says the festival grew from the desire to host a hyper-regional event in a community centre that is exceptionally well-equipped.
“This is art house cinema in a cultural centre,” says Litter.
“There is a huge discrepancy between national, international and regional culture, and I think regional falls between the floorboards.
“I wanted to see can we merge regional culture with national and international films.”
Therefore, Litter has centred the Kilcar International Film Festival on three pillars: celebrating the Irish language, honouring the area’s musical roots and shining a light on the maritime stories.
Filmmakers will be in attendance at select screenings and guests can also look forward to some live music, adding to the cultural celebration.
Littler was delighted with the response from local film societies and his fellow filmmakers, who agreed to have their works added to the festival programme.
Local directors Paul McGuckin (Still He Waits) and Michael McMonagle (Man of Stone) will be attending their film screenings as will Nicolas Drolc and Andy Dale Petty (Western Lands).
The festival is poised to attract a diverse audience, with attendees travelling from across Donegal, Sligo and further afield including Galway and Dublin, as well as international guests arriving from the United States.
“Join us in Kilcar this February for a weekend of cinematic storytelling, where the Irish language, music, and the sea converge on the big screen,” Litter said.
Event Details:
- Dates: February 1-3, 2025
- Location: Aislann Cultural Centre, Kilcar, Co. Donegal
- Tickets: Available online (link available soon) and at the venue; early bird discounts are offered for advance purchases. Individual screenings are 10 EUR, day passes 25 EUR.
- Follow the Facebook event page here for updates and to view the full programme: https://www.facebook.com/events/835730518583156
Featured Film Lineup:
- “Poitín” by Bob Quinn: A pioneering Irish-language film that captures the wild beauty and spirit of rural Ireland.
- “Family” by Bob Quinn: An evocative exploration of familial ties, identity, and the social landscape of Ireland through the Atlantic Commune in Burtonport.
- “Tarpon” alongside its addendum “All That is Sacred”: A cinematic journey into the world of fly fishing and the deeper connections to nature.
- “Lomax: The Songhunter”: A captivating documentary following Alan Lomax’s global mission to preserve traditional folk music.
- “Beyond the White Rains” by M.A. Littler: A reflective exploration of place and self, shot entirely in Port, Donegal.
- “North Circular”: A documentary-musical traversing Dublin’s North Circular Road through music, history, and social insights.
- “Kneecap”: A bold and dynamic film featuring the trailblazing Irish-language rap group, blending humor, social critique, and raw energy.
