'An Cailín Ciúin' heading up seasonal treats on TG4
Meath-made film to screen on Christmas Day
Christmas Day sees the Meath-made Oscar-nominated film, 'An Cailín Ciúi n', receive its TV premier on TG4.
The film tells the story of Cáit played by newcomer Catherine Clinch, a nine-year-old girl from an overcrowded, dysfunctional family who is sent away to live with foster parents for the summer. Despite a warm reception from the woman, Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), the man of the house, Seán (Andrew Bennett), keeps his distance from Cáit and she from him, but over time, their strained relationship begins to deepen. But in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth. Based on the novella ‘Foster’ by Claire Keegan, An Cailín Ciúin is the debut of writer/director, Colm Bairéad and producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal.
An Cailín Ciúin received widespread acclaim, making history as the first Irish-language film to be nominated for an Academy Award in the Best International Feature Film category. The film was also nominated for two BAFTA Film Awards in 2023, further cementing its place as a landmark achievement in Irish cinema. It has earned numerous other accolades, including Best Film at the IFTA Awards, a Grand Prix award at the Berlinale 2022, and recognition at prestigious festivals around the globe. It screens at 8pm on 25th December.
Máire Ní Chonláin, Commissioning Editor for TG4 and Executive Producer of An Cailín Ciúin, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supported An Cailín Ciúin through the Cine4 initiative. Its global success and Academy Award and BAFTA nominations demonstrate the universal appeal of this deeply Irish story. We are delighted to bring this masterpiece to TG4 audiences on Christmas Day, allowing viewers to experience the magic of An Cailín Ciúin during this special time of year.”
Bairéad and Ní Chrualaoi added: “We are thrilled to be airing on TG4 for the first time on Christmas Day. After the extraordinary journey the film has had around the world, this feels like a homecoming, a return to where it all started. We will be forever grateful to TG4 for believing in our film, from the first pitch to the finished article. ”
This season’s new documentaries include 'Na Lumière Gaelacha' on St Stephen’s Day at 9.10pm, a documentary on the magical world of three brothers, James (Jim), Thomas (Tom) and Philip (Phil) Horgan from Youghal, Co Cork, who saw a chink of light sparking in Europe, and followed that light, creating cinematic and animation history in Ireland.
On Saturday 28th December at 8.25pm, 'Thomas Moore- Bard na hÉireann' explores Moore's intriguing life and work while hearing new interpretations of many of his best-known songs such as 'The Minstrel Boy' and 'The Last Rose of Summer', from contemporary artists such as Duke Special and Méav Ní Mhaolchatha.
In 2021 Hughes' pub closed its doors for the last time following the death of its owner. In the film, 'Farewell to Hughes' on 29th December at 8.30pm, Brendan Gleeson interviews musicians, dancers, and singers to tell the story of the unassuming pub and its lasting contribution to his life and traditional music.
Fifty years of Ladies Gaelic Football is marked in a special documentary 'LGFA@50' (22nd December, 4pm), taking viewers on a journey to the heart of the sport, from the local pitch to Croke Park. In 'An Bothy Band' (Christmas Day, 6.25pm) Ireland's foremost traditional music band is reunited for a special documentary.
'Fáilte 2025' on New Year’s Eve at 11.30pm sees Dáithí Ó Sé and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin ring in the new year with the best of traditional Irish music and song in Beflast's Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, with Máire Brennan, Ríoghnach Connolly, John McSherry, Piaras Ó Lorcáin and many more.
In the 'Cobblestone in Dublin' Fiachna Ó Braonáin will be joined by Aoife Scott, Liam O'Connor, Meave Mulligan and the Marywallopers, Andrew Hendy, while in Tigh Chualáin in Galway, Síle Seoige will host Róisín Seoige with Imlé, Conor Connolly, Sorcha Costello and Na Fíréin.
For over a century, music collectors have flocked to Carna in Conamara, drawn by its rich Gaelic traditions. 'Carna an Cheoil agus na nAmhrán' (1st January, 9.20pm), is immersed in Carna's vibrant heritage, exploring the treasures passed through generations.
and meeting the new wave of locals proudly keeping their native culture alive today.
For music lovers, there’s a mix of home-grown talent along with international artists: 'Tommy Fleming- Christmas Songs for a Winter’s Night' (Christmas Eve 7.15pm) recorded live in the intimate setting of Belleek Castle, Ballina with an invited audience of family and friends, and 'Tommy Fleming- Live in Galway Cathedral' (30th December, 7.15pm) recorded in Galway Cathedral filmed before a live audience. 'Billie Eilish: Live at the O2' (1st January) Billie Eilish released a visual record of her breathtaking concert film captured live at The O2 in London in 2023.
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