Arracht - As part of Scannán - A Focus On The Phenomenal Success of Irish Language Films in Global Cinema”

The ICC is delighted to present the multi award winning film ARRACHT as part of its season “Scannán - A Focus On The Phenomenal Success of Irish Language Films in Global Cinema. This three day season will screen four Irish language feature films, a selection of Irish language shorts and there will also be a symposium on the origins and success of Irish language films in cinema on Sunday Afternoon May 8th.     

Sunday May 8th  7pm

ARRACHT:  (Ireland - 2021 - 89 mins): Film In the Irish Language with subtitles.

Director and Screenplay: Tomás Ó Súilleabháin: Producer Cúán Mac Conghail: 

Cast: Dónall Ó Héalaí,  Saise Ní Chuinn, Dara Devaney; Music by Kíla.

Production Company: Macalla Teoranta - backed by Screen Ireland and TG4.

Distribution: Break Out Pictures

SYNOPSIS: On the eve of the great famine, fisherman Colmán Sharkey (Dónall Ó Héalai) ekes out a meagre existence for his family on the west coast of Ireland. He is at the mercy of Mother Nature so when disease ravages Ireland's potato crops, the community faces the prospect of famine and lost income. Colman pleads with his English landlord (Michael McElhatton) to overturn a decision to raise the rent for tenants at a time when everyone is struggling. A fierce argument culminates in a shocking act of violence and Colman is forced to go on the run. Hiding out in a cave on a remote rocky island, he grieves for his wife and child who have now perished in his absence. Wasting away he sinks into deep despair until an encounter with a sickly young girl (Saise Ní Chuinn) gives him a reason to live. Life is tough but tolerable until the unscrupulous murderer, now bounty hunter, reappears.

What The Press Say about ARRACHT 

"An austere and implacable drama about finding hope when all else is lost "- Little White Lies.

ARRACHT is a bracingly authentic and tender story about finding hope when all else is lost.

★★★★-Sunday Independent.  

"Unmissable" and "beautifully crafted”. The Irish Times

"Fiercely impressive feature debut" from director Tom Sullivan, one that has a "real feeling of authenticity" Film Ireland 

“Arracht is a searingly austere film which deserves the widest possible audience"

Into Film *****

“This well acted and beautifully scored film by Ireland’s great band KILA, is born of the land itself,"Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 

Multi Awards for ARRACHT

Winner of  ‘Best Irish Film’ at the Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards 2021

Winner of Best Irish Film - Dublin International Film Festival 2021 

Winner of 5 Awards at The American Golden Picture International Film Festival

Including Best Actor - Best Director – Best Cinemaphotographer

Winner of 11 Awards at The Irish Television and Film Awards 2021  

Including Best Actor - Best Director – Best Script – Best Costume Designer

Arracht was Ireland’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film’ - nominated for an Oscar at the 2021 American Academy Awards