Donegal-connected film to feature at America’s first Irish language film festival

A film with strong Donegal roots will form part of America’s first Irish language film festival, Fís Nua - New Vision, at the New York Irish Center this week.

Produced in partnership with TG4, the three-day festival Thurday to Saturday, February 19, 20 and 21, will screen seven fascinating, recently produced Irish-language feature-length and short films. 

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The opening night film,  An Cailín Ciúin - The Quiet Girl, which was Oscar-nominated for the Best International Feature Film in 2023, screens on Friday, February 20 at 7pm.

There are a number of connections between the film and Donegal, with producer Cleona Ní Chrualaoi’s mother Ellen Crowley (née Doherty) hailing from the Downings area. Cleona’s uncle, Michael Doherty and family own the well-known pub The Singing Pub (Síbín Ceoil) on the Atlantic Drive near Downings.

The mother of actor Carrie Crowley, Nodhlaig, a teacher who was originally from The Rosses and her father Con - originally from Cork - was a garda, while she also has one sister, Bríd

Carrie also spent many summers in Donegal and still goes there every year, visiting relatives and friends on Cruit Island and Glencolmcille. Carrie, who plays the role of Eibhlín, one of the lead roles in the film, is from Waterford.

A special panel talk and reception on the first night will involve New York’s growing community of Irish speakers and several of the filmmakers on Thursday from 7pm. All films are shown with English subtitles. One of the films, An Chathair Mhór - The BigCity - was shot locally in New York. 

“It is true great films are great in any language,” says NYIC’s executive director George C. Heslin. “But it is a particular point of pride to introduce films in Ireland’s traditional language, which is experiencing a huge resurgence in and out of Ireland. Our community of speakers at NYIC is growing exponentially. We can’t wait to welcome film lovers of all backgrounds in New York to join us for what we know will be anexhilarating three days.”

A hub for culture and community enrichment serving diverse constituencies throughout New York City, the NY Irish Center serves over  25,000 annually   from toddlers, young people, seniors, immigrants, artslovers, and New York’s ever-evolving Irish diaspora. The bustling center is now celebrating its 21st anniversary during this 2025-26 season.  

“We are delighted to partner with the New York Irish Center on the first edition of 'Fís Nua' ” says Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, TG4’s commissioning editor. “This collaboration reflects TG4's commitment to make Irish language content available to audiences across the globe. We hope this festival will go on to strengthen transatlantic artistic exchange and deepen the creative bridge between Ireland and American film making communities.”