An Cailín Ciúin - with strong Donegal connections - set for Christmas Day airing

TG4 is delighted to announce that the internationally acclaimed, Academy Award-nominated, and BAFTA-nominated Irish-language film An Cailín Ciúin will air on TG4 this Christmas Day.

This will bring viewers a heartwarming and unforgettable story to enjoy during the festive season, with the movie screening on Christmas Day at 9:30PM on TG4.

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

The mother of actor, Carrie Crowley Nodhlaig was a teacher 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.

Directed by Colm Bairéad and produced by Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal, An Cailín Ciúin is based on Claire Keegan’s novella Foster. This deeply moving coming-of-age drama explores the transformative power of family through the story of Cáit (Catherine Clinch), a neglected young girl sent to live with distant relatives in rural Ireland during the summer of 1981.

Warmly welcomed by Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), Cáit begins to flourish, even as she uncovers a painful family secret. Featuring standout performances from Catherine Clinch, Carrie Crowley, Andrew Bennett, Michael Patric, and Kate Nic Chonaonaigh, the film captures the beauty and complexity of human connection.

An Cailín Ciúin has 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.

Máire Ní Chonláin, Commissioning Editor for TG4 and Executive Producer of An Cailín Ciúin, shared her excitement: “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.”

Writer/Director Colm Bairéad and Producer Cleona Ní Chrualaoi added "We are thrilled that AN An Cailín Ciúin will 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. Nollaig Shona do gach éinne - and remember to stock up on the Kimberleys!"

The broadcast of An Cailín Ciúin showcases the power of Irish-language storytelling and underscores the dedication of the Cine4 initiative to nurturing exceptional talent. TG4 is honoured to bring this culturally significant film into homes across Ireland.

This remarkable production, made possible through the Cine4 scheme—a partnership between TG4, Screen Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland—has touched hearts around the globe. It also received support from the Irish Government’s Section 481 tax incentive.