Strong Donegal connections to Oscar shortlisted Irish language film

The first-ever Irish language film to be shortlisted for an Oscar has strong Donegal connections.

An Cailín Ciúin is one of 15 films to be shortlisted by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for this year’s Best International Feature Film category. That's some achievement considering it was up against other entries from the 92 countries.

It’s the first time an Irish-language film has been shortlisted in this category and only the second Irish film ever to reach the category’s shortlist stage, after VIVA in 2016.

Based on a book by Irish author Claire Keegan entitled ‘Foster’, An Cailín Ciúin is described as an intricate coming-of-age drama that delves into the meaning of family through the eyes of a neglected young girl.

Set in rural Ireland in 1981, the film tells the story of Kate (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 welcome from the woman, Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), the man of the house, Seán (Andrew Bennett), stayed away from Cáit, and she from him, but over time a friendship began to strengthen between them. Slowly, under the care of the Kinsellas, Cáit blossoms and finds a new way of life. But in this house where there should be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/uOLJqEJI_-o

It is the first feature film from the writer and director, Colm Bairéad, who also wrote the screenplay and producer, Cleona Ní Crualaoi of Inscéal.

It was produced by Inscéal, in partnership with Screen Ireland, TG4, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.

The film, which was screened in Letterkenny Century Cinemas last May, has grossed more than €1 million at the Ireland-UK box office, making it the highest-grossing Irish-language film of all time.

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 well-known pub The Singing Pub (Síbín Ceoil) on the Atlantic Drive near Downings.

The mother of actor, Carrie Crowley (above)  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.