"The Quiet Girl"

A few years ago, the film world was surprised by the ascension of so many Irish actors, directors, below-the-line folks and even a bunch of choice locations (witness the locations used in “The Game of Thrones”).  Now following such an auspicious series of acknowledgments, it seemed like a good time to plan a film festival of Irish language films. Yes, films in Gaelic, the original talk of inhabitants of the Emerald Island.

Once the British started occupying their next-door neighbor, part of their plans to oppress the population and its cohesion was to ban its native language. For decades, Gaelic was suppressed both North and South. But once the Republic of Ireland emerged, there were efforts to reestablish its native tongue. Nowadays, the Irish regale in their language, learning it as kids with a region in the West country where Gaelic is the primary language.

Now New York’s booming community of Irish speakers, learners and the Irish-curious will have a reason to convene since the NY Irish Center (NYIC) will host America’s first Irish language film festival — “Fís Nua/New Vision” — this February, Thu 19th to Sat, the 21st. The seven recently produced Irish-language feature-length and short films will unspool for the three-day festival.

It begins on Thursday, Feb 19, at 7pm, with the Festival Kickoff which includes a panel discussion and reception. The distinguished Irish language radio contributor, Caoimhe Nic Giollarnáith, moderates a discussion on the role that media and entertainment have played in the revival of the Irish language, with the perspective on TG4’s pivotal role in broadening the appeal. (In English and Irish)

Then, on Friday, February 20th at 7pm, the Opening Night Film will be the Oscar-nominated “The Quiet Girl.” (Best International Feature Film in 2023). Directed by Colm Bairéad, this masterfully crafted film tells of a neglected nine-year-old girl who finds a loving home with distant relatives on a farm in County Waterford. It was called “a jewel” by The Guardian. The highly acclaimed film was seen in limited release in New York and LA in 2022. This February screening will be preceded by a brief retrospective of Bairéad’s road to the Oscar nomination.

On Saturday, Feb 21 from 2 to 4pm is the Children’s Afternoon featuring “Lí Ban” and “Song of the Sea.” A treat for youngsters and families are two episodes from new TG4 animated series: “Lí Ban.” It follows a 12-year-old and her dog on a magical journey to the sea. Then, courtesy of the Oscar-nominated production studio Cartoon Saloon “Song of the Sea” directed by Tomm Moore with be shown. 

Later that day, at 7pm, will be a Double Feature – a locally made short film “An Chathair Mhór”  and “Ag Taisteal Siar” — the Festival’s closing night film. Made by Cian O’Connor, the short  was filmed in Woodlawn in The Bronx, and produced with a primarily Irish cast and crew, O’Connor tells the touching story of a young man who travels to New York from Ireland where he rediscovers his love for Gaeilige,by minding his grandaunt Breda in her last days.

The Festival closes with Méabh O’Hare’s fascinating documentary “Ag Taisteal Siar” explores the rich musical heritage of Ireland’s Traveller community -- a driving force in Irish music scene since the 1960s ballad boom. It’s full of spellbinding performances and interviews with such legends as Kathleen Keenan, Sarah Dunne, Sharyn Ward, Niamh Dunne and Steo Wall.

“Fis Nua/New Vision” is produced in partnership with Ireland’s premier Irish language broadcaster, TG4, which is celebrated for being a hub for Irish language and culture globally. On the air since 1996, TG4 is a free channel available in over 80% of Irish households. It’s video on demand service recorded 4.3M video views in 2024, a 23% increase over the previous year. 

Said TG4’s commissioning editor Proinsias Ní Ghráinne, “We’re delighted to partner with the New York Irish Center on the first edition of ‘Fís Nua.’ 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 filmmaking communities.”

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

All films are shown with English subtitles. 

Fís Nua/New Vision
February 19 - 21, 2026

To see and hear the station go to:www.tg4.ie

Festival Passes are $40, with Day Passes on sale for just $15.

Tickets are currently on sale at www.newyorkirishcenter.org