ARRACHT Directed by Tomás Ó Súilleabháin: plus Q&A with the Film’s Producer Cúán Mac Conghail – Preceded by the short Irish Language film “Rúbai”

ARRACHT:  (Ireland – 2021 – 89 mins): Film In the Irish Language with subtitles. This screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film’s Producer Cúán Mac Conghail, who will be in conversation with Gerry Maguire, Director of Irish Film London. 

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.

Watch the ARRACHT trailer below:

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

Before The Screening of ARRACHT there will be a screening of the beautiful award winning short Irish language film “Rúbai” Directed by Louise Ni Fhiannachta. Produced By Paddy Hayes. Script by Antoin Beag Ó Colla (Length 11mins. Ire 2013)  As her classmates prepare for their First Holy Communion, Rúbai announces that she is an atheist and refuses to participate.