Carrie Crowley film airing on Christmas Day
Carrie Crowley in 'An Cailín Ciúin'
The Christmas Day film is a festive staple of most households, with one of our very own appearing on TG4 this year.
The channel has announced that the internationally acclaimed, Academy Award-nominated, and BAFTA-nominated Irish-language film, 'An Cailín Ciúin', starring Waterford actress Carrie Crowley, will air this Christmas Day.
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, played by Carrie Crowley, Cáit begins to flourish, even as she uncovers a painful family secret.
Since its release, the film 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', explained: “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: "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!"
