Turn it up!

Film and music have always gone hand in hand. Since the first scoring of silent films to the modern movie musical, both artistic mediums have influenced each other’s growth for decades.

Showcasing this dynamic duo is our amazing lineup of music-related films at this year's festival. No matter what kind of music you are into, from traditional Irish folk to hip-hop, we’ve got something for you!

We are delighted to be screening so many exciting new films about music, and we hope there’s at least one film on our list, either in-person or online, that grabs your attention.

“Music and film are inseparable. They always have been and always will be.” -Martin Scorsese

Let’s start our list with a tender new Irish documentary:

1. Dark Horse on the Wind

A story featuring new footage and stories that shine a light on Liam Weldon and the trail he blazed with his music and lyrics. An ode to folk music, to the Traveller community, and to Ireland.

Summary: A look back at the life and songs of the late Traditional Ballad Singer Liam Weldon. A strong advocate for aural tradition and notoriously wary of self promotion, he left little behind in the way of recordings but his legacy is more alive today than ever, flourishing in a new generation of folk singers.

When: Sat. March 5th, 1:00 PM

Tickets: Book in-person tickets here and Online Screening Here

2. Casablanca Beats

Told through hip-hop culture, Casablanca Beats explores the drive to break traditions and to follow your passions.

Summary: Shortlisted for the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes, Casablanca Beats revolves around a group of youngsters in the Moroccan city as they aim to find their voices through hip-hop and dance. Set in a music school in the notorious district of Sidi Moumen, the film depicts the power of self-expression and self-determination through music. Variety described it as “a rallying cry for any youth activism group, anywhere in the world.”

When: Thur. February 24th, 6:00 PM

Tickets: Book in-person tickets here

3. Continuing Traditions

A meeting of the minds in traditional Indian and Irish music. This film explores this unique combination and discusses each country’s heritage and where they share this heritage when it comes to music.

Summary: The musical cultures of Ireland and India meet - through the work of two of their greatest proponents - in Donal O’Ceilleachair’s documentary. Acclaimed Indian classical musician and composer Ustad Wajahat Khan and much-loved and renowned Irish musician and composer Peadar Ó Riada join forces in a musical meeting of East and West. In so doing, they reveal the shared musical heritage, cultural history and influences of their beloved native traditions.

When: Sat. March 5th, 5:30 PM

Tickets: Book in-person tickets here 

4. Mora Mora

This animated short film symbolizes the ways in which we can be saved by music; in a touching story about desperation, salvation, and the importance of imagination.

Summary: Little Mora is sinking into an endless sea. What looks like a little island appears to be a floating piano - her transitory salvation. Discovering she can conjure up the wind by pressing piano keys, Mora starts a journey through a dormant world. Getting acquainted with its features and creatures, Mora looks for ways to bring it back to life.

When: Thu. February 24th, 6:30 PM

Tickets: Book in-person tickets here and Online screenings here 

5. A-ha: The Movie

A deep dive into the world renowned pop group, we follow A-ha on tour, getting the full story of their dreams and ambitions.

Summary: They were the Norwegian pop princes whose pitch-perfect synth tunes became beloved the world over. Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, Magne Furulolmen and Morten Harket became pop superstars and reinvented the music video as an art form. But finding success - and building on it - did not come easily. Thomas Robsahm’s documentary includes candid new interviews with the band as well as previously unseen footage. It’s a revealing look at musical ambitions and creative clashes.

When: Thur. March 3rd, 8:45 PM

Tickets: Book in-person tickets here