FrightFest 24' "An Taibhse" The first Irish language horror film makes international premiere

Historic Milestone for Irish-Language Cinema: "An Taibhse" Premieres at FrightFest

This year's FrightFest is set to make history with the international premiere of the first Irish-language horror film, "An Taibhse" (The Ghost), directed by John Farrelly. The film, which aims to preserve the Irish language from the land that gave us Halloween, will debut on August 23rd at London’s Leicester Square.

"An Taibhse" weaves a haunting tale around a father (Tom Kerrisk) and daughter (Livvy Hill) who become caretakers of a remote Georgian mansion. Their presence awakens a dark force within the house, setting the stage for a classic ghost story. The film is set in the bleak landscape of post-famine Ireland, exploring profound hardships and human resilience amidst unspeakable horror.

With a rich history of Irish contributions to the film industry and a significant influence on the global horror genre, "An Taibhse" marks a new chapter by being the first horror film produced entirely in Irish. This milestone underscores the importance of preserving Ireland's linguistic heritage while expanding the scope of Irish-language cinema globally.

"An Taibhse" has already garnered acclaim with a sold-out premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh, where one audience member noted, "They came to watch the first Irish-language horror film but ended up seeing one of the best films they'd ever seen." The film's success continues as it prepares for its international premiere at FrightFest, the UK’s largest horror film festival, in the 800-seater Ocean Screen 1.

Renowned filmmaker Jim Sheridan, a six-time Oscar nominee, serves as the executive producer for "An Taibhse." Director John Farrelly expressed his pride in the project, emphasizing the film's cultural significance and the team's dedication to staying true to the Irish language throughout its creation. Despite the challenges of a modest budget and filming in harsh winter conditions, Farrelly is proud of what they have achieved.

"An Taibhse" delves into difficult subjects inspired by true events, aiming to resonate with audiences by emphasizing hope and the importance of standing up against evil and wrongdoing.

Following the success of "An Cailín Ciúin," the first Irish-language feature nominated for an Academy Award, "An Taibhse" represents a significant step forward in the preservation and promotion of the Irish language in cinema. Films like these are crucial for revitalizing the language and ensuring its relevance in modern culture.

As "An Taibhse" prepares to captivate international audiences at FrightFest, it stands as a testament to the power and richness of the Irish language and the strength of the human spirit in the face of horror.