First Irish language horror to debut at Frightfest

The first-ever Irish language horror film, An Taibhse, is set for its world premiere at Pigeon Shrine Frightfest 2024.

‘An Taibhse’ has made history as the first horror film produced entirely in the Irish language.

The release of ‘An Taibhse’ marks a new chapter in cinema, celebrating and preserving the Irish language while delivering a culturally resonant horror experience to audiences worldwide.

“An Taibhse” unfolds in the bleak landscape of post-famine Ireland, exploring the profound hardships faced by its people. The narrative centres around Éamon (Tom Kerrisk) and his daughter Máire (Livvy Hill), who take on the task of maintaining a remote Georgian mansion through the harsh winter.

What begins as a seemingly tranquil responsibility soon spirals into terror as they encounter inexplicable phenomena. The film delves into the depths of human resilience amidst unspeakable horror, offering a nuanced portrayal of survival and the complex mechanisms through which the mind adapts to protect itself.

Writer/Director John Farrelly said,

“Being the first Irish language horror film, ‘An Taibhse’ holds a special place for us in terms of both the genre and our culture. We made this film on a modest budget with a small, dedicated team, and we stayed true to the Irish language throughout. 

“The journey from the initial idea to preparing for festival premieres worldwide has been tough but very rewarding. From the challenges of pre-production to filming in the freezing winter, every step tested our limits. Despite these hardships, we poured our hearts into this project and are immensely proud of what we’ve created.

“It’s an honour to share ‘An Taibhse’ with audiences worldwide. This film shows the power and richness of our language and the strength of the human spirit in the face of horror. We are proud to have made an Irish language feature film and are excited to see more and more Irish language films being produced.

The film delves into very difficult subjects and themes, inspired by a true story of someone close to me who went through what our protagonist Máire experiences. I hope the theme resonates with audiences, emphasising hope and the importance of standing up against evil and wrongdoing.”

An Taibhse will premiere at Pigeon Shrine Frightfest 2024.