TRAVELLING BACK (AG TAISTEAL SIAR)
Friday, February 27 • 10:30 AM • T3
Documentary Feature | North American Premiere | Woman Director | Irish Language
Screening generously sponsored by Silver Spring Town Center
Ag Taisteal Siar (Travelling Back) explores the rich musical heritage of Ireland’s Traveller community, a driving force in Irish music since the 1960s ballad boom. Featuring intimate interviews and spellbinding performances with Kathleen Keenan, Sarah Dunne, Sharyn Ward, Niamh Dunne and Steo Wall, among others, and alongside original poetry written by Martin Warde. With tributes to legends like Pecker Dunne, The Doran brothers and Maggie Barry, and reflections from artists like Damien Dempsey and Liam Ó Maonlaí, this documentary uncovers a legacy long overlooked but deeply embedded in Irish cultural identity.
DIR Méabh O'Hare; PROD Mary Johnston. Ireland/United Kingdom, 2025, color, 72 min. In English and Irish with English subtitles. NOT RATED
Funded by TG4, The Arts Council of Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, (ilDÁNA scheme), and the Northern Ireland Screen (ILBF) funding initiative for Irish-language content.
🎟 For further information regarding bookings:
Please call 301-495-6720 between M-F, 9 AM - 5:30 PM or email silverinfo@AFI.com
As producer and director, Méabh O’Hare has a long and impressive track record making Irish language documentaries for a range of broadcasters including TG4, BBC NI, and RTÉ. Méabh is also a highly recognised traditional musician that has performed and toured extensively. From a young age, Méabh was taught fiddle by the legendary Seán McGuire. She has appeared many times on national television, performing and presenting traditional music programmes. Méabh was awarded the prestigious TG4 young traditional musician of the year award in 2000.
DINNER AND A MOVIE DEAL
Our festival partner, McGinty's Public House, has generously offered an ongoing discount from February 27 through March 2 for all CIFF ticket holders! When you dine at the restaurant, show your CIFF ticket or pass for a 10% off discount on your bill. Located just around the corner from AFI Silver Theatre, McGinty's (911 Ellsworth Dr, Silver Spring, MD 20910) is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat between screenings.
The Capital Irish Film Festival is supported by the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme, Culture Ireland, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Embassy of Ireland, Northern Ireland Bureau, Northern Ireland Screen, and the Irish Film Institute’s IFI International Programme supported by Culture Ireland. Solas Nua is supported by the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities.
