Gearrscannáin 2025: Celebrating Irish-Language Short Films

By Keelan Gallagher

The GENERATION Fleadh’s range of Gearrscannáin provides a compelling, diverse and entertaining films through the Irish language, from inspirational documentaries, such as Rockett Woman to a heartwarming drama like Mamó & Mise, the programme aims to bring an authentic, rich voice to the Irish language filmmaking community to have their short films screened and heard by the public and celebrated by a wide audience.  

The 2025 strand includes seven unique short films, giving a vital platform which contributes to the growing voice of the Irish language. Among the documentaries, Spreagtha Ó Nadur is a well-shot film that follows Nicholas Ó Lonáin, exploring his passion for poetry and how nature can inspire a deeper appreciation for our own uniqueness. Equally inspiring is Rockett Woman, a sports documentary about camogie player Niamh Rockett, showing how a serious injury did not stop her athletic journey. It is an inspiration piece that captures her resilience and strength 

For music lovers, Lyrics In The Local is an artistic documentary that follows the artist OFada and his musical evolution through the Irish language. The documentary is well-paced and engaging, as well as highlighting how vibrant the Irish language music industry can be. His music is catchy and worth your watch.  

On the lighter side, If you’re looking for something that’s comedically well written, the mockumentary, Trasna Na Líne is perfect for you. Directed by Niamh Bryson, the film follows Emma, who bluffs on her CV to be a student teacher at a Gaelscoil in Dublin. The film is an excellent pick if you love films with comedy and a sitcom-like vibe. The film consists of actors who are comedically well timed, and the story is impressively paced, with witty writing.  

Heartfelt and emotional, Mamó & Mise, directed by Jack & Cian Desmond, is a cinematic family film that highlights Fionn skipping school to spend one last day with his grandmother. It’s actors’ performances bring a bittersweet feeling to the audience, as well as it’s evocative cinematography and appealing story.  

For horror fans, Cailleach, directed by Katie Bea-Elger, is a deeply engaging and surreal film. Previously screened at the Galway Film Fleadh, it explores themes of injustice and feminism in Catholic Ireland through the story of a young girl and the ghostly entities that watches her movements. The film’s cinematography is aesthetically impressive, and the strong performances bring the story to life. The script is strong, with an engaging and one-of-a-kind story. 

Also featured is the entertaining short Go Raibh Míle Síle, directed by Rachel Nic An Ultaigh and written by Caoimhe Ní Mhathúna. Having been shown at the Galway Film Fleadh, it continues the tradition of creative storytelling in this year’s Gearrscannáin programme and is a welcome addition to the lineup.  

This year’s Gearrscannáin strand offers a diverse, dynamic and meaningful collection of short films. It entertains while also giving the Irish language filmmaking community a voice to be heard. In recent years, Irish language filmmaking is on the rise gaining recognition both at home and abroad. As Irish cinema continues to thrive both nationally and internationally, The GENERATION Fleadh’s Gearrscannáin strand stands out as a beacon of what’s next.     

About the writer: 
Keelan Gallagher is a 17-year-old Leaving Cert student and filmmaker with a passion for creating films in both Irish and English. He began filmmaking through Irish and has been making films in English for the past two to three years. In his free time, Keelan enjoys writing short film scripts and attending courses to expand his knowledge of filmmaking. He is a member of the 2025 GENERATION Council and served as a programmer for this strand.