Irish-language movie An Cailín Ciúin Shortlisted For The Oscars

Colm Bairéad ‘s An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) has been shortlisted by The Academy, to represent Ireland in the Best International Feature Film category.

The Irish Oscar hopeful was one of fifteen films shortlisted for this category. On 24th January those fifteen will become five that will challenge for the award.

Based on Irish author, Claire Keegan‘s acclaimed story, Foster. Along with directing Bairéad has also written the film’s screenplay.

An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl is an intricate, deeply felt coming-of-age drama that delves into the meaning of family through the eyes of a neglected young girl.

Set in rural Ireland in 1981, the film follows Cáit (Catherine Clinch) as she is sent from her overcrowded, dysfunctional household to live with distant relatives for the summer. She is welcomed with open arms by Eibhlín (Carrie Crowley), but her husband, Seán (Andrew Bennett) keeps Cáit at arm’s length. Slowly, however, a warmth grows within this makeshift family and Cáit begins to blossom in their care. But in this house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers one painful truth.

Speaking on the film’s shortlist selection, Writer/Director, Colm Bairéad and Producer, Cleona Ní Chrualaoi from Inscéal, the production company behind the film, said…

“We are absolutely thrilled that An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl has been shortlisted by the Academy for Best International Feature Film and we are particularly proud to be the first Irish-language film to have achieved this. What an historic moment for Irish-language cinema! We feel privileged and honoured to continue to represent Ireland as An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl bids to secure a nomination at the 95th Academy Awards. We couldn’t have made it this far without the incredible support of Screen Ireland, TG4, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the hard work and dedication of our distributors. Special thanks also to the Irish Film and Television Academy for its invaluable support and commitment and to the audiences who came in such record numbers to see our film so far”.

The film has been on an extraordinary journey since its World Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February, racking up a host of awards including the Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for Best Film, seven Irish Film and Television Academy Awards and a multitude of Jury and Audience Awards from film festivals across the globe. It has been a major hit also with critics garnering 5-star reviews in Ireland, the UK and Australia.

It recently opened in New York and Los Angeles (Super) for an exclusive week-long run to rave reviews. It will be released nationwide in the US in February 2023.

An Cailín Ciúin / The Quiet Girl is available now to own and rent in the UK and Ireland.