Útóipe Cheilteach

Celtic Utopia tells the story of a new Ireland and its vibrant music scene, but also that of a post-colonial society wrestling with its heritage. A society where folk music carries both the oppression of the past and the dream of a bright future. The Irish folk music renaissance sees artists coming from punk, hip-hop, and beyond, rediscovering an ancient tradition and taking it in unexpected directions. In Celtic Utopia, they take us on a ballad tour around the island, telling stories and singing songs to try to understand their past and to heal their colonial wounds. Archive footage ties the present moment to Ireland’s troubled past, and creates a rich portrait of an island coming to terms with its first 100 years of partial independence.

The film will be followed by a discussion with Dennis Harvey and Lars Lovén.

Dennis Harvey presents his two previous short films, which offer a clear-eyed look at the plight of migrants in Ireland—who are harassed by far-right groups or fall victim to government policies.

 The Building and Burning of a Refugee Camp (20 mins, 2024) Password: Burn2023!

The New Policy Regarding Homeless Asylum Seekers (15 mins, 2025)