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An Cailín Ciúin shortlisted for Oscar Best International Feature Film

Irish Language film An Cailín Ciúin shortlisted for Oscar Best International Feature Film

Ireland’s An Cailín Ciúin is among fifteen films announced today on the shortlist for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category for the 95th Oscars.

The film was selected by IFTA in August as Ireland’s nominated film for the category. Since then Academy members were invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and had to view all 15 shortlisted films to vote.

Based on Claire Keegan’s novella Foster, An Cailín Ciúin 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 (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.   An Cailín Ciúin was directed by Colm Bairéad and produced by Cleona Ní Chrualaoi of Inscéal.  The film was funded through the Cine4 scheme from TG4, Screen Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. The film is also in receipt of the Irish Government’s Section 481 tax incentive.

The film has grossed over €1million at the box-office in Ireland and the UK becoming the most successful Irish-language film ever.  It has been a huge hit at film festivals around the world and has been critically acclaimed internationally.  An Cailín Ciúin has been awarded a plethora of awards since its premiere at Berlinale last February including the first domestic film named as best film of the year by Dublin Film Critic’s Circle just last week,  Best Cinematography at 2022 European Film Awards for Kate McCullough, seven IFTAs and numerous other awards from Sydney to Colorado.

The film will now go on to the next stage of the Oscar nominations where members of the Academy will select from the reduced list of contenders in the category to pick the final five nominees for the 2023 Oscars which will take place on March 12th.

Director Colm Bairéad and Producer Cleona Ni Chrualaoi at the gala screening of the film An Cailín Ciúin to open the 20th Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival at Cineworld Dublin.
(Pic – Brian McEvoy)

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 continued support and commitment and to the audiences who came in such record numbers to see our film so far”.

TG4’s Executive Producer Máire Ní Chonláin said: 

“I would like to congratulate ColmCleona and Catherine and the rest of the cast and crew of An Cailín Ciúin on this wonderful news.  TG4 are so proud of this beautiful film and we would like to thank everyone who supported it since it was first launched.  An Cailín Ciúin has surpassed all our expectations to date and is the first ever Irish language film to be shortlisted for an Oscar. Mo cheol sibh”   

Alan Esslemont TG4 Director General said:

“We are delighted to hear this good news today and I would like to congratulate Cleona and Colm and everyone involved in any way with An Cailín Ciúin; the first ever Irish Language film to be shortlisted in Best International Film category.  When TG4 began the Cine4 scheme with Screen Ireland and the BAI our vision was to win an Oscar for an Irish-Language film.  Today’s news brings us one step closer to that aim and is very encouraging for everybody in the Irish creative community. Comhghairdeas ó chroí!’  

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