David Keenan’s Words on Canvas to have NYC premiere at CraicFest 2025

Irish singer-songwriter David Keenan's documentary Focla ar Chanbhás (Words on Canvas) will have its New York premiere at CraicFest 2025. The screening takes place on Saturday, March 8, at 7 p.m. at Village East by Angelika. The event will be followed by a Q&A and live performance.

CraicFest is a New York City-based nonprofit that has been celebrating Irish culture since 1999, showcasing the best of new Irish cinema and emerging Irish music.

After releasing several independent EPs, Keenan's debut album, A Beginner's Guide to Bravery (2020), reached No. 1 on the Irish Indie Charts. His latest LP, Crude, was released in 2022, and his fourth studio album is expected later this year.

The documentary, directed by Paddy Hayes and produced by Aisling Ní Fhlaithearta, follows Keenan’s creative journey over 500 days as he writes and records new music, exploring themes of inspiration, artistic struggle, and self-expression. Keenan shared: "This is not just a film—it’s a living, breathing experience of what it means to create."

An afterparty will take place at The Factory 380 from 9 p.m.

Tickets for the premiere are priced at $33.85 (€32.19, including fees) and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

Watch the trailer for Focla ar Chanbhás (Words on Canvas) below.