Fireside-folk fest Quiet Lights release film about 2021 festival directed by Myles O'Reilly

Cork folk festival Quiet Lights has released the digital version of their film A City Under Quiet Lights, featuring footage from the 2021 festival.

The film originally premiered at the 2022 Cork International Film Festival and was screened once again earlier this year as part of an installation during the festival Sounds From A Safe Harbour. The digital release also comes with the news that the film is the first in a two-part series, the second of which will be announced soon.

By filmmaker Myles O'Reilly, the film explores the music and culture of Cork via the festival and features live performances by Lisa O'Neill, Joshua Burnside & Laura Quirke, Niamh Regan, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Kate Ellis & Caimin Gilmore, Junior Brother and Rachael Lavelle.

The film captures short, intimate performances from the artists at some of Cork's most iconic landmarks, including the Shandon Bells, Crawford Art Gallery, Coughlan's bar, The Everyman Theatre, the historic Triskel Christchurch, and more.

Speaking about the film, director O'Reilly said, "There was a noticeable sense of joy in the city. It was the first winter out of Pandemic restrictions, and the air was thick with a palpable celebratory feeling. A renewed vigour, bustle, and excitement. A sparkle like no other year. Cork was a city rejoicing in a return to glorious normality. Buskers on every corner, families out walking and shopping together, taking selfies beside the giant Santa, stopping for a spiced beef sambo or cheese & onion potato pie, everywhere Corkonians were making the most of their freedom. Getting on famously with enjoying themselves. The music and songs I filmed helped capture that feeling in a bottle."

You can watch the film on YouTube below!