Podcast: John Farrelly, Writer/Director of ‘An Taibhse’

In this Film Ireland podcast, Gemma Creagh talks to John Farrelly, Writer/Director of An Taibhse.

 
An Taibhse unfolds in the bleak landscape of post-famine Ireland,exploring the profound hardships faced by its people. The narrative centres around Éamon (Tom Kerrisk) and his daughter Máire (Livvy Hill), who take on the task of maintaining a remote mansion , only to be driven to  the edge of sanity by the horrors lurking within.

Their task, initially serene, veers into terror as they encounter inexplicable phenomena. The film explores the depths of human resilience in the face of unspeakable horror, presenting a nuanced portrayal of survival and the complex ways the mind adapts to protect itself.

In cinemas from 28th March 2025.

Produced, Written & Directed: John Farrelly

Executive Producers: Jim Sheridan, Tom Kerrisk

Starring: Tom Kerrisk, Livvy Hill, Anthony Murphy

John Farrelly – Writer & Director

John Farrelly is an acclaimed Irish filmmaker, best known for directing An Taibhse (The Ghost), the first-ever horror feature film in the Irish language. At the age of 17, Farrelly was named Ireland’s Best Young Filmmaker for his short film Choice. Throughout his later school years and college, he went on to direct the award-winning feature film The Sleep Experiment and the Irish language short Difriúil. An Taibhse, set in post-famine Ireland, has garnered critical praise at international festivals, with six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan serving as Executive Producer.