Trailblazing Irish Filmmakers Shine at Solas Nua Capital Festival

The Solas Nua Capital Irish Film Festival, taking place from February 26 to March 1, 2026, has emerged as a vibrant platform for innovative Irish cinema. During the festival, the Irish Stew Podcast hosted by Martin Nutty featured two pioneering filmmakers who are redefining their genres: Aislinn Clarke and Tanya Doyle. Both women are creating significant waves in the film industry, showcasing unique narratives that reflect contemporary Irish culture.

Aislinn Clarke presented her groundbreaking Irish-language horror film, “Fréwaka,” which draws from her lifelong passion for the genre. Clarke, who first encountered horror at the age of seven with “The Exorcist,” blends her love for the macabre with her father’s dedication to the preservation of the Irish language. She shared her excitement about discovering the ideal filming location in Ravensdale Forest in County Louth, attributing it as a key element to her film’s atmospheric storytelling. Clarke noted that horror fans have a long-standing appreciation for foreign language films, a trend she hopes to continue with international distribution through IFC Shudder.

Diving into the world of sports, Tanya Doyle chronicled her five-year documentary journey titled “Eat, Sleep, Cheer, and Repeat.” The film follows Ireland’s cheerleading team as they prepare for the World Championships in Florida. What started as a quest to highlight women in sports evolved into a deep exploration of athleticism, identity, and community. Doyle recounted a pivotal moment during filming when she witnessed a young competitor collapse from exhaustion, underscoring the physical demands of cheerleading. This experience affirmed her commitment to portraying the legitimacy and intensity of the sport.

Both filmmakers shared insights into the complexities of funding independent cinema in Ireland. They discussed the intimate nature of the editing process, emphasizing the necessity of creating platforms where diverse stories can thrive. The challenges faced during production, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted the resilience required in the industry.

Listeners of the Irish Stew Podcast can look forward to rich discussions about the craft of filmmaking, the revival of the Irish language in cinema, and the representation of women in sports. The festival not only showcases films but also provides a space for dialogue and discovery in the world of contemporary Irish cinema.

As the festival approaches, the Irish Stew Podcast will serve as the Podcast in Residence, ensuring that audiences remain connected to the latest developments in Irish film. For more details and updates, visit IrishStewPodcast.com. You can also tune in to “The Irish Stew Podcast” on your favorite podcast platforms to hear more about the fascinating stories behind the films.