Celtic Utopia tells the story of a new Ireland and its vibrant music scene, but also that of a post-colonial society wrestling with its heritage. A society where folk music carries both the oppression of the past and the dream of a bright future. The Irish folk music renaissance sees artists coming from punk, hip-hop, and beyond, rediscovering an ancient tradition and taking it in unexpected directions.
The featured musicians take viewers on a ballad tour around the island, telling stories and singing songs to try to understand their past and to heal their colonial wounds. Archive footage ties the present moment to Ireland’s troubled past, and creates a rich portrait of an island coming to terms with its first 100 years of partial independence.
Join us down at Napper Tandy for their weekly live music session after the screening of Celtic Utopia.
Co-presented by the San Francisco Irish Film