Fidil Ghorm, an Irish-language film filled with music, magic and capturing the resilience of the human spirit will have its TV premiere on Christmas Day on TG4, at 8.30pm. The film, produced by Conamara-based Abú Media, will also be on the TG4 player.

When 10-year-old Molly meets Malachy an old fiddle player with ‘magic in his hands’, she is convinced that with his help she can wake her father from a coma . . .but magic comes in many forms. Renowned Beckett actor, Barry McGovern plays Malachy, whose demeanour softens under Molly’s influence as the two become unlikely friends.

Edith Lawlor, who shines as the spirited Molly, won the All-Ireland Under-12 Fiddle competition in the 2023 All-Ireland Fleadh, held in Mullingar, having playing the instrument since she was four.

Until she was cast as Molly following an intensive audition process, Edith had never acted before. Abú Media choose her, having screened hundreds of hopeful Irish-speaking young musicians from across Ireland.

The cast also included Siobhán O’Kelly, Aindrias de Staic, Ruadhán Ó Flatharta, Sarah Jane Scott, Ann Marie Horan, Beartla Ó Flatharta and Mary Ryan.

Fidil Ghorm premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh earlier this year when it was awarded the Best Irish First Feature. The film was directed by locally based Anne McCabe, formerly of RTÉ and TG4, and shot in the magnificent landscape of Rathmullan, County Donegal.

Galway’s own Patricia Forde wrote the script. The current Laureate na nÓg, Patricia has written many books for children and young adults in Irish and in English.

Odhrán Ó Casaide composed the original music while his daughter, Sibéal, sang the theme song.

Ronan Fox was Director of Photography and the film was produced by Bríd Seoighe and Pierce Boyce of Abú Media.

“Music and storytelling have an extraordinary power to heal and inspire,” says director Anne McCabe. “Fidil Ghorm is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative nature of music.”

The film was supported by the Cine4 scheme, a collaboration with Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann and TG4.

Pictured: All-Ireland fiddle player Edith Lawlor made her acting debut in Fidil Ghorm, playing the lead role of 10-year-old Molly.